Combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Options

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Should those who suffer from combat PTSD be recognized as casualties? How legitimate is mental illness in comparison to a physical injury? With this, should it be appropriate for a man/woman with PTSD to receive a purple heart?

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You can't just equate combat-stress to being weak. If you've never had rounds shot through the windshield of your vehicle, if you've never had your convoy get dismantled by an IED, or if you've never watched a leader you've served under for two years get obliterated right before your eyes; this subject is completely foreign. I fight my own thoughts and emotions on a daily basis to keep a cool head, and it's becoming increasingly difficult.

If a service member encounters small arms, or indirect fire, and is wounded by that, he'll, more than likely, receive a purple heart. I know a lot of guys that despise that medal (I'm one of them). I don't want to get rewarded for being a victim. In a way, awarding a purple heart to those who suffer from PTSD is the same thing. Instead of pouring more salt on the wound, there should be more invested in the treatment of PTSD.

You wouldn't want to break your arm and not allow it to heal, would you?