Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C,I-Norwich) voted in favor of a bill that would direct the Division of Veterans’ Services to provide information to veterans who are experiencing post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) (A.2203). The bill passed the Assembly and has been sent to the Senate for approval.

“Having served in two wars as a Marine, I have seen the demands serving in high-pressure and dangerous situations can have on those in the military. Anything our state can do to remove the stigma and increase awareness of post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries will help so many of our veterans in need,” said Angelino. “I look forward to supporting other legislation to support the many veterans in the state who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.”

During the debate, Angelino said on the record, “If we really want prior service members to take advantage of this program and others like it, we need to drop the ‘D’ from post-traumatic stress. When our county sends our service members far from home, many times they are asked to do unspeakable things on our behalf. By having the phrase post-traumatic stress end with the word disorder causes a negative connotation and a stigma to those who may need help, but don't want to be labeled with a disorder. After what some veterans have endured in combat, they shouldn't be labeled with a disorder. Post-traumatic stress should be expected."

According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) vary by service era, with those serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experiencing rates of PTSD at about 11 to 20 percent. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center has reported more than 100,000 TBIs over a five-year period between 2014 and 2018. Veterans who are struggling are urged to call the state Veterans’ Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, press 1.

Angelino’s comments can be downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GcDQwZ5dESiCjdfkm9_MffC2xUpCYasj/view?usp=sharing