The Department of Veterans Affairs has made significant progress in providing medical treatment and services to female veterans, but shortfalls still exist, especially in mental health care, largely as a result of gender differences, according to a new report from the nonprofit group Disabled American Veterans.
More than 600,000 female veterans receive health care through the VA, and the proportion of those who have a service-connected disability has risen since 2000 from 48% to 73% in 2020. Given that there are more than 2 million female veterans in the U.S., many of whom need support and qualify for VA services but aren't using their benefits, the department should do more to improve services for them, DAV analysts wrote in "Women Veterans: A Journey to Mental Wellness."
Women veterans often struggle with complex medical needs, as well as mental health conditions. According to the report, the VA has seen a 154% increase in female patients seeking mental health services.
But much of the behavioral health care provided by the VA is based on research and experiences of male veterans, leaving out critical factors affecting women veterans that could help improve care and quality of life and decrease suicide, the analysts wrote.
The VA runs a Center for Women Veterans to advocate for women and programs for female veterans within the system, as well as to educate and support beneficiaries regarding their benefits, services, educational and employment opportunities.
[...]DAV analysts said, given the growing population of female veterans, who make up 18% of today's active-duty force, the VA will need to make continued investments in women-centered programs and services to meet their lifelong needs.
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., said the report will be helpful for his panel to craft legislation to improve VA mental health services for women. The committee is also planning a hearing on female veterans' issues in April, he said.
