Veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, at a substantially higher rate than most other people, with around 7% of all veterans suffering from the disorder. However, many veterans have a poor understanding of this condition, despite how comparatively common it is. Here is what you need to know about PTSD as a veteran:
- You do not need to have seen combat to have PTSD
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- While PTSD in veterans is commonly associated with trauma suffered during combat, you can experience symptoms even if you have never been injured, or even if you have never been in combat. This is because the condition can be caused from exposure to any life-threatening situation, or from witnessing someone else be harmed in that type of situation. This may include things like natural disasters, motor vehicle accidents, or sexual assaults, among other types of trauma.
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- The effects of PTSD are not always obvious
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- While the effects of PTSD can be debilitating, it can also go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for months or years. Often, it can be mistaken for other psychological disorders, such as major depression or an anxiety disorder. However, one of the biggest reasons it can go untreated is because veterans refuse to seek treatment, suffering in silence with their psychological issues.
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- PTSD can significantly impair your ability to work or function in daily life
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- People often underestimate just how crippling PTSD can be, especially for veterans. Often, people who suffer from the condition can struggle to simply perform daily chores or take care of their family, and it can make it very hard to hold down a job. This can make it necessary to seek disability benefits to support yourself.
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- It can be treated with therapy and medication
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- Fortunately, PTSD is not untreatable, and can typically be managed with psychological therapy and medication. Unfortunately, many veterans do not get the treatment they need, either because they do not want to admit they need help, or because they are afraid about the cost. However, the VA offers this sort of treatment for veterans, precisely because of how commonly they suffer from psychological issues like PTSD.
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- You may be entitled to disability benefits if you have PTSD
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- If you are a veteran and you are suffering from PTSD or another psychological disorder caused by your military service, you may be entitled to disability benefits through the VA. That is why you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling veterans’ disability claims. They can help you seek the benefits you rightly deserve, and argue on your behalf if your claim is denied and you need to appeal.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
