Published: May 15, 2008 09:55 am         

Other View: Mental health bill important

A Rand Corp. study concludes that a third of the troops who served in Iraq or Afghanistan have returned with mental health problems. These include conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.

In response, Sen. Kit Bond, a Missouri Republican, has proposed a bill that would allow many of these troops to receive needed treatment. It's a reasonable reaction to a growing problem.

Bond's legislation would allow active-duty personnel, along with reservists and National Guard members, to receive treatment at community-based, walk-in centers operated by the Veterans Affairs Department. The bill is co-sponsored by Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer of California. ...

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says steps will be taken to reduce any stigma for combat vets who seek treatment and then apply for security clearances. ...

With so many troops returning with mental-health problems, such adjustments in existing policy only make sense.

-- Kansas City Star