VA testing drugs on war veterans

Washington Times ^ | 17 Jun 2008 | Audrey Hudson

[PurpleMan]

"The government is testing drugs with severe side effects like psychosis and suicidal behavior on hundreds of military veterans, using small cash payments to attract patients into medical experiments that often target distressed soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, a Washington Times/ABC News investigation has found."

[PurpleMan]

” I think it can use some real help”

“It” meaning the VA, I assume?

Curious as to how. (I have my own ideas)

[benjamin032]

I don’t know actually. It seems that the VA is in constant turmoil and could use some sort of operational assistance. I haven’t studied the situation closely yet.

[af_vet_rr]

I don’t know actually. It seems that the VA is in constant turmoil and could use some sort of operational assistance. I haven’t studied the situation closely yet.

What's there to study? After all, it's run by the government.

What we need to know is whether or not anything is shady as far as how the drug companies are involved with the VA (especially their lobbyists). I'm more concerned about how these drugs are being selected and what, if any, oversight there is of the whole process.

If there is anything shady going on, it needs to be shut down at the source.

[csmusaret]

My question is why do we need a separate health care system to treat veterans. Abolish VA and use those funds to pay TRICARE premiums for eligible vets.

[Wuli]

“medical experiments that often target distressed soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan”

gee, let me just take a wild guess

in war time, increase in numbers of soldiers with mental/emotional problems

some can’t get back to active duty/adjustment to civilian life - “stress” related mental conditions too severe and continuing too long for a few

standard drugs not showing sufficient effectiveness in some cases

some patients asked if they want to participate in clinical trials of newer drugs

informed consent given and, as in many clinical trials, stipends also paid

i imagine this scenario has played out in wartime and immediate post-war periods for 200+ years of U.S. history

if my scenario-guess is correct, nothing really schocking

full disclosure here: I am currently receiving long-term medical out-patient care (past six months) at a VA hospital and it is the best care and most professional medical service I have had in my life

[PurpleMan]

“I am currently receiving long-term medical out-patient care (past six months) at a VA hospital and it is the best care and most professional medical service I have had in my life.”

You know, I have heard professionally and anectotally) that what you say is absolutely true. It is unfortunate that the VA is not out in front of this fact be continually telling everyone.