Mental Health Needs of Veteran Students: The University Responsibility Dr. Bill Ayers, LCSW

In order to meet the mental health needs of veteran students university personnel working with these students must have an understanding of the VA.

VA 101

There are 2 VA’s VA Healthcare VA Benefits Most of your students will be receiving services from both.

VA Healthcare Eligibility: Any service member who has a physical or mental condition that is service connected is entitled to VA Healthcare Benefits. However, accessing these benefits may be difficult. Generally speaking, healthcare services are provided in fixed locations that may not be in proximity to the location of the university.

VA Benefits These are usually in the form of some monetary compensation based on a percentage of impairment of medical issues. GI Bill Benefits fall under this component of the bureaucracy and are based on service. There are other benefits regarding vocational training which are used in lieu of GI Bill Benefits

DoD Retirement Benefits DoD Retirement Benefits are a complex entitlement that does not necessarily involve 20 year retirement. Many young veterans are medically retired and receive retirement benefits in addition to VA Benefits.

What can the university do? Offer services on campus. PTSD support groups Veteran support groups Faculty & staff training regarding veteran issues Develop a liaison with the nearest VA facility

What should the university not do? Treat these students as any other traditional student Not assume that services once developed are all that will be needed (constant review required)