Norman D. Dicks: “The motion instructs conferees to provide the highest level of funding for medical and prosthetic research. This program…”

“The motion instructs conferees to provide the highest level of funding for medical and prosthetic research. This program helps the Department of Veterans Affairs develop cutting-edge treatments for veterans and their families. It is fully integrated throughout the medical community through partnerships with academic affiliates, nonprofits, and commercial entities, as well as other Federal agencies. It is unique because both the clinical care and research occur together. The Medical and Prosthetic Research Program plays a vital role in advancing the health and care of our Nation's veterans. Some of the areas that the Medical and Prosthetic Research Program focus on include mental health research, prosthetics, traumatic brain injury, and posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The program has emphasized efforts to improve the understanding and treatment of veterans in need of mental health care. We hear a lot about the casualties of war and soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in duty. However, over the past few years, the VA has begun to examine the psychological wounds of posttraumatic stress disorder. The motion will provide funding for the VA to care for veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan who may suffer from depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.…”