DOD and VA Health Care: Challenges Encountered by Injured Servicemembers during Their Recovery Process

Abstract

Abstract : As of March 1, 2007, over 24,000 service members have been wounded in action since the onset of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), according to the Department of Defense (DoD). GAO work has shown that service members injured in combat face an array of significant medical and financial challenges as they begin their recovery process in the health care systems of DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). GAO was asked to discuss concerns regarding DoD and VA efforts to provide medical care and rehabilitative services for service members who have been injured during OEF and OIF. This testimony addresses the following: (1) the transition of care for seriously injured service members who are transferred between DoD and VA medical facilities, (2) DoD's and VA's efforts to provide early intervention for rehabilitation for seriously injured service members, (3) DoD's efforts to screen service members at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and whether VA can meet the demand for PTSD services, and (4) the impact of problems related to military pay on injured service members and their families. This testimony is based on GAO work issued from 2004 through 2006 on the conditions facing OEF/OIF service members at the time the audit work was completed.