These criteria seem to have been established with Korean War or World War II veterans in mind. For the new generation of veterans, the major issue is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Yet this issue is never talked about enough, nor is it sufficiently considered in the decision-making process. Perhaps it's time to look at some studies and to take PTSD seriously. This disorder is as devastating as any physical injury, such as a severed leg.
This is what I'm seeing when I learn about PTSD. Some men with this disorder ask for help, but sometimes case managers deny them help outright. As a result, the men end up losing their minds and even dying by suicide. Men with PTSD are no longer independent. They can't leave their homes, they're afraid and they're alone.
One of my warrant officers died by suicide as a result of PTSD. His family had abandoned him because of his condition. He didn't receive any counselling. However, if he had received counselling, he wouldn't have died by suicide when his family abandoned him. That's why a family caregiver is extremely important. PTSD must be taken into account when it comes to dealing with members of the new generation of veterans.