Important
information about medical and legal issues of particular concern
to U.S. Military veterans.
(Information on this
page is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and should not be regarded
or construed as actual medical or legal advice.)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a term for the
psychological consequences of exposure to or confrontation with
stressful experiences, which involve actual or threatened death,
serious physical injury or a threat to physical integrity and which
the person found highly traumatic. Symptoms can include reexperiencing
phenomena such as nightmares and flashbacks, avoidance of reminders
and emotional detachment, and
hyperarousal with sleep abnormalities, extreme distress resulting
from personal "triggers", irritability and excessive startle. There is
also the possibility of simultaneous suffering of other psychiatric
disorders. Experiences likely to induce the condition include rape,
combat exposure, natural catastrophes, violent attacks, and childhood
physical/emotional abuse. PTSD often becomes a chronic condition but
can improve with treatment or even spontaneously.
PTSD and the
Military
If you are in the military, you may have seen combat. You may have
been on missions that exposed you to horrible and life-threatening
experiences. You may have been shot at, seen a buddy shot, or seen
death. These are types of events that can lead to PTSD.
Experts think PTSD occurs:
In about 30% of Vietnam veterans, or about 30 out of 100 Vietnam
veterans.
In as many as 10% of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans, or in 10
veterans out of 100.9
In about 6% to 11% of veterans of the Afghanistan war (Enduring
Freedom), or in 6 to 11 veterans out of 100.
In about 12% to 20% of veterans of the Iraq war (Iraqi Freedom),
or in 12 to 20 veterans out of 100.
Other factors in a combat situation can add more stress to an
already stressful situation and may contribute to PTSD and other
mental health problems. These factors include what you do in the war,
the politics around the war, where it's fought, and the type of enemy
you face.
Another cause of PTSD in the military can be military sexual trauma
(MST). This is any sexual harassment or sexual assault that occurs
while you are in the military. MST can happen to men and women and can
occur during peacetime, training, or war.
Among veterans using VA health care, about:
23 out of 100 women (23%) reported sexual assault when in the
military
55 out of 100 women (55%) and 38 out of 100 men (38%) have
experienced sexual harassment when in the military
Even though military sexual trauma is far more common in women,
over half of all veterans with military sexual trauma are men.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an American Veteran. Who do I contact for help with PTSD?
You can contact
your local VA Hospital or Veterans Center located in your telephone
book, or call the VA Health Benefits Service Center toll free at
1-877-222-VETS. In addition to its medical centers, VA also has many
CBOCs (Community Based Outpatient Clinics) around each state so you
can look for one in your community.
As an American Veteran, how do I file a claim for disability due to
PTSD?
A formal request
("claim") must be filed by the veteran using forms provided by the
VA's Veterans Benefits Administration. After the forms are completely
submitted, the veteran must complete interviews concerning her or his
"social history" (a review of family, work, and educational
experiences before, during, and after military service) and
"psychiatric status" (a review of past and current psychological
symptoms, and of traumatic experiences during military service). The
forms and information about the application process can be obtained
from Benefits Officers at any VA Medical Center, Outpatient Clinic, or
Regional Office.
The process of
applying for a VA disability for PTSD can take several months, and can
be both complicated and quite stressful. The Veteran's Service
Organizations (VSOs) provide "Service Officers" at no cost to help
veterans and family members pursue VA disability claims. Service
Officers are familiar with every step in the application and interview
process, and can provide both technical guidance and moral support. In
addition, some Service Officers particularly specialize in assisting
veterans with PTSD disability claims.
Even if a
veteran has not been a member of a specific Veterans Service
Organization, the veteran still can request the assistance of a
Service Officer working for that organization. In order to get
representation by a qualified and helpful Service Officer, you can
directly contact the local office of any Veterans Service Organization
-- or ask for recommendations from other veterans who have applied for
VA disability, or from a PTSD specialist at a VA PTSD clinic or a Vet
Center.
Handouts for military and families covering pre, during and post
deployment:
Warzone-Related Stress
Reactions: What Veterans Need to Know (PDF) Most reactions to traumatic war
experiences are temporary, but sometimes the reactions continue
after service members return home. Here you will find out what these
reactions look like and how to get help....
Depression (PDF) Explains what depression is, how it is
treated, and what you can do about it.
What If I Have Sleep
Problems? (PDF) Provides a list of ten things to do about
sleep problems as well as information on nightmares and how sleep
problems are treated.
Coping with Traumatic Stress
Reactions (PDF) Discusses the importance of active coping
and ways of coping that do not work. Also lists ways to cope with a
variety of traumatic stress symptoms that occur.
Families in the Military
(PDF) Deployment can lead to different affects
for different family members. This sheet describes different
reactions for various ages and provides tips to ease the stress.
Homecoming: Dealing
with Changes and Expectations (PDF) Homecoming can be a joyful and also
stressful time. This sheet reviews what reactions to expect of the
service member, the spouse and children, as well as provides tips to
help you have the best possible reunion.
Returning from the War
Zone: A Guide for Families (PDF) Reintegration is an adjustment for all
involved. This guide aims to help families with this process. It
covers common reactions that occur following deployment to a war
zone, how expectations about homecoming might differ, and discusses
what can be done...
Returning from the War Zone: A
Guide for Military Personnel (PDF) Provides information on common reactions
that occur following deployment to a war zone and how expectations
about homecoming might differ. Also discusses the types of problems
that can occur and what can be done if they do.
PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder