Doctors pressured into underdiagnosing PTSD and brain injuries

Post-traumatic stress disorder isn't just a concept. PTSD has a reasonably clear definition and physiological characteristics.

Just as clear is the fact that official agencies often diagnose disorders only if it suits their aims. If a disorder means someone will suffer discrimination or be locked up, it's more likely to be diagnosed. If it means someone will be able to collect benefits, it's less likely to be diagnosed. The system is stacked.

Now a secret recording made last year shows that the Army was (and may still be) encouraging psychologists not to diagnose soldiers with PTSD - even when PTSD shows in plain sight. The Army was rejecting countless PTSD diagnoses that were issued.

Doctors were also encouraged to underdiagnose brain injuries.

The VA was going along with this backstabbing against America's brave soldiers.

Naturally, this was under Bush, whose regime intentionally mismanaged the VA and the military for political purposes. Furthermore, the Army's policy was investigated only by the Army - not by any outside investigators - so of course the Army let itself off the hook. As with other government functions this decade, there's no accountability, thanks to rampant partisanship and corruption.

This backstabbing went on throughout the Bush era. In 2005, the VA reviewed tens of thousands of PTSD claims by veterans, accusing them of faking their PTSD. One Vietnam vet was so frustrated by this review that he committed suicide.

Why underdiagnose these disorders? PTSD and brain injuries require the military to provide long-term care and disability payments. The government would have rather spent money on waging failed wars that injure yet more soldiers than on taking care of soldiers who were already wounded.

The military is letting countless veterans go untreated for PTSD. The effects of this policy will be seen for generations. And it's going to cost society more in the long run.

(Source: http://www.salon.com/news/special/coming_home/2009/04/08/tape)