Veterans and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The National Institute of Mental Health describes Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) as the following:
“People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they’re no longer in danger. PTSD develops after a terrifying ordeal that involved physical harm or the threat of physical harm.”
The National Center for PTSD provides:
“After a trauma or life-threatening event, it is common to have reactions such as upsetting memories of the event, increased jumpiness, or trouble sleeping. If these reactions do not go away or if they get worse, you may have PTSD.”
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, between 11-20% of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veterans suffer from PTSD in a given year. Additionally, about 12% of veterans who served in the Gulf War and 30% of veterans who served in the Vietnam War suffer from PTSD.
If PTSD is the result of military service, disability and compensation benefits may be available from the Veterans Administration. If you feel like you are suffering from symptoms of PTSD, visit the links above to get additional information, and most importantly, seek help. Local VA medical facilities in Mobile, Pensacola, and Biloxi are staffed with professionals who can offer assistance.
If you are a veteran who has questions about filing a claim for PTSD or needs help navigating the VA disability claims process, contact the experienced veterans’ disability attorneys at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly serves veterans across the United States from their home office in Mobile, Alabama.