Military General Ignores Soldier PTSD Claims — Judge Caprio’s Emotional Verdict Goes Viral
Court Orders Army to Discharge Decorated Sergeant After General Ignored PTSD Diagnosis
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Washington, D.C. — A U.S. civilian court has ordered the Army to grant a full medical discharge with honors to a highly decorated combat veteran after ruling that a senior general violated his rights by ignoring medical evidence of severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The case centers on Sergeant David Morrison, 34, a 12-year Army veteran who served five combat tours—three in Afghanistan and two in Iraq—and earned multiple commendations for bravery. Military records described Morrison as a soldier who repeatedly placed himself in danger to protect others.
But after returning from his final deployment, Morrison began suffering from severe PTSD, according to testimony from multiple Department of Veterans Affairs physicians. Medical evaluations documented nightmares, panic attacks, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and a heightened suicide risk. Doctors unanimously recommended immediate treatment and a medical discharge, warning that continued service could endanger Morrison and those around him.
Those recommendations were rejected by Major General William Burke, a 36-year career officer, who denied the discharge and ordered Morrison back to active duty. In official paperwork, Burke described PTSD as “overdiagnosed” and accused Morrison of exaggerating symptoms to avoid duty.
Crisis and Court-Martial Threat
Morrison’s condition rapidly deteriorated after returning to his unit. Fellow soldiers and immediate commanders testified that he was unable to function safely during training exercises and posed a danger during simulated combat scenarios. Despite multiple appeals from unit leadership, Burke refused to reconsider.
The situation escalated when Morrison experienced a mental health crisis and was hospitalized after a suicide attempt. Rather than approve medical separation, Burke ordered Morrison court-martialed for “conduct unbecoming,” a move that exposed the sergeant to potential imprisonment, dishonorable discharge, and loss of all military benefits.
Morrison’s wife, Sarah Morrison, then sought civilian legal help.
Civilian Court Intervention
Attorney James Rodriguez, who specializes in military-related civil rights cases, filed suit in federal court, arguing that Burke’s actions exceeded lawful military authority and amounted to deliberate indifference to a service member’s medical needs.
Although military matters are typically handled within the armed forces, the presiding judge ruled that civilian courts have jurisdiction when constitutional rights and basic medical standards are violated.
During the trial, Rodriguez presented extensive medical records, testimony from VA doctors, written support from Morrison’s commanding officers, and statements from fellow soldiers who described Morrison’s visible decline.
Sarah Morrison testified emotionally, describing the night she found her husband sitting on their bathroom floor with his service weapon. “He told me he couldn’t escape the war in his head,” she said.
Morrison himself testified that he did not want to leave the Army but could no longer function safely. “I felt abandoned,” he told the court. “I gave everything I had, and when I needed help, I was told to toughen up.
General’s Defense Draws Sharp Criticism
Taking the stand, General Burke defended his decision as necessary for military readiness. He acknowledged overruling medical professionals but said his decades of experience allowed him to judge whether a soldier was “truly injured.”
When asked whether Morrison’s suicide attempt affected his assessment, Burke replied that the sergeant needed “better coping mechanisms,” a statement that drew audible reaction in the courtroom.
The judge later described Burke’s testimony as “deeply troubling,” citing a refusal to acknowledge modern medical science and a reliance on outdated views of mental health.
Judge’s Ruling: “Indifference Almost Cost a Life”
In a sweeping ruling, the court found that Burke violated military regulations and Morrison’s civil rights by acting with “deliberate indifference” to his well-being.
The judge ordered the Army to:
Immediately grant Sergeant Morrison a full medical discharge with honors
Restore all benefits and correct his service record
Implement new oversight procedures preventing single commanders from overriding medical professionals
Conduct a review of all medical discharge requests previously denied by Burke
An internal review later revealed that Burke had denied medical discharges to 17 soldiers over a five-year period. Twelve of those cases were subsequently approved. Burke was formally reprimanded and retired shortly afterward. He did not appeal the ruling.
Life After the Verdict
Morrison has since entered long-term treatment, including therapy, medication, and peer support programs. While he continues to manage PTSD, his family says he is no longer in crisis.
He now works with veteran advocacy groups, helping former service members navigate the VA system and access benefits.
“This ruling saved my life,” Morrison said after the hearing. “But it shouldn’t take a court order for soldiers to get medical care.”
Broader Implications
Legal analysts say the case sets an important precedent for civilian oversight when military leadership disregards medical expertise. Veteran advocacy groups have praised the ruling, calling it a reminder that PTSD is a combat injury, not a character flaw.
The judge concluded the proceedings with a pointed message: “Mental wounds are no less real than physical ones. Leadership without compassion is not strength—it is failure.”
