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Prior Lake, Minn.

Family of Iraq war vet disputes report but won't sue

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(AP) The family of a Minnesota Marine don't believe the official version of the events that led to Jonathan Schulze's suicide, but they said Monday they won't keep fighting the Veterans Administration.

Schulze's said they respectfully disagree with an administration report that concluded there's no evidence the Marine was denied psychiatric care at the VA hospital in St. Cloud in the days before he hanged himself in New Prague on Jan. 16.

The report released last week showed the VA record was "diametrically opposed" to his family's claims that he twice told hospital staff that he was suicidal.

However, the family said Monday they will not request further investigation or sue.

Family friend Robert Herubin said the family didn't want to go through the emotional distress of a court fight, and they didn't want to take any money away from the treatment of veterans.

The report by the VA Office of the Medical Inspector also said that doctors at the VA hospital in Minneapolis, where Schulze made at least 40 medical visits, had diagnosed him with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Herubin said, "The report and story has been whether something was, or was not, said. The real issue is: Jonathan finally made the decision to change his life and get the help he needed. He made a commitment to become a good Dad, and he packed his bags. Irregardless, he was put on a waiting list and was turned away."

Herubin also said the family has begun the process of establishing a foundation to reach out to returning veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

And they also announced plans for a benefit for Schulze's daughter and soon-to-be-born son. It will be at the Prior Lake VFW on May 19.