Stripes is reporting that the DoD has rejected the idea that troops suffering from PTSD should be eligible for a Purple Heart. Here are a couple good quotes from the story:
"PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event; it is not a wound intentionally caused by the enemy from an ‘outside force or agent,’ but is a secondary effect caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event," said Defense Department spokeswoman Eileen Lainez.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart, a veterans group, responded by saying the Purple Heart should only be awarded to troops who shed blood. "I don’t think people should get the Purple Heart for almost getting wounded," said Joe Palagyi, the group’s national adjutant.
One of the important events of this war was recognition by the DoD that service members can suffer invisible injuries such as TBI or PTSD. This injury model is consistent with scientific research that suggests patients with PTSD have abnormal brain scans. Understanding that PTSD is not a choice but an injury has been critical in reducing stigma and shame in those service members contemplating whether or not to seek help. I don’t buy the notion that PTSD is “not a wound intentionally caused by the enemy”. Military forces intend to induce terror and other noxious emotions to debilitate the enemy. I think there are some situations where a Purple Heart is indicated for PTSD and I don’t see how the normal awards board process couldn’t make the right call.
