Non-combat PTSD and combat PTSD?

PTSD is not a military only related mental health issue. Any trauma, regardless of time, place, or situation can cause it.

Combat, Rape, death, violence, abuse, accidents, injury, shock, surprise, bullying... We all here the rumor of the guy that contracted it when the Drill Sergeant yelled at him and we laugh... except based on the life he lived and coping skills he has (or doesn't), this incident may very well have caused PTSD... So, I prefer to look at it as "There is PTSD." The origin doesn't matter, there is a mind/soul that still needs to be healed.

Yes there is a non combat PTSD the condition isn't synonymous with Military service. for example my ex wife went from the Air Force to the Army and was raped during a training exercise she has PTSD and has never seen combat. my wife lost a child to drowning in a lake on the 4th of July and she has PTSD. it is caused by severe Trauma of any sort. hence Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The problem is when you reach out to the VA. There is such a thing as PTSD outside of combat. Of course we all know that but when you approach the VA about it, they do all they can to prevent putting those initials on-paper. I have been labeled as having an adjustment disorder following a PTSD episode. The other problem is that when I was in, any hint of mental problem and you were gone. Your career was over. So, when you look at claiming disability, of course you did not seek treatment for the precipitating event. Also how do you document experiences like being on duty at the hospital and dealing with deaths over the years. Yes, they will take their toll on you. Walking into a room and seeing somebody with their brains scattered on the wall behind the chair they sat in is just a little traumatizing. That's just an example. How do you begin to document that stuff? So yeah, non-combat PTSD does exist, but how do you convince the VA that you were exposed to events if they were a normal part of your duties or you were afraid to seek help at the time.