Wrongful Death Suit Filed Against Veterans Affairs

Shannon Weidemann

Contributor

0 CommentsPrint ArticleSubscribe

A Marine veteran came home after serving in Iraq and committed suicide after his post-traumatic stress disorder went untreated by the Northampton VA Medical Center. His parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Veterans Affairs.

His parents took him to the Northampton VA Medical Center and he was involuntarily committed for help. He was released a few days later after VA personnel said they couldn't make an assessment of his post-traumatic stress disorder until he was alcohol free, said the complaint.

A few days later, his family took Lucey back to the center, but the lawsuit says the staff turned him away. Kevin Lucey found his son dead, hanging from a beam in the cellar two weeks later.

The Secretary of the VA Jim Nicholson is stepping down from the job by October 1st. He has been repeatedly criticized for his handling of the VA and its poor handling of veterans' treatment. The Lucey's hope their lawsuit will help to bring about change.