Monday, August 31, 2009

VA to Soften Definition of PTSD

The Department of Veterans Affairs has proposed a change in its definition of qualifying stressors for a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Under current regulations PTSD is recognized for combat veterans and POWs. The new proposal, which was posted for comment in the Federal Register on August 24, 2009, suggests they may amend the definition to include situations where, "1.) The person experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others: 2.)The person's response involved intense fear, helplessness, or horror."

Since the military first began to acknowledge PTSD as a service related disability after the Vietnam War, there have been questions about what causes it and why it strikes some and not others. We all deal with stress in different ways and the reality is that no one knows why it hits at all, much less why it effects people in seemingly random ways. So I for one am pleased to see the VA open the scope a bit to recognize that not only vets actually involved in combat can be impacted by PTSD.

What do you think? Please leave a comment.

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