Post-traumatic stress disorder and the military combat veteran: An examination of the Veteran's Administration and its policies for the treatment of veterans with PTSD

This study examines the experiences of military combat soldiers, focusing on Vietnam era veterans, and the ensuing mental and emotional problems that plague some veterans. The study traces the evolution of the watershed of terms for a condition that is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to accomplish this task, extensive research into military training and the combat experience was undertaken.; The study further examines the structure of the Veteran's Administration (VA). The evolution of policies that form available services, as well as the restructuring of the VA are scrutinized. The goal of the project was to determine if the VA has risen to the task of making high quality mental health services available to veterans who are in need of them. Conversely, the study seeks data on whether veterans who are in need of assistance for PTSD will avail themselves of the VA's services.