Rep. Walz Seeks Review of 31,000 Military Discharges

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) — A Minnesota congressman wants thousands of military discharges reviewed, saying a lot of veterans may have been misdiagnosed.

Congressman Tim Walz, himself a veteran, is calling on new Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to review some 31,000 discharges since 2001.

Walz argues that many veterans discharged were diagnosed with a personality disorder when they should have been diagnosed as post-traumatic stress cases, qualifying them for VA medical care.

“It’s the experts’ opinion — and my opinion — that these are post-traumatic stress or other things that are involved here,” Walz said. “They’re not the same thing. Personality disorder is a lot different. And these folks did their duty and then were discharged.”

Walz’ bill would open up the 31,000 cases for review and give veterans a chance to make their case.