Date: 1984-03-27
Speaker: DONALD L. CUSTIS (democrat)
Chamber: S

Chief Medical Director. Veterans Administration. Vermont Avenue NW.. Washington. D.C. ID~a DoN: Although I recognize that the VA has recently begun to play a leadership role in the diagnosis and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) in Vietnamir veterans. I am writing to urge further actions by the agency in this regard. Recent visits by Committee Minority staff members to VA facilities in Southern California and the State of Washington have convinced me that there Is an Important need for the Department of Medicine and Surgery (DM&S) to develop a strategy and plan for the treatment of PTSD throughout the system. One of the most important elements that I believe should be addressed as part of any such overall approach is the establishment of additional inpatient programs for the treatment of PT8Dparticularly the region west of the Mississippi where only I of the 10 in patient PIMD units are located. I continue to receive from Vietnam veterans. their families. and others interested in the treatment of PTSD very strong. positive feedback about the 10 existing inpatient programs--especially the first of these programs. which is located at Menlo Park. CalIfornia. At the same time. I continue to receive very strong indications about the need for more such programs. both to provide additional treatment capacity and to provide access to such programs on a wider geographic basis. With respect to the recent staff visits referred to above. personnel at various Los Angeles area Vet Centers gave examples of clients whom they believed needed the type of assistance that could be provided only in such an inpatient program and how difficult it was to get such veterans admitted to the Menlo Park program. which does not have the -esources to meet the demand. LIkewise. in Washington State. much support whs expressed for the establishment of suc a program in that region. Chere seemed a general consensus that such a program could be best accommodated at the American Lake VAMC if additional FJEE were provided. On this last point. the following statement by American Legion National Pield Representative Rodney KIrk appeared in his recent visitation report on the American Lake VAMC: "The Chief [of the Psychiatry Service] was informed of previous discussions held with personnel at the Vietnam Veterans Outreach Center. and their desire to implement a special unit for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). Although the Chief agrees with the need. it would be impossible to properly staff such a unit without additional resources." Don. I would deeply appreciate it if. at your earliest convenience. you would provide me with your views on the need for and your intentions regarding a nationwide DM&S PTSD plan and additional inpatient PTSD units in the region west of the Mississippi. particularly in Southern California and the Seattle/Tacoma area. In addition. I would appreciate your thoughts on the recommendation that the Committee has made in two separate reports (S. Rept. No. 9780 (p. 17) accompanying S. 921 in the 07th Congress and S. Rept. No. 98 146 (p. 88) accompanying 8. 578 In the current Congress) that the VA establish a Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Such a center of excellence. together with a nationwide PTSD treatment strategy and a planned. coordinatted expansion of inpatient programs. would. I believe. reinforce the VAs leadership role in the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and be of major benefit to Vietian veterans. Thank you for your continued coopration. With warm regards. Cordially.