Purple Heart for PTSD

[Gunslinger]

I read an article in the AF times that they are considering giving purple hearts to those who suffer from Post Tramatic Stress Disorder.  I have to say I'm torn on this issue as PTSD is one of the major wounds of this war.  These people really do suffer.  However, the Purple Heart has allways been for physical wounds.  Be it minor scratches or major injuries those suffered in combat are awarded it.  I'm torn because somone who recieves a minor scratch is eligible under current rules.  However somone who recieves deep rooted phsycological trama isn't.  For me it would seem to open the flood gates to anyone with any kind of stress that you would naturally recieve from any deployment and up.

Will it cheapen the award?  I don't know...that's the question I pose to you.  Keep in mind that some services use these awards as points toward promotion.  In addition a purple heart usually garuntees you mad VA benifits as well.  BUT,  I don't want to ignore the pain a suffering somone with PTSD gets.  Like I said I'm torn what do you think?

[Toad]

Blue Heart for Mental trauma.

As in having the blues.

Problem solved.

[lasersailor184]

Blue Heart for Mental trauma.

As in having the blues.

Problem solved.

Decent idea, but any recipient of the Blue Heart wouldn't wear it.  It would make him feel marked just as much as a gold 6 pointed star would.

That's not to judge for or against.  Only that if you're going to do it, it's gotta be equal to the purple heart, or not made at all.

[Toad]

Another way of looking at it would be that it would give legitimacy to PTSD that the disease does not fully enjoy at this point.

It would take time but I think acceptance will take recognition and this would be a way to do that.

[Carrel]

Post Viet Nam era PTSD became a great way to get a disability rating from the VA- in fact there was almost a cottage industry created of advocates who fought for your disability claim (for a small fee.)

I feel awarding purple hearts for PTSD cheapens the award for those who were legitimate recipients of the purple heart for injuries suffered in combat.

[Eagler]

they need to keep it as a physical wound or they need to hand one to everyone in the service when they are issued their dog tags...

how/who would determine when to award one otherwise??

[SpazMan]

Ask General Patton what he thinks........

[Yknurd]

George Carlin had a good bit about Shell Shock vs Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

I don't think giving a medal is a good choice in this matter though.