Following trauma, most people will experience some reactions. These symptoms should decrease over time, but for some their symptoms continue to cause problems or even disabilities. If so, it is time to be assessed to see if it may be PTSD.
Assessment
The diagnosis of PTSD is most often made by a licensed mental health provider. The types of trauma that cause PTSD are not limited to military experience. PTSD can be brought on by other life threatening or scary events people experience in civilian life as well. PTSD treatment can help.
Learn more about:
Disability
How PTSD effects someone’s life, differs by person. The condition can be mild to very disabling. PTSD can become very serious and even with treatment, it can be debilitating. For civilians, Social Security Disability or Federal Disability Retirement may be available for PTSD.
VA disability compensation is a benefit paid to a Veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened or were made worse by active military service. To receive VA disability compensation, first it must be established that a current disability is service-connected. This means that the disability started during active military service, or that a disability that existed prior to active military service was aggravated during service beyond the natural course of the disease or condition.
Learn more about VA Disability Compensation. Find fact sheets on how to submit a VA compensation claim for PTSD or call your local VA Medical Center to ask about benefits. Veterans Service Organizations (VSO’s) also offer free guidance on completing claims. Also see:
- Help for Veterans with PTSD
- Get Help with VA PTSD Care, Benefits, or Claims
- Have you seen the new look for the PTSD website? We took your feedback from usability testing and made improvements!
- Look for our mobile compatible site… coming soon!
Other Updates for the Public
- Encourage Veterans and their families to draw on the strength of others to get help for common problems, including PTSD, money stresses, and family concerns at Make the Connection.
