Combat PTSD and Dental Struggles: Gregory's Story

Hi, my name is Gregory Ritchie, and I’m reaching out for help with something deeply personal.

After spending over four years overseas in Iraq, I returned home with severe PTSD—something that’s impacted every aspect of my life. One of the hardest consequences has been the damage to my teeth: broken, decayed, and missing teeth that cause daily pain and have taken a toll on my confidence. Eating, speaking, and even smiling have become uncomfortable and difficult. This has affected my health, my relationships, and my ability to move forward.

While I do have VA medical coverage, it only covers medical—not dental—unless a veteran is 100% disabled or has a 20-year retirement status. That leaves many of us who served, especially those with combat-related trauma, without support for basic dental care.

It’s truly disheartening that the U.S. government, which sends us to war, doesn’t provide full dental coverage to all veterans—especially considering how costly dental procedures are. This is an area where real policy change is desperately needed.

I’ve been told I need extensive dental work—crowns, implants, and possibly dentures—estimated to cost between $25,000 and $30,000. It's a huge expense, and something I simply can’t afford on my own.

As difficult as it is to ask, I need help. Every dollar donated will go directly toward restoring my teeth, relieving my pain, and helping me feel like myself again.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Whether you’re able to donate or just share this with others, it truly means the world to me.