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The powerful Commons Defence Committee has been asked officially to investigate post-traumatic stress disorder in service veterans .

Labour MP and former Parachute Regiment major Dan Jarvis wrote last week to Tory committee chair Dr Julian Lewis to seek a probe into government failings.

Mr Jarvis’s letter said: “Along with other MPs and charities, I have concerns over a lack of coordinated action from the NHS, service charities, insurance companies, and the MoD.

“PTSD is a major mental health problem facing many of our veterans who can suffer from insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks and rage.

“This can have a devastating impact on veterans and their families. If left untreated it can lead sufferers to substance abuse, self-harm, and in the worst cases, suicide.”

The Barnsley Central MP is backing the Sunday People’s campaign to get an independent investigation by MPs.

And the Defence Select Committee is the best way to get Veterans minister Mark Lancaster to pull his finger out.

(Image: Getty Images)

He would be called to give evidence and forced to explain why the MoD has not done more.

The MoD would be unable to ignore the recommendations MPs make at the end of their inquiry.

Veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress has seen a 71 per cent increase in PTSD cases over the last five years.

Mr Jarvis added: “It is paramount that veterans receive a clear and timely diagnosis.

“PTSD can be treated, provided veterans get the right help at the right time. That is why I think there would be merit in the committee looking at what action the Government could take.”

The MP wants the committee to come up with its own plan to coordinate a proper joined-up response to the illness.

And he said MPs must also collect data currently lacking to show exactly how many PTSD victims there are.