The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary, while testifying in a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing, recently announced his intention to expand provisions for urgent mental health care needs to former service members with other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative discharges. As part of the proposal, former OTH servicemembers would be able to seek treatment at a VA emergency department, Vet Center or contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Witness statements, documents and a link a recorded webcast of the hearing are available on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs website. If you are a veteran in crisis, or know someone who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 (press 1), or text 838255.
For more on veteran benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits Center.