Updated at 6 p.m. Tuesday
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- As veterans throughout the country were honored Tuesday with ceremonies and parades during Veterans Day, a study shows many veterans who live in rural parts of West Virginia are not getting the care they need.

The study shows that rural West Virginia veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are more likely to suffer from mental health problems than those from urban areas. The study found part of the problem is a lack of mental health care facilities in rural areas.

One medical center, however, is trying to combat that problem. The Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Huntington has a pilot program in place to help rural veterans.

"We have professionals who take care of veterans in their homes," said Edward Seiler, director of the VA Medical Center.

Major David Fallon served in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps. He said it's unfortunate that veterans are suffering mental problems without professional help.

"If you're asking for my reaction, it's a shame," Fallon said.

Seiler said the VA Medical Center in Huntington serves 10 counties in West Virginia, 12 in Kentucky and two in Ohio.

Original story
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A new study shows that rural West Virginia veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are more likely to suffer from mental health problems than their urban counterparts.

The analysis is based on the ongoing West Virginia Returning Soldiers Study, which has surveyed more than 930 veterans.

The study shows that about 56 percent of returning soldiers from rural counties suffer from post-traumatic distress and other mental health problems, compared to 32 percent of soldiers in urban areas and 34 percent of those living on out-of-state military bases.

Rural veterans are also at greater risk for suicide.

Hilda Heady, a rural health specialist at West Virginia University, says part of the problem is a lack of mental health care facilities in rural areas.