Florida Veterans’ Attorney Discusses Introduction of New Bills Advocating Use of Alternative Treatments for Veterans

Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) March 24, 2017 – Florida legislators have introduced two bills that would facilitate veterans’ access to alternative treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other injuries.

Among the treatments are acupuncture, equine therapy, music therapy and meditation. Many veterans are deriving great benefits from these types of treatments.

One such individual is Army veteran Chad Childers, who was medically discharged following deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He said he tried to deal with his problems by drinking, and eventually found himself on the streets. Childers later discovered the Five Star Veterans Center where he engaged in art therapy and massage, in conjunction with regular counseling.

Noted Florida veterans’ attorney David W. Magann says, “Hopefully, the bills will be enacted so as to enable the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to contract with certain persons or entities to provide options for alternative treatments for veterans who suffer from PTSD or traumatic brain injury.”

Another veteran who claims to have benefited from such treatments is Army Veteran Ruben Cancel, who was deployed several times to Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that following his service, he began drinking to help him cope with his PTSD and traumatic brain injury. After he had confrontations with police, he went to the Five Star Veterans Center, where he received counseling and alternative treatments, including massage therapy.

When an Army Veteran named Curtis Bean was discharged in 2008, he had difficulty adapting to non-military life. He was trying to escape from his problems by remaining in his apartment and consuming large quantities of alcohol. Although he indicated that he was suffering from PTSD, the physicians at the Veterans Affairs clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, minimized his symptoms because they did not believe they were serious.

Eventually, he moved to Denver, where he discovered painting. He obtained treatment for his PTSD at the Denver VA Medical Center, and supplemented his rehabilitation with art. He then created a program called Art of War, in which he teaches art therapy to other veterans.

Trish Barton, director of counseling at Five Star Veterans Center, stated that approximately half of their veterans use “alternative treatments.” She said the treatments help the veterans have more control over their feelings, and assist in the reduction of stress in their bodies.

Learn more at http://www.tampaveteranslawyer.com/ David W. Magann, P.A. Main Office: 156 West Robertson Street Brandon, FL 33511 Call: (813) 657-9175 Tampa Office: 18715 N Dale Mabry Hwy Lutz, FL 33548