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Veterans and current enlisted soldiers need to get more attention and benefits
Rebecca Sutton
Mrs. Castle
English IV Honors
November 21, 2016

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Veterans and current enlisted soldiers need to get more attention and benefits
Thesis: Veterans may suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, physical disabilities and
suicidal thoughts; therefore, Veterans Affairs need catered medical services to meet each
veterans individual needs.
I.

Veterans should receive more catered medical services due to war causing PTSD
A. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that comes from experience and life-threatening
events
1. The way soldiers judge themselves during wartime and combat may cause
one to have PTSD
2. Veterans have witnessed death, been shot at, and/or seen their friends shot
and killed
3. There are three different types of post-traumatic stress disorders
B. A persons nervous system responds to stressful events in three different ways
1. Social engagement
2.

Mobilization

3. Immobilization
C. The effects of PTSD on Veterans
1. Veterans develops PTSD differently and have varied symptoms
2. Symptoms may not occur until months or even years after returning from
deployment
3. PTSD is described in four symptom clusters

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D. Family members struggle with many reactions due to their loved ones having
PTSD
1. Experience sympathy
2. Experience negative feelings
3. May become depressed
4. May develop health problems
5. Feel anger or guilt
II.

Veterans should receive more catered medical service due to war causing physical
disabilities
A. Combat causing physical disabilities
1. One in every ten veterans who served in the military suffer with a physical
disability
2. Injuries can occur from being shot, developing infections, bomb
explosions, collapsed buildings, etc.
3. Nearly 52% of veterans have been injured while serving and has not
received the help they should
B. Types of injuries
1. Fractures, amputations, spinal cord, nerve injuries, eye injuries, brain
injuries, and other injuries
2. Explosions have caused the most injuries among veterans

III.

Veterans should receive more catered medical service due to war causing suicidal
thoughts

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A. Rate of suicides among veterans

1. One in five suicides nationally was a veterans
2. 22 veterans commit suicide every day
3.

Increased from 18.5 to 22.7 out 100,000 active-duty service members

since 2012

4. The suicide risk was higher among younger, male, white, unmarried,
enlisted, and in the Army or Marine Veterans
B. Reasons why veterans have thoughts of suicide
1. Stress levels
2. Intolerable pain or emotional distress
3. Feeling of hopelessness
4. Face guilt and shame
IV.

Counter-argument: The VA believes veterans are receiving enough care and attention
A. The VA designed a program to help PTSD victims
1. The program includes a seven step recovery program
2. The VA hired 1,600 clinicians to assist mental health counseling for
veterans
B. In 2007, a law was passed requiring the VA to increase its suicide prevention
efforts
1. The VAs mental health care staff and budget grew by around 40% in the
last six years
2. Comprehensive program

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3. Suicide-prevention techniques
4. Factoring mental health concerns
5. Providing referrals
C. The Pentagon is trying to answer the question why?
1. Spending millions of dollars
2. System called battle buddies
D. Reply: The rate of suicide is increasing among veterans
1. The recovery program is time consuming and cost money
2. The complete cost of these programs are not covered for soldiers who are
currently serving are the military
3.

Many soldiers wait in VA hospitals for months at a time without getting

the treatment they deserve

4. The suicide rate is still increasing

5.

Out of the veterans who die by suicide, 70% are not under VA care

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Rebecca Sutton
Mrs. Castle
English IV Honors
November 21, 2016
Veterans and current enlisted soldiers need to get more attention and benefits
Veterans in the United States are not receiving the quality and quantity of health care
they deserve. Their benefits should include better insurance and more programs that provide the
help these veterans need in order to overcome or better cope with their disability. Due to mental
disorders being so prevalent in the military forces, the government needs to develop and enforce
better guidelines in caring for those affected. Also, the care in Veteran Affair facilities for
injured veterans is being delayed resulting in worse injury or even death. Soldiers enlist into the
military believing they will be provided with free health insurance for life, but this is a false
assumption. Not only do the veterans suffer, but also their friends, family, and loved ones suffer
due to the lack of health care and benefits. Veterans may suffer from Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder, physical disabilities and suicidal thoughts; therefore, Veterans Affairs need catered
medical services to meet each veterans individual needs.
Men and women who have served in the U.S. military have witnessed death, been shot at,
and/or seen their friends shot and killed. These traumatic events leads to a soldier developing
PTSD, a psychiatric disorder that comes from experiencing life-threatening events. There are
three different types of post-traumatic stress disorders. If symptoms last less than three months,
the disorder is classified as acute PTSD. If symptoms last at least three months, it is known as
chronic PTSD. If symptoms occur for at least six months or more after the traumatic event, the

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disorder is classified delayed-onset PTSD. PTSD is a whole-body tragedy, an integral human

event of enormous proportions with massive repercussions (qtd. in Quotes about PTSD).
PTSD can affect people in different ways. Some develop PTSD as early as the next day
or week, while others may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for up to thirty years. Nearly one in
every eight returning soldiers suffer from PTSD (Adams). After completing studies, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 31% of veterans who fought in the Vietnam war
suffer from PTSD. Also, studies concluded that 10% of those who fought in the Gulf war and
11% of veterans from the Afghanistan war suffer from PTSD (Feature: Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder PTSD).
Stressful events attack a persons nervous system, leaving them with three different ways
to respond. The first response is social engagement which involves a person making eye contact,
talking, and listening to another person. Social engagement is the most common and involved
response, and is often perceived as normal interactions. The second response is mobilization
which occurs during combat. With this response, ones heart rate and blood pressure increase,
muscles contract, and strength and speed increase. In a normal situation, the nervous system is in
charge of allowing the body to relax and return to its normal levels once the combat is over. The
third response, known as PTSD, is immobilization which occurs after combat when the nervous
system is known to be stuck. A person develops PTSD when their nervous system is unable to
handle all the stress a person builds up, is unable to return back to its normal body balance levels
and cannot move on from the events that have happened (Smith, Lawrence and Jeanne).
Afflicted veterans develop PTSD differently and have varied symptoms. The symptoms
are divided into four different sets. The first set being recurrent, repeated reminders of the

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traumatic event. Those who suffer with this set of symptoms are known to have nightmares and
flashbacks. Also, many suffer with emotional and physical reactions which cause panic attacks,
uncontrollable shaking, and a fast heart rate. The second set of symptoms include avoidance of
things, such as, family, place, friends, or situations that remind the patient of the traumatic event.
It is very common for a person suffering from PTSD to lose interest in family members, friends,
or activities they normally perform because these situations remind them of the bad memories
they have suffered from. The third set of symptoms is a fluctuation in a persons thought process
and mood. The change of thoughts or mood is caused from one feeling fear, guilt, or shame. It is
very frequent for veterans to judge themselves during wartime and combat because they feel as if
they have not performed to their highest potential or have done enough for their country. The
fourth set of symptoms is being on guard all the time, jumpy, and emotionally reactive. A
veteran can experience different moods such as short temper, anger issues, reckless behavior,
difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, exhaustion, etc (Smith, Lawrence and Jeanne ).
Post-traumatic stress disorder can cause short-term memory loss and can cause long-term mental
disorders.
Although PTSD affects the veteran the most, it also affects the veterans family members,
friends, and loved ones. As a family member or friend, it is important not to take the symptoms
of the struggling veteran personally or try to force them to talk. Trying to force something on a
veteran who is struggling with theses symptoms will make it even worse for both the individual
and the veteran. A loved one must be patient with someone who is struggling with PTSD,
because it takes a while for them to recover. For friends and family, it is very helpful to know
how to calm down the veteran when he/she become upset or triggered. Family members must

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realize, after a traumatic experience, the human system of self-preservation seems to go onto
permanent alert, as if the danger might return at any moment (qtd. in Quotes about PTSD).
Many caregivers for persons suffering with PTSD may neglect their own needs and be over
sympathetic. This can cause the caregiver to suffer from negative feelings, avoidance,
depression, anger, guilt, and other health problems. It is important as a caregiver to maintain
good health in order to protect themselves and the one struggling with PTSD (PTSD: National
Center for PTSD).
One reason veterans should receive more health care and benefits is because they are
having to live with all the complications that come from PTSD. In order for most veterans to get
better, they must begin a recovery program and/or talk to a professional therapist. These
programs may cost the veteran not only money but time. The VA offers some free programs to
veterans so they can seek help but for more intensive therapy, such as a therapist. Although, their
insurance may not pay the full cost. Without therapy and the use of recovery programs, veterans
will be scarred for life; also, ultimately affecting themselves and those around them (Veteran
Benefits Explained).
Veterans should receive better medical and prescription insurance due to war causing
physical disabilities. One in every ten veterans who served in the military suffer with a physical
disability. The most common types of injuries include: fractures, amputations, spinal cord, nerve
injuries, eye injuries, brain injuries, and other injuries (Reed). These injuries can occur from
being shot, developing infections, bomb explosions, collapsed buildings, etc.. Veterans who
served in combat are three times more likely to become disabled than those who did not. Nearly

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52% of veterans have been injured while serving and have not received the help they should
(Morin).
A soldier can suffer from strains, sprains, dislocations and fractures due to their actions
taken during combat. Once these injuries occur, physicians and physical therapist are needed to
help the injured recover, which consists of time and money. Explosions have caused the most
injuries among veterans. During the Afghanistan war, over 1,500 soldiers lost a leg or an arm
during combat and over 500 had multiple amputations (Wood). Explosions cause 56% of spine
injuries, motor vehicle collisions cause 29% of injuries, whereas, gunshots cause 15%. Nerve
injuries are mostly likely caused by an explosion or gunshot wound (American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons). Spinal cord and nerve injuries may result in the following signs and
symptoms: loss of movement, loss of sensation, loss of bowel and bladder control, spasms,
difficulty breathing and pain (Spinal Cord Injury). Eye injuries caused by combat are mostly
due to explosions; one can lose their eyesight from getting burned in the face or having sharp
object fly up in the air, causing them to cut the eye (Ryan, Ludlow, Weichel and Colyer). Eye
injuries can also come from the sand in a desert. A veteran who served in the Army National
Guard Operation Desert Storm stated:
Sand in the desert is not like that sand you find on our local beaches. It is a fine powdery
dry dust that is easily picked up by the wind and covers everything. The sand causes
callow abrasions on my eyes which still give me difficulty and can only be removed
through surgery. (Watkins)
The most common causes of brain injuries include explosions, falls and vehicle or motorcycle
accidents. A brain injury occurs when there is a blow to the head, which can cause memory loss

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or coma. Other injuries may include hearing loss caused by the loud machinery equipment and
explosives (Traumatic Brain Injury Overview).
More than half of the soldiers that fight in combat get injured; therefore, their insurance
and health care benefits need to be increased. A soldier who is injured could be dismissed from
service and left with their medical bills. Although the military does cover some of the cost, it is
not enough for someone who has currently been dismissed. Injuries caused during combat could
cause permanent disability. As a result, the military should cover the cost of the medical bills, as
well as the cost of a physical therapist. Many soldiers go untreated because they cannot afford
their medical bills. Veterans who are injured are not getting enough medical attention, which
could result in thoughts of suicide.
Veterans should receive more intensive mental health care needs due to war causing
suicidal thoughts. Studies show that about 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the United
States. The rate of suicide has increased from 18.5 to 22.7 out of 100,000 active-duty service
members since 2012 (Bower). The suicide risk was higher among younger, male, white,
unmarried, enlisted, and in the Army or Marine Veterans. While suicide has increased across all
branches of the military over the last decade, the Army has seen the most significant spikes
(Childress). Men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. A lot of veteran
soldiers contemplate suicide because they cannot find a job, have no money to eat, suffer
alcoholism, smoke marijuana, or have no friends or family around etc. (Zarembo).
Veterans have thoughts of suicide due to stress levels, intolerable pain or emotional
distress and feeling of hopelessness. Sociologist Emile Durkheim believes that the bond
between ones self and his or her country are crucial factors in suicide. After studies were

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completed, it was concluded that most people who think about committing suicide never actually
try to kill themselves. Studies show that for every one person who attempts suicide, three
consider it, but never act upon it. People who have suicidal thoughts may try to self-harm
themselves by cutting, burning or hitting oneself (Brower). High stress levels could be caused by
combat, basic training, or other life experiences. As stress rate rises, studies show that the suicide
rate is also rising. Craig Bryan states, stress has increased the burden on all service members,
regardless of whether theyve been deployed (qtd. in Childress). The thought of not being able
to perform to ones satisfaction could also cause a person to feel stress. Stress can interfere with
a persons daily life, as well as, their work (Stress and Anxiety). Veterans have intolerable pain
because they allow their guilt and shame to overtake them, making them believe suicide is the
only way out. Every time a soldier kills another human, they feel pain and guilt. US Marine
Corporal William Wold said:
In 368 consecutive days of travel, 71 airplanes, 30 countries and 21 wars, the indisputable
truth I found was this: combat is almost always the shortest and smallest part of any
conflict, while collateral damage or civil destruction is wars most enduring legacy. But
even more surprising to me was that former combatants often become casualties
themselves. War veterans I met across the globe, from Somalia to Sri Lanka, feel that
they killed a part of their own humanity every time they pulled the trigger, becoming
collateral damage as well. (qtd. in Sites)
Veterans replay their actions of killing someone over in their head, which causes them to
feel shame and guilt. When a veteran returns home from deployment, some feel as though they
are by themselves. Dr. Jonathan Shay believes that a soldier who is sent on multiple combats

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are said to have a higher risk of suicide (Swofford). A soldier who is sent on multiple combats
have a hard time trusting others around them when they return home from war. When the
soldiers do return home, they say it just doesnt feel right or normal. Veterans feel as if no one
can understand their pain nor have the ability to connect with them.
With the suicide rate continuing to rise among veterans, the VA needs to provide more
attention and help to those in need. Most soldiers feel that if their commander knows about their
suicidal thoughts, he/she may think they are not strong enough to go back to war. If a soldier
feels they will be judged, then they will never open up to anyone or become stable again. Only
about half the soldiers who need help seek it and get treatment. The rate of suicide in veterans is
double the rate of civilians. General Peter Chiarelli stated, acknowledging a problem,
particularly anything associated with an individuals mental health, is frequently perceived as
admitting weakness or failure (Childress). It is very important for those who have thoughts of
suicide to seek immediate help or the rate of suicide will continue to rise.
Veterans should receive more intensive health care needs because combat affects every
veteran a different way. Every veteran handles their thoughts differently. According to Timothy
Weddle, a former US Marine, when asked if his fellow combat friends suffered with suicidal
thoughts and if so, did they act different from those who did not, his response was, it really
varies dependent on the person. Sometimes you are shocked when you find out because of how
well they seemed to be doing (Weddle). Therefore, each veteran should be provided with the
individual service needed in order to be overcome their suicidal thoughts.
The VA believes that veterans are receiving enough medical care and insurance. A
recovery program is recommended to those who are diagnosed with PTSD, this program includes

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seven steps. The VA also recommends those who suffer from PTSD need to get professional
treatment. The VA hired 1,600 clinicians to assist mental health counseling for veterans. PTSD
can lead to suicide, but the percentage can be lowered by programs and professional therapy. In
2007, a law was passed called Joshua Omvig Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, in which the VA
was required to increase its suicide prevention efforts. Since the law was passed, the VAs
mental health care staff and budget grew by around 40% over a period of six years. The law
designed a comprehensive program, which included training VA staff in suicide-prevention
techniques, factoring mental health concerns, and providing referrals at veterans request
(Childress). The VA believes they are doing all they can to help prevent suicide. In order to
prevent suicide, the Pentagon is spending millions of dollars to research the problem. Suicide has
become the top priority in the military. There is a system called battle buddies where a service
member will ask his/her buddy if he/she is having suicidal thoughts, show concerns about the
well being of his/her buddy, and escort a the buddy to a health care provider if signs of harm are
shown. The program is called ACE for the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Marines also have
NLMB: Never Leave a Marine Behind. Studies have shown that these battle buddies have
decreased the rate of suicide among veterans (Hargarten, Forrest, Bonnie, and Chase).
The VA offers veterans who suffer with PTSD a program where they have seven steps to
recovery. These steps included in the recovery process are not easy for a veteran to achieve. The
recovery process is going to require time and money. The military only offers these services to
veterans who have completed active military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or
Coast Guard or were discharged under honorable conditions. Therefore, the complete cost of
these programs are not covered for soldiers who are currently serving within the military. If a

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soldier is fighting for their country, they should not have to worry about paying for their medical
bills. Injured veterans are not receiving the health care and benefits needed. Many soldiers wait
in VA hospitals for months at a time without getting the treatment they deserve. Although the
VA is stating they are doing all they can to prevent suicide, the rate is still increasing. In 2012,
for the first time in at least a generation, the number of active-duty soldiers who killed
themselves, 177, exceeded the 176 who were killed while in the war zone (Pilkington). Out of
the veterans who died by suicide, 70% are not under VA care. Veterans feel as though they will
be looked down upon if they tell someone they have thoughts of suicide, so they never tell their
officer. If the VA is doing all they can to prevent suicide, the rate would not be continuing to
rise.
People serving in the military face stress inducing dangers from striving to protect their
country. Some of the most common stress inducing emotional disorders are PTSD and suicidal
thoughts. In addition to the emotional turmoils, half of soldiers currently fighting in combat are
experiencing physical injuries. In many cases, their country is not doing what it should to repay
the soldiers sacrifice. At the very least, the country should provide free and cutting edge medical
care for current soldiers, as well as, veterans who require honorable discharge.

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Weddle, Timothy. Personal Interview. 11 November 2016.

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