Greg Murphy, Representative of North Carolina, said that research led by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on RNA sequencing could enhance diagnosis and treatment options for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The statement was made on the social media platform X.
“RNA sequencing could transform diagnosis and treatment for veterans suffering from PTSD,” said Gregory Francis Murphy, U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 3rd congressional District (R). “A high-quality, successful study conducted by the VA would accelerate the adoption of this potential breakthrough for veterans.”
According to Nature, recent research into PTSD for veterans employs RNA sequencing to identify gene expression changes in neurons, endothelial cells, and microglia. This approach provides new biomarkers and enables more personalized PTSD diagnosis and treatment strategies for former service members.
As reported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 14% of male and 24% of female veterans using VA healthcare were diagnosed with PTSD in 2024. Furthermore, 23% of all veterans utilizing VA services have experienced PTSD at some point, a rate significantly higher than among non-VA veterans.
The National Center for PTSD indicates that only 6–13% of veterans in VA specialty PTSD clinics receive gold-standard therapy. However, those who do—particularly with prolonged exposure therapy—experience symptom improvement in about 60% of cases. This highlights a need for broader access to effective care.
As described by the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Greg Murphy is a Republican representing North Carolina’s 3rd District since 2019. He is also a practicing physician and a leader in supporting VA healthcare reform and innovation in PTSD research and treatment for veterans.
