MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Joint Base Lewis-McChord suspends doctor over PTSD comments

Feb 6, 2012, 8:47 AM | Updated: 10:21 am

The Army has suspended two doctors at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in its investigation of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder cases and how they’re being handled.

The doctor in charge of diagnosing and investigating PTSD cases has been suspended, according to a report from The Seattle Times.

Dr. William Keppler is being looked at after reportedly making controversial remarks last fall about patients claiming the disorder.

There’s a growing concern that the Army is intentionally down-playing PTSD cases so fewer soldiers can qualify for lifetime medical benefits.

A second doctor at JBLM has also been taken off cases temporarily.

More than a dozen soldiers who had their cases dropped by the doctors at JBLM were recently given new reviews at another hospital.

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord suspends doctor over PTSD comments