PTSD symptoms can start long after the events that caused them

Devon has about 900 military welfare cases with mental health problems, many including PTSD caused by combat.

A report released from the Defence Select Committee said identification and treatment of veterans relied too much on luck and good intentions.

MP Linda Gilroy, who sits on the committee, said some treatment was good but there was room for improvement.

The all-party committee found there was also not enough support for people once they had left the services.

Labour MP Mrs Gilroy said: "In terms of mental health care, we found that things were mixed.

"Some very good, but that there is also scope for a great deal of improvement."

The committee also recommended that a robust way for tracking veterans through the NHS had to be introduced because some developed mental health issues long after the events that caused them.