They not only did it after Vietnam, they did it after WWII as well! (read Bill Mauldin's Back Home, he tells it like it is. Usual news stories -- "Deranged Veteran Slays Family" etc. etc.)
Yes there is PTSD, 'battle fatigue', 'nervous in the service', 'fighting Huns in your sleep'. It goes back to the days of Homer.
War is a pretty fundamental thing and it changes everyone who is involved in it forever. Most are not profoundly affected and get better, it takes time mostly -- this "thousands" and "many who are permanently destroyed" is alarmism. Some vets can't get over the effects enough to function, the best help they can get is from fellow veterans who have 'been there, done that'.
I would NOT want the government involved, because the very first thing they are going to do is (1) claim EVERY veteran is crippled by PTSD and then (2) take their gun rights away because they're "mentally unstable". If you have ears to hear, you can see the WaPo laying the groundwork for this. They're upset about the USSC decision on the Second Amendment.
The VFW, AmLegion, and the churches should organize veterans' groups to help folks with mild to moderate PTSD. Time and readjustment to civilian life are what is mostly needed.
I read it years ago. You are correct. One cartoon comes to mind even today, Willie is home reading the newspaper. The headline in extra big letters is “SOLDIER SLAPS AUNT!”
Willie says to his wife...”Here is a triple axe murder on page three. No GI’s involved.”