White House Calls to Streamline Coverage of PTSD for Vets

Some disagreement has arisen, though, among veterans groups about requiring veterans only to use VA facilities and providers for PTSD diagnosis and treatment—and not private practitioners.

Barry Searle, director of The American Legion’s veterans affairs and rehabilitation division, said, “This requirement seems to be a step backward in an otherwise commendable move by the VA.”

“Private healthcare providers should be given the opportunity to work with veterans and diagnose those who suffer from PTSD,” he said. If the VA has concerns about the consistency of PTSD assessment standards, “it should create a certification process for private practitioners that would satisfy its requirements,” he added.