LAUSR

We appreciate the comments of Drs. Lutwak and Dill on our research article, “Non-routine Discharge From Military Service: Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorders, and Suicidality,” highlighting the risk of adverse outcomes and re-integration challenges among those discharged from military service under non-routine conditions. Lutwak and Dill raise two important issues facing Veterans and the health system that cares for them (Veterans Health Administration). The first is access to care, especially for those who need mental health services, and the Veterans Health Administration’s commitment to provide same-day services for Veterans. The second is an emphasis on screening and preventive care, especially with regard to the risk of suicide. We endorse both of these recommendations and concur that these issues are vitally important to the health and wellbeing of Veterans. We support the need for further research into post-deployment health outcomes in general, as well as appropriate and timely screening for adverse outcomes in particular. Translating research findings into evidence-based Veterans Health Administration operational efforts in a timely and efficient manner is a critical aspect of our ability to care for Veterans.