Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is very real. It affects an individual’s ability to maintain relationships and to gain and retain employment. It is, for many people, a barrier to social interaction with others. But, what is post traumatic stress disorder?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a disability brought on due to stress. It is very common in military veterans, survivors of sexual trauma, and people who have survived other traumatic events such as catastrophic car accidents. Post-Traumatic Stress is stress that doesn’t quite go away. PTSD is often discovered through symptoms displayed immediately after the traumatic event or several years afterwards.
Over 7 million adults in the United States are afflicted with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many of those individuals are military combat veterans, and the magnitude of this affliction is far-reaching. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it is estimated that PTSD affects
Many misconceptions have arisen surrounding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Despite an increased awareness in recent years of the disorder, both in the general public and amongst medical professionals, it is still often misdiagnosed or not treated sufficiently. Prescribed medications may end up being a substitute for a more in-depth neurological or psychological evaluation.
As a result, PTSD puts an enormous economic burden on individuals affected with the disability. Those afflicted with PTSD have among the highest rates of healthcare use due to the array of symptoms brought on by the disorder. These costs are often compounded by a lack of proper disability compensation from the V.A. or by a prolonged process in trying to obtain compensation.
Veterans suffering from PTSD may have several other secondary disabilities caused by PTSD. PTSD can lead to sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, gastrointestinal disorders such as GERD. Fortunately veterans suffering from PTSD may claim these secondary disabilities though secondary service-connection. Unfortunately the VA often denies claims for secondary service connection if the veteran does not have a medical opinion indicating that the veteran’s secondary disabilities are caused by PTSD.
The VA appeals process can take many months or years. Many veterans do not seek out legal assistance in obtaining disability compensation despite these obstacles, and as a result the disorder ends up costing them even more financially in the long run, due to repeatedly denied claims & appeals, and an inability to maintain consistent employment.
Individuals who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress are entitled to compensation from the VA for that very real disability.
Are you receiving the veterans’ disability compensation you are entitled to receive by law? If you need assistance appealing VA Rating Decisions for mental health conditions or physical disabilities that occurred in service, please contact Berry Law.
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