Service members who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will not qualify for the Purple Heart medal. The Defense Department announced the decision Jan. 9, following months of study. The Purple Heart will continue to be awarded to service members who suffer "an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent." Post-traumatic stress disorder does not meet that qualification because it is triggered by "witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event," the DoD determined.