Many veterans experience post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when they return home from serving their country. They may have questions about PTSD and should be aware of how Social Security disability (SSD) may be able to help them.
What is PTSD?
Post traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric disorder that those who have suffered a traumatic even such as war, combat or a terrorist act, among other traumatic events, may suffer with. It may make it difficult for the individual suffering with PTSD to hold a job or perform regular daily activities.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
The symptoms of PTSD include:
- Intrusion: intrusive thoughts such as flashbacks of the traumatic event may come back to the veteran.
- Avoidance: the veteran may engage in avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event which may include avoiding people, places, objects or activities that can trigger the distressing memories.
- Alterations in cognition and mood: the veteran may experience alterations in their mood and cognition. They may experience negative or distorted thoughts and may suffer an inability to remember important aspects of the traumatic event. They may also no longer enjoy activities they previously enjoyed and may feel detached.
- Alternations in arousal and reactivity: the veteran may experience arousal and reactive symptoms that can include irritability, angry outbursts, recklessness, self- destructive behavior, feeling suspicious or problems concentrating or sleeping.
How may SSD help veterans suffering with PTSD?
When veterans are unable to work because of the trauma they have suffered while serving their country, they should be familiar with how Social Security disability benefits may be able to help them. Many veterans also suffered serious injuries during their service. SSD benefits can help individuals who are unable to work because of the physical or mental medical condition. SSD benefits can help veterans with the daily needs when they are unable to work to support themselves. For that reason, veterans suffering with PTSD should be familiar with how Social Security disability benefits may be able to help them.
