“With a half million disability cases stuck in a VA backlog, and an estimated 25 percent of Iraq/Afghanistan troops with PTSD not seeking treatment…”

• •This is a factual claim. It provides statistics about the current situation regarding  disability cases in the VA. It discusses the significant pileup of patients who aren’t able to receive treatment and points out a significant administrative issue. 

Factual, sure. Most claims are factual, whether true or false. What else is it? It’s Quantitative for sure. It’s Evaluative since, as you say, it indicates a backlog. It’s Evaluative in another way, too, in that it suggests that with massive backlogs, vets despair of being treated and stop seeking it. Altogether those claims add up to an Ethical claim that vets deserve better treatment.

“When you share this sort of thing with a person, and you make it through it, it’s a deeper love, really.” 

• •This is an evaluative claim. The statement evaluates the significance of a bond between individuals who face challenging circumstances together. It infers that facing and overcoming difficulties can strengthen the emotional connection between people, leading to a more profound and meaningful love.

“She doesn’t regret one day” 

• •This is an ethical claim. This claim pertains to the judgment of Danna regarding her experiences as a military spouse. It suggests that despite facing numerous challenges, including her husband’s health issues and her son’s struggles, she has no regrets about her decisions or the path she has taken. This claim reflects Danna’s love for motherhood and her integrity in standing by her family through these struggles.

“Two nights ago,” she writes in one post, “I was doing my normal nightly running around like crazy to get laundry and school bags and lunches ready for the next day, when the hubby found me in the laundry room…”

• •This is an illustrative claim. It is an illustration of a specific moment in the author’s life, providing details about her actions and environment. It offers a glimpse into her daily routine and highlights a brief, but significant interaction with her husband amidst the chaos of daily life.

This is nice, but you cut it off too soon. The interaction follows.