- As of September 2014, there are about 2.7 million American veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, compared to 2.6 million Vietnam veterans who fought in Vietnam; there are 8.2 million “Vietnam Era Veterans” (personnel who served anywhere during any time of the Vietnam War).
- According to RAND, at least 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD and/or Depression.
- A comprehensive analysis, published in 2014, found that for PTSD: “Among male and female soldiers aged 18 years or older returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, rates range from 9% shortly after returning from deployment to 31% a year after deployment.
- PTSD is the third most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis among veterans.
- 50% of those with PTSD do not seek treatment.
- 19% of veterans may have traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Over 260,000 veterans having served in Iraq and Afghanistan so far have been diagnosed with TBI.
- 7% of veterans have both post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury
- Rates of post-traumatic stress are greater for these wars than prior conflicts
- Recent statistical studies show that rates of veteran suicide are much higher than previously thought, as much 22 a day, up from a low of 18 per year in 2007, based on a 2012 VA Suicide Data Report.
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