Experiencing shock or devastation after a traumatic event is a normal human reaction. As part of military service, many veterans encounter traumatic events and are faced with the resulting stress of those events long after leaving service. This condition is called Post-Traumatic Stress (or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD), and it can surface immediately after a deployment or decades later. Fortunately, PTSD is not something veterans and their family members need to navigate alone.
The first step in coping with PTSD is identifying the symptoms. PTSD can include a variety of symptoms and manifests differently for everyone. However, the VA has created a “rating schedule,” or a list of common symptoms, that the VA uses to assess the severity of a veteran’s service-connected PTSD.
The rating formula for PTSD recognizes that PTSD can impact (1) your employment and social life, and (2) result in a host of symptoms, including (but not limited to):
- Symptoms controlled by continuous medication;
- Depressed mood;
- Panic attacks;
- Sleep impairment;
- Memory impairment or loss;
- Disturbances of motivation and mood;
- Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships;
- Suicidal ideation;
- Near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively;
- Impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence);
- Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene;
- Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a work like setting);
- Delusions or hallucinations;
- Persistent danger of hurting self or others;
- Intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living; and
- Disorientation to time or place.
The complete Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, including PTSD, can be found here.
Seek Medical Attention
If a veteran is experiencing any of these PTSD symptoms related to an in-service traumatic event, veterans should seek medical attention from their medical providers or the VA. The VA has a wide variety of medical and support services available for veterans with PTSD, which can be found here.
Additionally, if, at any time, you are experiencing severe PTSD symptoms and need help right away, you can call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1 or texting 838255.
Consider Filing for PTSD and/or Unemployability Benefits
Are you or a loved one suffering from service-related PTSD? For some people, this condition can take years to surface, but it may still be related to a traumatic event during military service. Filing a VA disability claim and/or an unemployability claim related to your service-related PTSD will help you get the VA disability benefits you deserve.
Contact Vets National Advocates today for your free consultation. We work on a contingent fee basis so you don’t pay us anything unless your claim is successful.
Contact us for PTSD Claim Assistance Now
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can impact your life on a daily basis, making it hard to obtain meaningful employment, interact with friends and family, and cope with daily living. You shouldn’t suffer from PTSD without the benefits you’ve earned through your military service.
Contact us to reach our advocates today, or call 1 (877) 777-4021 to take the first step in obtaining the VA disability benefits you deserve.
