TACOMA, Wash. -- Two top administrators at Madigan Army Medical Center are on suspension as the government investigates how the hospital screens soldiers for PTSD.
At least 14 local soldiers had their diagnoses changed. All are appealing, and could find out the results tomorrow, including Army Specialist Jared Enger.
In the fall of 2010, doctors diagnosed Enger with PTSD. But a year later, a doctor who had never treated him, reversed the diagnosis. "So I was sitting in an inpatient hospital talking to a doctor on the phone trying to dispute the fact they said I didn't have PTSD while I was in an inpatient program for PTSD diagnosis," recalled Enger.
Enger's case is one of 14 under review after a doctor at Madigan Army Medical Center claimed the soldiers weren't suffereing from PTSD at all.
"It was discounted, and that was it," said Enger.
Madigan's Commander, Col. Dallas Homas along with Dr. William Keppler, head of Madigan's forensic psychiatric team, are suspended while the Army Medical Command investigates whether they prioritized saving money over mental health.
At a purple heart ceremony Tuesday honoring Marine veteran Kenneth McAllister with a purple heart, Senator Maria Cantwell said she's anxious for answers.
"Getting access to care is the most important thing and so we're going to make sure that happens," said Sen. Cantwell.
Soldiers diagnosed with PTSD are awarded a 50 percent rating of disability and qualify for pensions, family health insurance, and other financial benefits.
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