Military will expedite review of records of thousands of vets suffering post-traumatic stress

Vets suffering PTSD could see benefits upgrade

WASHINGTON — Acting under a legal settlement, the Pentagon will move quickly to review records of thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans discharged with post-traumatic stress disorder to determine whether they were improperly denied benefits.

The move stems from a judge’s order in a class action lawsuit originally filed by seven combat veterans. They say the military illegally denied health care and other benefits to those discharged because of the stress disorder during a six-year period that ended in October 2008.

Legal notices are being sent to some 4,300 veterans informing them that they have until July 24 to join the lawsuit to participate in the expedited review. Lawyers say millions could be paid to veterans under the agreement. Some veterans, they say, could see hundreds of dollars a month in increased benefits.