Oakland Press: Sen. Peters sponsors measure to aid veterans with PTSD; Obama signs into law

President Barack Obama has signed into law a bipartisan provision introduced by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan) to help veterans who may have been given a less than honorable discharge from the military due to negative behavior resulting from mental traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.

The Fairness for Veterans amendment, which Peters authored, was included in the final National Defense Authorization Act conference report that passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate earlier this month.

“This legislation will give our brave men and women who are suffering from the invisible wounds of war an opportunity to access the benefits they’ve earned through their service,” said Peters, a former lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I applaud President Obama for signing this critical provision into law, and I will continue fighting so that service members transitioning back to civilian life have the support they need.”

A less than honorable discharge, or bad paper discharge, is often given for instances of minor misconduct such as being late to formation and missing appointments – behavior that can be seen in those diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, and other trauma-related conditions.

A less than honorable discharge renders service members ineligible for certain benefits, including Post-9/11 G.I. Bill educational benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs home loans.

Peters, a Pontiac native, introduced the amendment with Senators Steve Daines (R-Montana), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York). It has broad support from a number of major veteran groups.