Signs & Symptoms Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) In Veterans

An estimated 20 percent of the service men and women returning home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – a mental illness that causes severe anxiety in those that have lived through a shocking or disturbing event. Suffering from PTSD can make it difficult to return to normal life, to have healthy relationships, and to hold down a job.

What are the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder?

• Flashback and intrusive memories of the traumatic events
• Nightmares and night terrors related to the events
• Suffering from perceived dangerous sights and sounds
• Feeling as if a traumatic event is reoccurring
• Being easily startled or frightened
• Being unable to envision a positive future
• Memory issues and trouble concentrating
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt and shame
• Feels of anger and irritability
• Feeling emotionally detached or numb
• The inability to recall parts of your trauma
• Depression and anxiety
• Sleep troubles such as insomnia
• Avoidance of close relationship and avoidance of engaging emotions
• Addiction issues or self-destructive behavior
• Hyper-vigilance and over-protection

For those who have served in the military, PTSD is often related to combat situations, the loss of those who served with you, life-threatening situations, or sexual assault. PTSD does not necessarily present itself directly after the traumatic event, with some veterans not displaying symptoms until after they have returned home.

In the case of PTSD, these symptoms are persistent and take place over a serious of weeks and months. Those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are so affected by the mental health issue that they have difficultly participating in daily activities, nurturing relationships, and finding steady employment.

If you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder that is the result of active military duty, you may be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits. To learn more about your case, or to appeal a denied claim, speak to a Dallas veterans’ disability attorney today. The disability lawyers at Morgan & Weisbrod offer free, private consultations to disabled veterans and their families.

by Paul B. Burkhalter
Managing Partner of Morgan & Weisbrod, Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.

CONNECT WITH ME