By Martin C. Evans: A bill, introduced last June by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), would require Defense Department panels that evaluate a veteran’s request to prove that PTSD or traumatic brain injury were not the reason for the veteran’s discharge. The proposed legislation is gaining support in Congress, including from members of Long Island’s delegation. “It’s not fair to them to ask them to fight for our freedoms and then turn our backs when they come home troubled by their combat experiences,” said Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City). Rice, who sits on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, is one of several area lawmakers who met with Goldsmith and the others. Read more here: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/veterans-with-bad-paper-discharges-seek-help-from-congress-1.392709