QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Veterans Affairs
Support for Veterans
February 15, 2024
We know that the way the system is set up to look for benefits, which are insured benefits that veterans get, is siloed: You have a physical condition; you have a mental health condition.
In modern science, we also know that it is rare that one doesn’t have a mental health component that is somatized through physical ailments, certainly with all of the conditions of service around that.
What are you doing in order to deal with the people coming to you with their first claim being for a physical injury, but they have a mental health challenge as well and need to connect with mental health services? How are we breaking down those silos so that we automatically offer access to mental health services along with physical support?
Thank you so much for that important question.
Work continues to evolve in this area. As you have indicated, it is difficult to look at health issues or mental health issues in silos. Oftentimes, one affects the other. We want to ensure that our veterans will have access to the care that they need.
Often, there must be a multi-pronged approach when it comes to that care. It is not a one-size-fits-all. When adjudications are made with respect to these different types of claims, it is important to ensure that we have a holistic approach.
When it comes to our female veterans, we have a dedicated team. We have seen a lot of progress in that area; however, we must continue to do that work in order to ensure that we provide the proper services to those who have served our country.
