U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who serve as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, have requested that the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct an investigation into the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) prescription practices for veterans with mental health conditions.
The senators' request follows a December 2025 hearing led by Sen. Moran, which focused on medication management for veterans experiencing conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and traumatic brain injuries. The hearing was prompted by a Wall Street Journal article raising concerns about how multiple medications are managed for these veterans.
“Recent reporting has raised serious concerns about the prevalence of polypharmacy—or multiple medication use—among veterans,” wrote the senators. “Polypharmacy, while not inherently bad, can result in dangerous drug interactions, overreliance, abuse, and even death…Given these concerns, it is imperative that VA ensure it is offering effective treatment, including medication as well as non-pharmacologic options such as therapy, to reduce the risk of negative outcomes.”
In their letter to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, Sens. Moran and Blumenthal noted research indicating that combining opioids with benzodiazepines may increase suicide risk among veterans. They emphasized the need for comprehensive care: “Given these concerns, it is imperative that VA ensure it is offering effective treatment, including medication as well as non-pharmacologic options such as therapy, to reduce the risk of negative outcomes.”
During the December hearing, senators discussed VA’s efforts to improve safe prescribing practices and expand access to alternative treatments like psychedelics. They also highlighted challenges stemming from nationwide shortages of mental health providers and underscored the importance of coordination between VA and community care providers.
The senators acknowledged recent improvements by VA in response to recommendations from a 2019 GAO report on documentation of treatment decisions for veterans with mental health issues. In April 2023, VA issued a directive requiring all treatment plans be clearly documented in electronic health records.
Despite these actions, Sens. Moran and Blumenthal expressed ongoing concern regarding gaps in oversight and access to both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments: “We remain concerned that veterans may not be able to consistently access the full array of medications and non-pharmacologic options and that gaps may exist in VA’s oversight of mental health treatment.”
They asked GAO to audit several aspects including factors influencing provider decisions; monitoring efforts around psychotropic prescriptions; documentation practices among community care providers; oversight mechanisms; challenges facing timely access to care; and initiatives aimed at reducing risks associated with polypharmacy.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee plays a key role in overseeing benefits and healthcare programs for veterans across the United States (official website). The committee collaborates closely with entities like the Department of Veterans Affairs (official website) and has worked on improving access to healthcare services while supporting transitions from military service (official website). Established in 1970, it advances legislation aimed at enhancing education and medical benefits for those who have served (official website).
“We look forward to working GAO to conduct oversight on this important issue,” concluded Moran and Blumenthal.
