For many Vietnam veterans, the end of combat did not mark the end of their fight. Instead, they returned to a different kind of war—one waged silently and alone. This hidden battle was for legitimacy, compassion, and recognition of a condition that few understood at the time: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While their physical wounds often healed, the emotional and psychological damage lingered, unseen, untreated, and misunderstood. These veterans faced stigma not only from the public but also from their own peers and medical providers. Still, they persevered, pushing for change.
In this blog, we’ll explore the history of PTSD diagnosis, focusing on the tireless efforts of Vietnam veterans who demanded awareness, legitimacy, and support. Their perseverance helped transform the future of mental health care for all service members and veterans.
A Silent Struggle After the Guns Went Quiet
When U.S. troops returned home from Vietnam in the late 1960s and early 1970s, many expected to be greeted with gratitude. Instead, they faced public disapproval fueled by a divisive political climate and growing opposition to the war. Unlike the heroes of World War II, Vietnam veterans were often met with suspicion—or worse, outright hostility.
On top of this social rejection, many veterans were struggling with something far more complex and debilitating than anyone fully understood at the time. Nightmares, emotional numbness, sudden outbursts, and feelings of alienation plagued them. But there was no framework to describe what they were experiencing. It was not yet called PTSD—it was simply “something’s wrong.”
At the time, many medical professionals failed to recognize or diagnose these symptoms accurately. Instead, veterans were often told to "get over it" or were misdiagnosed with depression, anxiety, or personality disorders. Others simply suffered in silence.
What Is Post-Vietnam Syndrome?
By the early 1970s, patterns began to emerge. Many mental health practitioners noticed that returning veterans shared a common set of symptoms, even if their combat experiences varied. In 1972, Dr. Chaim Shatan published an article in The New York Times titled “Post-Vietnam Syndrome”.1 He was one of the first to describe the psychological impact of combat on Vietnam veterans.
Post-Vietnam syndrome became a catch-all term for what we now understand as PTSD. It included a wide range of symptoms, such as:
- Flashbacks and intrusive memories
- Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response
- Emotional detachment from loved ones
- Substance abuse as a coping mechanism
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
This term helped move the conversation from stigma to science. More importantly, it gave veterans a way to articulate their experiences.
The phrase “post-Vietnam syndrome” was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Vietnam Veterans PTSD Recognition movement.
The History of PTSD Diagnosis: From the Margins to the Mainstream
Although the emotional aftermath of war has been observed for centuries, referred to as "soldiers’ heart" in the Civil War, "shell shock" in World War I, and "combat fatigue" in World War II, there was no consistent or formal mental health diagnosis for trauma-related symptoms until 1980.
That year marked a significant shift in the history of PTSD diagnosis, as the American Psychiatric Association included PTSD in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III).2
This inclusion was monumental. For the first time, the psychological injuries of war were given official medical legitimacy. Veterans could now seek treatment, qualify for disability compensation, and gain access to care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This change did not happen in a vacuum. It was the direct result of advocacy and research driven by—and on behalf of—Vietnam veterans.
Veteran Advocacy: Speaking Out for the Silent Wounds of War
Many Vietnam veterans felt betrayed—not just by public sentiment, but by a system that didn’t understand them. That frustration turned into activism. Veterans began organizing peer support groups and advocacy organizations, many of which continue to support former service members today.
Groups like Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and other grassroots networks pushed for government recognition of combat-related psychological trauma. They met with policymakers, conducted public awareness campaigns, and shared their stories with researchers and journalists.3
Their message was clear: war doesn’t end on the battlefield. The emotional wounds often run deeper than the physical ones—and they last longer, too.
Without this advocacy, the Vietnam Veterans PTSD Recognition effort may have taken much longer to gain traction.
The Role of the VA and Mental Health Professionals
In the years following the Vietnam War, the Department of Veterans Affairs began slowly expanding mental health services. However, progress was inconsistent. Many veterans found that even when care was technically available, accessing it was filled with bureaucratic challenges.
Vietnam veterans played a crucial role in reshaping these systems. Their feedback, lawsuits, and persistence helped establish the PTSD compensation program at the VA. They also influenced new training programs for counselors and doctors working with veterans.
Today, many of the trauma-informed practices used in VA hospitals can be traced back to these early efforts. The recognition of PTSD as a diagnosable condition helped destigmatize treatment and opened doors for countless veterans to seek the help they needed.
How This Legacy Impacts Veterans Today
The impact of Vietnam veterans’ fight for recognition can still be felt in every corner of military healthcare and policy.
Because of their advocacy:
- PTSD is now widely understood and taught in medical schools
- Military personnel are screened for psychological trauma before and after deployment
- Mental health services are built into active-duty and veteran care systems
In addition, life insurance providers like the Uniformed Service Benefit Association® (USBA®) are better equipped to work with veterans who have PTSD. Unlike in decades past, mental health diagnoses like PTSD don’t automatically disqualify you from obtaining quality coverage. Addressing your mental health head-on can strengthen your overall protection plan.
This progress wasn’t handed down from the top—it was hard-won by the very people who struggled most.
Life Insurance and Mental Health: A Modern Perspective
One of the most common questions veterans ask is: Can I still qualify for life insurance if I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD?
At USBA, we understand that mental health conditions—especially those related to service—are part of your story, not your whole story. That’s why our life insurance options are built around real-life understanding.
We offer coverage for veterans, active-duty members, and their families, with policies that reflect your needs, not just your medical chart. PTSD, like any medical condition, is just one part of your overall risk profile. If you’re managing your mental health, seeking treatment, and living a stable life, you can most likely find coverage that fits your goals.
Taking out life insurance is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family’s financial future. For many veterans, it’s also a powerful symbol of strength—a way to ensure that even in the face of invisible battles, your loved ones will always be cared for.
Continuing the Mission: What You Can Do Today
The best way to honor the legacy of those who fought for Vietnam Veterans PTSD Recognition is to keep the conversation going. Here’s how you can continue the mission they started:
- Talk about it. Share your story with other veterans or family members. Breaking the silence helps others to speak freely.
- Seek help if you need it. PTSD is treatable. There is no shame in seeking counseling or therapy.
- Explore your benefits. From healthcare to financial protection, don’t leave valuable resources unused.
- Protect your family. Life insurance offers peace of mind, ensuring your loved ones are covered, no matter what.
Conclusion: Honoring the Hidden Battle
The journey toward PTSD recognition was long, painful, and often overlooked. But thanks to the bravery of Vietnam veterans—on and off the battlefield—we now have the language, support, and services to address the psychological wounds of war.
Their advocacy transformed not just the VA and the DSM, but the entire conversation around military mental health. They changed how we see trauma, how we treat it, and how we prepare for it.
At USBA, we’re proud to serve those who’ve served. Whether you’re a Vietnam veteran, an active-duty service member, or part of a new generation of military families, we’re here to help you build a strong, secure future.
1. Friedman, Matthew. “Va.Gov: Veterans Affairs.” PTSD History and Overview, 31 Jan. 2007
2. Shatan, Chaim. “Post‐Vietnam Syndrome.” New York Times, 6 May 1972
3. “History.” History | Vietnam Veterans of America. Accessed 22 May 2025