Combat PTSD Not Fit For Purple Heart

Last week, the Pentagon decided, after reviewing the matter, not to allow the Purple Heart to be awarded for combat-related PTSD. While the decision is no doubt disappointing to some, the military does what it does.

"But a Pentagon advisory group decided against the award because, it said, the condition had not been intentionally caused by enemy action, like a bomb or bullet, and because it remained difficult to diagnose and quantify.

"'Historically, the Purple Heart has never been awarded for mental disorders or psychological conditions resulting from witnessing or experiencing traumatic combat events,' said Eileen Lainez, a Pentagon spokeswoman. 'Current medical knowledge and technologies do not establish PTSD as objectively and routinely as would be required for this award at this time.'"

I certainly get the point of those who'd like to see the award bestowed on people whose lives have been ripped apart by combat PTSD, but I also understand the Pentagon's trouble with making it fit military rules for the award.