Finding What Works in a Complicated Transition: Considerations for Soldiers with PTSD and mTBI.

摘要

This study specifically focuses on the Army separation process and the positive and negative characteristics of the process, which impact soldiers diagnosed with PTSD and mild TBI. Separation from the military is a major life change that is often stressful and overwhelming. Soldiers clinically diagnosed with PTSD or mild TBI, face an uphill battle in managing, processing, and coping with life changes and stress. Major trends within the veteran population correlate PTSD to homelessness, suicide, and unemployment; these issues may be indicative of a transition process that does not account for behavioral health diagnosis of PTSD and mild TBI. This thesis deconstructs the separation process in order to identify pitfalls and possible points for success. Data for this study was obtained by interviewing Veterans Affairs (VA) case managers who deal directly with the transition of active duty soldiers with combat-related disabilities. The results of this study lay out the transition process in which a soldier is medically separated from the Army and moves into the VA health care system. It highlights the importance of coordination between DoD and the VA; the case manager's impactful position; negative financial impacts, and soldiers' responsibilities to create a successful transition.