WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- President Barack Obama, in his weekly radio address, will announce policy changes at the Department of Veteran Affairs that aim to make it easier for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder to receive benefits.
For years, troops from current and previous wars have been required to provide specific evidence proving how their post-traumatic stress was caused, Obama said, noting that the practice has prevented many veterans in non-combat roles from obtaining needed care.
"I don't think our troops on the battlefield should have to take notes to keep for a claims application," Obama said. "And I've met enough veterans to know that you don't have to engage in a firefight to endure the trauma of war."
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki will be tasked with putting an end to the practice beginning Monday.
The policy shift is "long overdue," Obama said.
It's been made clear, "up and down the chain of command," that those who need of care should seek it, the president said, highlighting moves already taken by the administration to expand mental-health counseling and services.
In the Republican response, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R., Ga.) unveiled a Web site--AmericaSpeakingOut.com--which calls on those from any political affiliation to submit ideas for a new agenda.
"Americans are calling for a return to common sense in how we solve problems--and how the people communicate with their government," Gingrey said, after running through a list of issues that plague the economy, such as the large amount of jobs lost.
Gingrey hopes the website facilitates better communication between lawmakers and administration officials with the public.
"Americans are proud of this country, they want to see things get better, and they want to be part of that turnaround," he said. After an idea is posted, Gingrey said it'll be "debated, discussed, and voted on."
GOP lawmakers will also participate, offering up proposals based on feedback.
Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires
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