The VA announced publication of a final regulation in the Federal Register that would make the PTSD claims process faster and easier.

In his 2011 budget, Obama allocates $5.2 billion toward specialized care for mental health conditions.

A FY 2010 appropriations bill approved by Congress grants the Department of Veterans Affairs $4.6 billion for mental health care and includes an extra $1 million to provide debt relief for mental health professionals as a hiring incentive.

Secretary Shinseki detailed his plan to end homelessness among veterans within five years. The proposal includes a focus on addressing the invisible war wounds that can lead to homelessness, such as dysfunctional behavior and depression.

The VA and the Department of Defense began a conference to discuss the mental health care needs of veterans, military personnel and their families. According to a VA press release, a final report from the summit will "summarize the policies, programs and practices that show promise for enhancing the well-being and care for" servicemen, veterans and their families.

President Obama signed into law the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 into law, allowing veterans' medical care to be funded a year in advance. Under the law, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries will have better access to the specialized care they need, Obama said.

The VA's suicide prevention program expanded its outreach to veterans, their families and their friends with "Veterans Chat." The new service is intended to help those who feel more comfortable going online to seek assistance from a VA counselor.

The VA proposed new regulations that would make it easier for a veteran to seek PTSD compensation by "reducing the eveidence needed if the stressor claimed by a veteran is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity."

Secretary Shinseki announced that combat veterans would receive "readjustment counseling and other assistance" in 28 new Vet Centers to open across the country in 2010.

The Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new Web site to help college counselors treat veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Former Illinois Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth, who has sought more help for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, is sworn in as the VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs.

The conference version of the FY2010 budget resolution, which was passed in both chambers, allows Congress to "provide additional funding above the 2009 levels for VA to research and treat mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury."

In an effort to expand screening and treatment of mental health and cognitive injuries, President Obama's FY10 budget outline for Veterans Affairs calls for an increase in the number of Vet Centers and mobile health clinics in rural areas. In addition, funds will be devoted to informing veterans and their families of these resources.

The priority is echoed by Veterans Affairs Secretary-designate Eric Shinseki, but as National Journal reported in November, the code of stoic silence among wounded warriors can complicate mental health treatment.