As a combat veteran and chair of a veterans group, veteran suicide is very close to my heart. 

This article isn’t about awareness. I’m reasonably certain you have heard about this issue. Twenty-two suicides per day is the oft-quoted statistic—but that also depends on how you ask the question. Is it more? Who knows? Females that serve are twice as likely to die from suicide than women who haven’t served. Army veterans comprise the majority of veteran suicides. Most veteran suicides are those aged 50 and older.

If you call the Veterans Administration (VA), the first thing you hear is, “If you are considering harming yourself or someone else, press seven for the Veterans Crisis Line.” Sounds good. It even sounds like the VA cares…and they mostly do. In fact, a veteran can call their local clinic, ask for mental health and be directly connected—no referral needed. 

Additionally, the VA provides a walk-in mental health clinic in many cities, like Colorado Springs. Upon completion of a one-page form, you immediately see a counselor. Individual, couple and group counseling are available. There is help.

My point is that if an active-duty military person or a veteran dies from suicide, by rule their spouse and minor children lose all benefits. No survivor benefits, period—even if the soldier was being treated for PTSD. 

It’s likely the average person reading this will find this statement incredulous. How can the VA make all this effort to prevent suicide, but if a veteran falls into such a deep depression that they believe they can no longer continue living, their children are punished? What’s worse, this is not a law. It is Department of Defense (DOD) and VA policy.

How did this happen? During the Civil War, a Union colonel, who was a consuming alcoholic, was unable to find a drink one night and killed himself. His death was ruled a suicide from his alcoholism. Back then, alcoholism was thought to result from poor character. The consequence? No survivor benefits. 

Well, back in the 1860s, that made sense. Alcoholism was not considered a disease.

It’s 160 years later. We now know that alcoholism is a disease that requires treatment. The VA offers rehab. So why is the policy still in effect? If a soldier comes back from combat and has debilitating PTSD (which the VA treats) and makes the decision to take his own life, why punish his spouse and children?

If you agree, contact Senators Bennet (202-224-5852) and Hickenlooper (202-224-5941) and question this DOD and VA policy. Please help change this antiquated rule, which can be done with the stroke of a pen. No legislation is necessary.

Kent Jarnig, a Vietnam combat medic, is chair of El Paso County Colorado Progressive Veterans (EPCCPV). He is 100 percent VA disabled. To learn more, visit EPCCPV.org, email [email protected] or call 303-618-6131