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Michelle Rossitch
Army veteran Luis Zaragoza, 28, with his service dog Cheyenne. Zaragoza did two tours of duty in Iraq, and suffers PTSD.
The Department of Veterans Affairs will cover the costs of service dogs to help veterans with impaired vision, hearing or mobility, but will not cover canines assigned for mental disabilities, according to regulations published on Wednesday in the Federal Register.
The VA said that despite many individual veterans’ testimonials that mental health service dogs provide relief from the symptoms of combat-related disabilities such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it lacked research substantiating the efficacy of mental health service dogs.
"VA has not yet been able to determine that these dogs provide a medical benefit to veterans with mental illness," the department said. "Until such a determination can be made, VA cannot justify providing benefits for mental health service dogs."
To be defined as a "service dog" the animal has to be trained to do specific tasks for a person — such as picking things up, guiding them or providing balance.
Trainers say that for veterans suffering mental disabilities such as PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), dogs can be trained to help avert panic attacks and wake them up as they enter a nightmare. The animals can be taught to remind veterans to take medications and alert them if they have left a burner lit on the stove.
Luis Zaragoza, 28, who suffers PTSD from his service in the Iraq war, says he's experienced more progress in a month with his service dog, Cheyenne, than in all the years visiting the VA since his discharge in 2004.
"For eight years I was just in limbo, but now I’m seeing glimpses of the old me — the me I was before I joined the military," he said of the service-dog program.
The program, designed by Illinois-based nonprofit This Able Veteran, paired Zaragoza with the dog and a therapist. The dog is there to help the veteran re-enter mainstream life at intervals recommended and monitored by the therapist.
In Zaragoza's case, the dog is trained to detect a tic — Zaragoza’s leg begins to shake — at the onset of a panic attack, and divert the veteran’s attention by bumping his leg. Cheyenne will do this a second time — more insistently — if Zaragoza fails to respond the first time. This happens up to five times a day, said Zaragoza, who lost nine soldiers in his company during two bruising stints in Fallujah and Ramadi, Iraq.
The veteran says he is regaining his ability to get out of the house and do things — like go to the shopping mall — that he has avoided because of the anxiety and hyper vigilance that is common to combat-related PTSD. Zaragoza says he sleeps more, functions better in the day, and interacts with more with other people rather than choosing to isolate himself. He’s lost 15 pounds because he is more active.
That was progress he had not seen despite years of visiting VA psychiatrists and doctors who prescribed medications for his PTSD symptoms.
"At the VA, what they tend to do is pump you with medicine," he said. "That’s not a solution to any issue like PTSD or anxiety. They just kind of numb you. I knew that wasn’t the right choice for me. I was looking for an alternative."
But Zaragoza’s opportunity remains relatively rare and unaffordable for many veterans.
The cost of providing custom-trained Cheyenne was about $20,000 said Behesha Doan, president of This Able Veteran. The costs — for training, as well as Zaragoza’s travel expenses, veterinary bills, and equipment — were funded by private donations. Zaragoza was one of six veterans assigned a PTSD dogs by the nonprofit.
But he is disappointed that the VA won’t pick up the bill so that more veterans can get this kind of assistance.
As an employee of U.S. Fish and Wildlife in Chicago, he is able to handle the cost of maintaining Cheyenne — things like food, kennels for work, home and cars, and vet bills. Even these costs would challenge many fellow combat veterans, he said.
"There are other veterans who can’t go to school or hold a job because their PTSD is so bad," said Zaragoza. "A lot of these guys live on $600 a month."
Stories like Zaragoza’s prompted members of Congress to push for the VA to provide more canine assistance to veterans, and recommended more research to explore how dogs might best help veterans suffering two of the most common mental disabilities from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan — PTSD and TBI.
As NBC News' Rebecca Ruiz reported in August, a team of epidemiologists, mental health providers, veterinarians and other experts were conducting a study at the Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Fla. Proponents were eager for the three-year study to deliver data to demonstrate benefits and help create a framework for training mental disability service dogs.
But the research was temporarily suspended from January to June after a young girl was bitten by a dog. VA declined to be interviewed about the study, but told Ruiz that the project resumed after it increased monitoring through phone calls and home visits by the researchers and service dog providers.
Training PTSD dogs is tricky because the illness ranges from very manageable to very severe, according to Corey Hudson, President of the North American chapter of Assistance Dogs International, a coalition of not for profit organizations that train and place canines worldwide. "You have to be careful what you’re getting into, and make sure you are qualified to train a dog for that situation," he said.
He said that his understanding was that the VA wanted the results from the PTSD service dog research to show what was effective before making a decision on benefits.
Doan, of This Able Veteran, said continued research, properly done, could help the VA set standards, and weed out service dog providers which have proliferated in the last few years. She stresses that pairing dogs and veterans without careful screening and training poses risks to both, and could just be a waste of resources.
"In order for this to be taken seriously, we’ve got to show that we have considered all the aspects of what could potentially go wrong and maintain all the efficacy of what goes right," she said.
She is hoping that the VA, in its decision not to cover PTSD dogs is merely taking a cautious, go-slow approach, not ruling out benefits for the future or merely dragging its feet.
"If it’s done right we’ve got a helluva program going on," she said. "If it’s not, you’ve got Joe Bag-a-donuts out there grabbing some dog off the street and calling it a PTSD dog."
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Leave a Comment:
I am with everyone regarding the service dogs, but I think part of the POLS issue is that these dogs alledgedly cost $100,000.00 each!
I think they are getting robbed. Just like the $3000.00 toilet seats........
Someone in government needs to wake up. yeh right..
Dude, did you read the article?
The cost of providing custom-trained Cheyenne was about $20,000 said Behesha Doan, president of This Able Veteran. The costs — for training, as well as Zaragoza’s travel expenses, veterinary bills, and equipment — were funded by private donations. Zaragoza was one of six veterans assigned a PTSD dogs by the nonprofit.
Where on earth did you get $100,000?
Politics aside (for once), Dogs are cool pets and I've known that my whole life. Doesnt take a rocket scientist or a federal study to figure out that dogs are therapeutic. That's why we have "therapy dogs". Cats are cool pets too and you don't have to leave them outside to pee.
To Bill in Reno - so glad you were able to get a service dog and that your dog has done so much for your mental well being. As for Samantha and your comment about "handouts" - well, you got a handout, didn't you, when the shelter gave you your dog so where do you get of slamming anybody?
The fact is that our shelters here don't give dogs away, they give a small, and i do mean small, military discount. Just last week I was emailing with the wife of a vet who was looking for someone to donate a large breed puppy that her husband could use as a PTSD dog = to train himself with guidance as her husband has already attempted suicide twice since returning from active duty. Luckily she was able to find two different people who were willing to donate dogs to her cause.
My daughter is in the military and one of her friends just returned from Afghanistan and is having a very hard time readjusting to real life. Hates to be in crowded places, gets very uncomfortable. Just by the few stories he's been able to share with us (and these are the mild stories) I can't imagine having to go through what he did and then come home and just pick back up with life.
All vets deserve whatever support they need for the great service they are willing to provide to our country. No vet should ever go hungry, be without shelter, or be without a PTSD Service Animal if that is what they require to heal.
This is typical VA bull@!$%#. I'm still fighting a claim for hearing loss which I suffered during my tour of duty ('66-'69) even though they told me I had it during my discharge physical. I didn't file then, but when I tried to a couple of years ago they admitted I had the loss but couldn't prove it was service related. It took them 20 yrs to admit they were spraying agent orange in the area I was stationed (Korean DMZ) and even longer to admit that PTSD even existed. This is a sorry way to treat the men and women that laid it on the line for this country. I guess you're only a hero when you're on active duty! VA funding should come from the defense budget and vets should be treated with respect rather than looked upon as malingerers. What is wrong with our government that they can't see this?!
I am very disappointed in the VA. How much research do they need? Sounds like an excuse not to spend the necessary money to actually heal these vets. I wonder if they are trying to anticipate the deep spending cuts that may occcur after November 6???
So we can send millions of dollars in aid to Pakistan every year, but we can afford a few dogs for OUR guys? Priorities people, priorities.
By the time the VA gets its head out of its collective asses, half the vets will have blown their brains out, be in jail, (where they can't receive benefits) for beating up their significant others, or will have plain given up on waiting so long to have it approved. I've been waiting over 2 1/2 years just to get them to pay me for my dependants. The VA should be torn down, and rebuilt from the bottom up.
I read on here earlier this week about some dipsh!t in prison for life without parole that NEEDED a sex change operation to "be normal" and some jackoff judge ruled that this fruitcake he she it whatever convicted murderer could get the procedure done on the taxpayers dime! But vets that serve our country and put thier lifes on the line to defend our freedoms can't get a service dog paid for. This is pathetic in so many ways I simply can't reason with this. I'll bet a $75,000 operation would buy a lot of service dogs! And one dime would buy a bullet!!!!!!!!!!! Joke
We should be giving our Vets everything they need with out question. How can you put a price on someone that was willing to give their life for there country. I am ashamed at our goverment on how they treat our vet's after they come back so many are on the street because the V.A. doesn't do enough to help them mentally. I have PTSD from an accident and feel guilty for the treatment I am getting I have gone through nothing compared to our vets. Give them their therapy dogs and help them recover. There is know great love than from a dog and thats what they need uncondtional love to help them heal. Thank you to all the vets that have served our great county. V.A. do your job.
You know, it's all about the money. I'm a 26 year vet and I want to quit smoking, but the VA pays for NO CESSATION ASSISTANCE". But they would have to pay my medical bills if I get cancer. Hmmmm. Besides that, I am still paying out of pocket for injuries and medical conditions incurred while on active duty. The system is poorly managed and basically just broke. I feel for these younger men and women. But to be honest, if I can't get the help I need after serving over 26 years on active duty, and in multiple combat situations like Desert Storm, Bosnia, GWOT, Anti- terrorist ops, etc, myself as a fully retired veteran, don't expect much. Just tellin ya the truth.
Yea, that scumbag judge needs a labotomy. The vets have to wait many months and/or years for their benefits, but a weirdo will get it's surgery pretty quick though. Priorities. It's all about priorities.
There is no money or program that should be even questioned when it comes to our veterans period. They gave and as far as I am concerned we owe them more than we could ever pay. So all you complaining, sign up take a tour and if you come home, and still feel that veterans don't deserve, then you can say you have a right to say so, until then shut up.
If you are military and would like to adopt a fully vetted and micro chipped companion pet we have lots of Lab mixes and other really nice family pet candidates that we will give you! Our sanctuary is closing so we can focus on spay/neuter and still have 25 dogs to rehome pronto. You will have to pay for transport, I will flyand accompnay the dog to any airport American Airlines serves for $180. mks281@hotmail.com
OhioBobMcQ - not all Republicans are "whiny". Check out the Dems who want 4 more years of the same and will take no responsibilty for anything. I think the VA should help get dogs for Vets. If you don't think they deserve it-go to the waiting room of Walter Reed Hospital. I defy you not to get a lump in your throat when these poor kids come in. How dare you make this a party issure!!! I think everyone wants the best, but I agree we have to watch the bottom line and get what we pay for. There are many who would donate to such a cause as well. So put up and shut up.
It's amazing...our government has enough money for every welfare program that rolls down the road but when it comes to helping the men and women who serve our country they seem to come up short every time. i guess if you don't contribute, sit on your ass all day and grab all the giveaway you can, our government will bend over to help. But do the right thing and come out mentally or physically disabled, you get the "it's not covered" excuse. Let's help our service personnel first and whatever is left over, then distribute to the welfare roles. Seems fair to me!!
There needs to be a change for our veterans! Service dogs are very important to healing and I believe my tax dollars should be spent on HEALING ! There is no way the minor costs of this important care for our vets could not be justified! Whatever we can do to change the minds of those in power who said no to our vets needs should be done! Come on, people! Helping our vets is our duty after the price they paid for us overseas in harms way! PLEASE reconsider this decision and allow our vets to have the service dogs at their sides! A small price to pay for a huge return!!!!
WOW....MORE IGNORANCE. essentially, all of this time i have been wrong. my doctor was wrong. thanx to MarilynMD it is all a figment of my imagination. stupid moron. must have received a degree from WebMD or something
www.uswardogs.org on the wall of honor is where a photo of me and my puppy, 12 year old Eiko, as i laid him down because he finally couldnt walk any longer because of his injuries from combat . he is also on my company website senel.org under RIP Eiko.
ever since then, i had panic attacks, anxiety, hyper vigilance, lack of sleep and rage. took me several years to find a new partner. at my family doctors request. (i have the prescription to this day) i went from dog to dog and couldnt find the right one.
Heidi, a six year old female GSD, found me. i sleep, i feel my family is better protected. she is the eyes and the ears while i sleep.
the VA should interview me and have a chat with my doctor. they may sway a bit in the direction of getting it approved.
CavScout, My heart goes out to you on the loss of your friend of 12 yrs. Your story of going from dog to dog is what I meant that there are many dogs who can't handle varying levels of PTSD. Not just any dog from the pound will do! It's like a good marriage. There has to be a connection, and without training, we're setting up many good dogs for failure. I'm glad to hear that you've found a new best friend!
We are setting up a non-profit, working name LEGAL TLC, to help veterans with their animals. It will also help seek to educate the public and shore up abuse laws which helps us all since abusers move on to poeople-period, between 84 and 100% of the time, depending on crime (e.g. 100% for sexual homicide). Since veterans are getting sc*&^ed on money, we want to take the expenses of caring for a major source of comfort for them and their loved ones-their pets, Service and/or Therapy Dogs in terms of vet care, trainers, vet meds and other pet supplies. Pets can help the families deal with the horrors of having their loved ones away at war and comfort for everyone, including the veteran, so we would like to start there, now. There are other groups helping get Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs to vets and we seek to aid those groups as well; although we would love to do that ourselves also, we did a lot of research and it would be the best use of limited resources to aid them, not start from scratch and have to learn the lessons they did (e.g. that personality mismatches actually occur in Service Dog cases and nix a LOT of expensive training-just learned that myself in interviweing a great trainer). We will be working with my local Congressmen (big veterans supporters), experts at the Bar Assn and other groups to get it done right. It will be based near the giant Northport VA in Suffolk County in Commack, NY. I would love to give the website but right now, we are using mine as we hammer it down before filing paperwork and setting up site. Can search: first name is the answer to "A Christmas XXXXX", last name answer to "What is a major trucking company with yellow signs, begins with RYxxx"?
Training of service dogs is done mostly by volunteers. Some prisons have dog training programs. This seems like a perfect match. Low cost and they rescue out of pounds.
it doesn't surprise me. If dental care is cut why not dog care too.
VA's solution for everything, here take this pill an come see me in a month. Been to va hospitals, worse place in the world to go, its all about politics. FRIGGIN MEAT FACTORIES
There is no money or program that should be even questioned when it comes to our veterans period. They gave and as far as I am concerned we owe them more than we could ever pay. So all you complaining, sign up take a tour and if you come home, and still feel that veterans don't deserve, then you can say you have a right to say so, until then shut up.
These brave men deserve our very best. They served our country and the reason we are a free people. I hope there is a fund that will enable us all to now dedicate ourselves to get these men and women, the best our country can offer, the companions they deserve. Let these men and women decide on how effective this new friendship is; we do not need another damn study.
A Mass. judge orders the state to pay for a convicted murderer to get a sex change while serving life for murdering his wife but the VA won't treat a dog for PTSD after seving the military in battle, something is drastically wrong with this government.
The government should treat the dog and treat the murderer for NHAPD, "Not Having A Pussay Disorder" or a bullet to the brain whatever is cheaper.
It is sad that this issue gets so political so quickly. I am going to share a few facts that I know without a shadow of a doubt to be true:
Fact 1: Psychiatric Service/PTSD animals DO help. A handler often requires much less medication, experiences freedom because they are no longer home bound and live much safer then without the service animal. I know this because...
Fact 2: I have a PSD/PTSD dog named Kiera. Because of Kiera, I was able to finish college, attend my children's school events and began to feel like me again. I also am now the Director of Spa Operations at a day spa and a Licensed Massage Therapist who specializes in Medical Massage. I have several patients who were sent to me by their doctors for treatment of symptoms of panic/anxiety disorders and PTSD. 2 of those are veterans. I encouraged all but one of thee patients to look into a PSA/PTSD animal. The one I did not does not like animals so it stands to reason they will not respond to one.
Fact 3: It takes a special kind of animal to do what these animals do. Not every human is a doctor...not every dog is a therapy dog. While an Emotional Support Animal can be got from anywhere and have any qualities, a PSD/PTSD dog has to be able to perform tasks to be considered a service animal.
The VA is doing a great disservice to these men and women in my opinion.
These hero's (and I have no problem calling service men/women heroes) put their LIFE on the line for your safety and freedom... I say let them have 5 dogs each if they want! I guarantee a dog is cheper and healtheir than many fad drugs thay try to subscribe to everyone.
Until you have delt with someone who has PTSD or have it yourself you have no idea what it is like to send someone away to war and when they come home they may be the same person on the outside but the inside is not the same and never will be the same. My husband has been dealing with PTSD for 21 years now and it can tear your life apart and those around you. 2 years ago we took in a dog from someone and my husband and that dog have a special bond. That dog knows when he is in a mood and needs to be calmed down. Since that dog has joined us my husband has not had to increase his meds. Not every dog can do this we have 2 other dogs and they don't react to him like this one. Tomorrow my husband and his dog will start taking classes from a local trainer who trains dogs for PTSD patients coming out of the millitary normally it takes about 3-4 months to train a dog completely for this and that is leaving the dog with the trainer for that period of time we were not able to do that so she is going to do private lessons and it will take a much longer time. PTSD is very real and the goverment is finally starting to recognize it as a condition and hopefully over time they will realize that canine companionship does work with the right dog and more medication is not always the answer.