GAO: Most Troops at Risk for PTSD or Depression Declined Help Before Leaving Service

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), released on Thursday, reveals that nearly 67% of military personnel who separated in 2023 exhibited signs of potential mental health conditions. However, more than half of these individuals chose to decline referrals for care.

A recent report assessed a collaborative screening initiative between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which was conducted for more than 50,000 service members transitioning out of the military from May 2023 to April 2024. Recent screenings have revealed heightened risks for various conditions, including PTSD, major depression, suicide, and alcohol misuse. However, the rate of participation in follow-up care remains notably low.

In a concerning trend, approximately 50% of individuals identified as at risk for mental health issues declined referrals to the inTransition program, a Department of Defense initiative designed to assist service members as they navigate the transition to civilian life.

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has revealed inconsistencies in the administration of mental health screenings within the Department of Defense (DoD). The report highlights that the assessment has not been universally implemented, complicating efforts to compare outcomes across the board.

Officials from the VA have acknowledged that the elevated incidence of mental health flags was “unexpected” when compared to standard clinical populations. Researchers have observed that a significant number of troops postpone seeking assistance due to the stigma associated with their careers. Additionally, they highlight that suicide rates tend to increase during the first year following military service.

In the fiscal year 2023, only 7% of veterans were granted VA mental health disability compensation, with 57% of those individuals diagnosed with PTSD.

The Government Accountability Office has highlighted the critical necessity to enhance and broaden screenings aimed at identifying at-risk service members before they depart from the military, as well as to bolster initiatives ensuring they receive appropriate treatment.

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