VA Integrated Post-Combat Care: A Systemic Approach to Caring for Returning Combat Veterans

Abstract

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA's) mission is to care for those who have borne the battle. As medical technology has advanced, more and more of our returning combat Veterans survive what would have been fatal wounds in previous conflicts ( Gawande, 2004 ). But survival is only the immediate goal-our job is to restore Veterans to the greatest level of health, independence, and quality of life that is medically possible. The VA is achieving this goal through close collaboration with the Department of Defense (DoD) to facilitate a smooth transition and continuum of care that ensures Veterans and Service Members receive the care they deserve. This article describes VA's system of Veteran-centered, post-combat care programs that rely on significant involvement of social workers to support Service Members, Veterans and their families through recovery, rehabilitation, and re-integration into their home communities.

Mental Health Service Utilization before and after Receipt of a Service‐Connected Disability Award for PTSD: Findings from a National Sample

“…Vet Centers served over 200,000 Veterans and military families in FY2015 (https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/) and have served or provided outreach to approximately 40 percent of all discharged GWOT Veterans (Amdur et al. ). Approximately 25 percent of Vet Center users carry a diagnosis of PTSD (OIG ) and approximately 40 percent do not use VHA care.…”

Social Work in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) System: Rewards, Challenges, Roles and Interventions

“…In recent years, with the heavy influx of military personnel returning from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the VA system has developed additional services and programs to respond to the needs of this cohort. These newer programs reflect efforts by the VA to implement a systemic approach to transition assistance and post-combat care; these programs rely on significant involvement of social workers who are charged with supporting Veterans/Service Members and their families through recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration (Amdur et al, 2012). These programs have brought on case managers that act as guides in navigating the VA health care system.…”

“…Numerous specialized programs have been developed to address the multiplicity of concerns faced by our Veteran population including issues of homelessness, substance abuse, physical and mental health concerns with specialized attention for family members and caregivers (Amdur et al, 2012). In recent years, with the heavy influx of military personnel returning from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the VA system has developed additional services and programs to respond to the needs of this cohort.…”

“…A Service Member is defined as a member of the active duty military service or is a member of the National Guard or Reservists Forces. A member of the National Guard or Reserve Force could also be a Veteran; Amdur et al, 2012). Within each VA facility, social workers, as part of the multidisciplinary medical and behavioral health team, manage caseloads of patients with complex psychosocial, mental, and physical health needs.…”

Contextual Career Counseling for Transitioning Military Veterans

“…Military values set the standard for conduct, forming rules to regulate all aspects of daily life for soldiers and military personnel (Coll, Weiss, & Yarvis, ). Since 2001, the United States has deployed over 2 million soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan (Amdur et al, ). This sheer number of enlisted service members creates a widespread impact as these military personnel transition into civilian life at the end of their military careers (Clemens & Milsom, ).…”