trainer. but there's a problem. >> it is an issue when somebody sees a cane. they see just months off at a time for a surgery recovery or who knows what. >> reporter: it's this cane and an unstable ankle that she says has kept her from her dream job. but the ankle isn't her only struggle. she developed ptsd after helping collect remains from the trade center after 9/11. she has been job hunting for a year and so far nothing but rejection. >> they think we all come back as sort of rambo complex, that we all have ptsd, and we're all issues, and we're all going to have health issues later on in life. >> reporter: but you do have ptsd and a wonky ankle. >> right. but i also have a strong desire to work and a strong desire to serve. >> reporter: it's not just donna. in 2010, 12% of women veterans were unemployed compared to 8.6% of civilian women. veterans' groups blame the system that was traditionally