Panel Advances Corrado Bill Aiding Veterans in Need of Mental Help

More New Jersey veterans struggling with service-connected mental health issues would be eligible for help under legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado and approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Corrado's bill, S-2383, would require the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMAVA) to help ensure former service members meet the qualifications for help.

"Right now, too many veterans who are in distress cannot get aid because they received 'other than honorable' discharges for any number of reasons, including their sexual preference or orientation," said Corrado (R-40). "Under this legislation, DMAVA will have staff available to guide vets through the process of having their discharge upgraded to honorable.

"These designations should never prevent a former service man or woman who is suffering mentally or emotionally because of their time in uniform from accessing life-changing professional help," Corrado continued.

Under the bill, DMAVA would assist with the necessary forms and conditions required to petition the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to upgrade discharge papers of those who separated from the service with an other than honorable discharge, bad conduct discharge, or a dishonorable discharge and have since been diagnosed with mental health conditions.

"These veterans served our nation, and as a result they are struggling. Our concern is with getting them help, not with how or why they left the service," Corrado emphasized.