War Trauma Leaves A Physical Mark

BBC NEWS | Health | War trauma 'leaves physical mark':
"Soldiers suffering psychological traumas years after serving in a war also experience poorer physical health, a series of studies suggest."

Not surprisingly, studies continue to show that veterans suffering from war trauma are more likely to develop debilitating and deadly physical symptoms if the stress is untreated. Further, the research also supports the contention that PTSD is an umbrella, under which other diagnoses should be recognized and treated accordingly.

"The men with PTSD, whether because of their combat service or not, were far more likely to die from accidents, drugs or suicide."

This strongly suggests that diagnoses and treatment for depression, drug addiction (including alcohol), and more are symptoms of PTSD, not singular diagnoses.

We need to stop disqualifying veterans for benefits based on diagnoses that are symptoms of the greater problem and support programs that address the underlying cause: war trauma PTSD.