Veterans Report Moral Injury Makes Reintegration More Difficult
VA Research News Briefs

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(04/17/2025)
VA researchers from Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis explored the relationship between moral injury and the reintegration challenges faced by post-9/11 Veterans. Through interviews with Veterans, the researchers found moral injury and reintegration have a dynamic relationship: reintegration into civilian life can make a Veteran reflect on their military experiences and come to new moral conclusions, while feelings of moral injury can make trusting others, talking about military experiences, and finding meaning difficult and therefore hinder reintegration. More than 40% of newly separated Veterans reported issues with reintegration, including finding employment and housing, social isolation, and difficulties with physical and mental health. Additionally, more than 50% of post-9/11 Veterans report exposure to at least one event that they categorize as a moral injury. The research team encourage mental health practitioners to assess moral injury as a possible barrier to reintegration, but also be aware that moral injury may affect the Veterans' ability to trust others. (Military Psychology, Apr. 1, 2025)