Featured by Stars & Stripes: Why the Purple Heart for PTSD Conversation Is Gaining National Attention

Earlier last year, we published an article exploring a long-standing and deeply personal debate in the veteran community: whether Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) should qualify for recognition through the Purple Heart.

That article — “Purple Hearts for PTSD?” — examined the history of the Purple Heart, the evolving understanding of combat-related trauma, and the perspectives of veterans who believe psychological wounds deserve recognition alongside physical ones.

The conversation struck a chord.

Revisiting the Question We Asked

In our original piece, we didn’t argue for easy answers. Instead, we explored why the question itself matters.

PTSD is now widely recognized as a service-connected injury — one that can be just as life-altering as visible wounds. Veterans living with PTSD often carry lasting impacts on their health, relationships, and ability to reintegrate into civilian life.

The article looked at:

• The historical criteria for Purple Heart eligibility
• How combat injuries have been defined over time
• Why PTSD challenges traditional distinctions between “visible” and “invisible” wounds
• The emotional and symbolic weight of recognition in military culture

At its core, the piece asked whether the military’s highest recognition for sacrifice should evolve as our understanding of war evolves.

National Recognition from Stars & Stripes

That discussion has now reached a wider audience.

On January 5, 2026, our reporting and analysis were cited by Stars & Stripes, one of the most respected publications serving the U.S. military and veteran community.

Their article — “Iraq War veteran wants Purple Heart awarded for PTSD” — builds on the same debate, highlighting firsthand veteran perspectives and the growing push to reconsider how combat injuries are recognized.

Being referenced by Stars & Stripes signals that this is no longer a fringe conversation. It’s part of a broader, national dialogue about service, sacrifice, and how we honor both.

Why This Matters …

Recognition doesn’t erase trauma — but it does acknowledge it.

For many veterans, conversations like this aren’t about medals. They’re about validation. About acknowledging that psychological injuries are real, service-connected, and deserving of respect.

The fact that this topic is now being discussed across multiple veteran platforms shows that the community is ready to have nuanced, thoughtful conversations — even when the answers aren’t simple.

Final Thoughts …

At Disabled Veterans, our goal has always been to elevate veteran voices, explore difficult topics honestly, and contribute meaningfully to conversations that affect those who served.

We’re honored to see our work referenced by Stars & Stripes and grateful to be part of an ongoing discussion that continues to evolve.

If you haven’t yet, we invite you to read our original article — and join the conversation.