(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray released the following statement after Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced that the Army had completed a review of behavioral health diagnoses going back to 2001. Murray pushed for the review after hundreds of service members at Joint Base Lewis-McChord had their PTSD diagnoses taken away then, in many cases, restored over the past two years. Secretary McHugh made the announcement at a media availability at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
“While I’m pleased that the Army has announced they have completed this study, it’s far more important that they take quick action to remedy the problem. The Pentagon should also follow through on their commitment to extend this review to all branches of the military so servicemembers aren’t slipping through the cracks. In the coming weeks I will be meeting with Secretary McHugh to get the specific recommendations that came out of the study.
“We cannot ever have a repeat of what happened at JBLM. We cannot allow those who have served or their loved ones to be dragged through a system that leaves them with more questions than answers. We must provide a uniform approach to dealing with the lasting mental wounds of war if we are going to help stem the tide of military suicide and ensure that we are easing the transition home for those who serve.”
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