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Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

Veterans Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex and serious disorder affecting Veterans from every conflict. VA is committed to providing the best care and resources for our Veterans that are diagnosed and deal with PTSD. We have made historic progress in PTSD treatments and are expanding access by increasing the number of mental health providers at VA medical centers. Learn more about VA's programs, support groups, and research aimed to helping those with PTSD.

"This nation has a solemn obligation to the men and women who have honorably served this country and suffer from the often devastating emotional wounds of war." ~ Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

VA PTSD Program Quick Facts

In Fiscal Year 2011, 476,515 Veterans with primary or secondary diagnosis of PTSD received treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and clinics.
In 2010, Secretary Shinseki reduces the evidence needed by Veterans seeking health care and disability compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The simplified process allows for faster and more accurate decisions and faster access to medical care to Veterans.
All Veterans coming to VA for the first time are screened for the presence of symptoms of PTSD and depression.
Treatment is driven by a recovery orientation, which includes a focus on the Veteran's needs and preferences in order to help them fulfill their personal goals and live meaningful lives.
The PTSD Coach mobile app is available as a free download for iPhone or Android devices to help Veteran's manage PTSD symptoms. The app has been downloaded over 66,000 times in over 65 countries.
VA has launched Make the Connection, Strong at the Broken Places, and About Face—campaigns that aim to help Veteran's feel comfortable talking about PTSD and seeking help if need be.

VA PTSD Program Highlights

Make the Connection

Make the Connection is a public awareness campaign by VA that provides personal testimonials and resources to help Veterans discover ways to improve their lives. Many of our Nation's Veterans—from those who served in World War II to those involved in current conflicts—return not only with physical wounds but also mental health issues they may not recognize.

About Face

About Face, a subsidiary of VA's National Center for PTSD, is dedicated to changing the lives of Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here Vets can learn about PTSD, explore treatment options and, most importantly, hear stories from other Vets who have faced PTSD and regained control of their lives.

Strong at the Broken Places

Strong at the Broken Places aims to break the pervasive stereotypes about the downtrodden Veteran that have persisted since the Civil War. When we're in uniform, we're considered heroes—often thanked for our service—but once we take off the uniform, the world sometimes views us differently. Given this environment, Veterans can be resistant to speaking openly about their military experiences in the classroom, at work, or with family and friends—thus hampering the reintegration process. At VA, we aim to break that cycle. One way we're trying to do that is with the launch of Strong at the Broken Places (SATBP). The idea is to convey to civilians and Veterans that success—and healing—after leaving the military is possible.

Media Center

In the News

September 26, 2013 – The New York Times – For Veterans, a Surge of New Treatments for Trauma
September 19, 2012 – U.S. Department of Defense – VA, DOD to Fund $100 Million PTSD and TBI Study
August 14, 2012 – The LA Times – Couples Therapy Shows Promise for Partners with PTSD

Press Release

VA Supports Family and Friends Seeking to Encourage Vets to Get Mental Health Services – VA recently completed a media campaign for its call center "Coaching Into Care," a telephone service which provides assistance to family members and friends trying to encourage their Veteran to seek health care for possible readjustment and mental health issues.
VA/DoD PTSD Coach App Wins Innovation Award for Telemedicine Advancement – VA and DoD's Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) coach mobile application marked its first anniversary with receipt of an award for innovation in the advancement of telemedicine from the American Telemedicine Association.
VA Simplifies Access to Health Care and Benefits for Veterans with PTSD – Secretary Shinseki announced a critical step forward in providing an easier process for Veterans seeking health care and disability compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with the publication of a final regulation in the Federal Register.

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