Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Security
Next to traumatic brain injuries, “post truamatic stress disorder” (PTSD) is known as one of *the* signature injuries of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sadly, thousands of service members are dealing with the effects of these injuries, usually caused by their experiences in war. However, PTSD can arise in many different settings–not just those related to war or military combat. Community members who are assaulted, experience domestic violence, and suffer other heart-wrenching experiences may develop PTSD as a result. In fact, the issue is so complex that symptoms may not arise for months or even years later. Fortunately, public attention to PTSD, originally caused by service member injuries,may ultimately prove helpful to all those suffering from the condition. What Exactly is PTSD? While most understand that traumatic incidents may linger in one's mind, it is important to realize that PTSD is more specific than just general ill feelings after a bad experience. It is a diagnosable anxiety disorder caused by both experiencing personally or witnesses events that involve injury or death. A Hidden Problem? If you break a leg, you know right away that something is wrong. The same goes for serious brain injuries, cuts, and other harms that have obvious outward physical or obvious cognitive consequences. But injuries like PTSD are far harder to understand and diagnosis–not only for professionals but individuals themselves. In other words, in many cases those who are actually suffering from PTSD do not know it. They likely understand that they are exhibiting the symptoms, but recognizing those symptoms does not automatically mean that one will assume that they are suffering from a very real anxiety disorder. We all have a tendency to brush off many things as natural or temporary. Yet, it is critical for local community members to be honest with themselves and careful about receiving actual care for possible PTSD issues. What are those symptoms? The National Institute of Health explains that things like flashbacks of the traumatic event, avoidance of certain situations, and arousal to specific stimuli are common signs. The bottom line: Do not brush these signs and symptoms under the rug. If you may be experiencing these signs in the aftermath of a traumatic event, consider getting support. Social Security In some cases it might be appropriate to pursue Social Security support while you deal with the anxiety condition. It can be somewhat complex to pursue this option for PTSD, and so it is important to have the aid of an attorney well versed in these matters for the support your need. In general, you will be expected to show very specific items before qualifying. Your legal professional can walk you through this process and help ensure you have the appropriate evidence available. For example, your PTSD diagnosis must come from a mental health professional–amateur claims likely won't cut it. You will also need to show that you are undergoing treatment and have complied with doctor's orders during that time. In other words, the disability judge will want to know that you are genuinely working toward recovery as best as you can. Finally, you will likely need to show actual functional disability, or limits to your daily activities as a result of the PTSD. This may be confusing to understand at first, but an attorney can explain how this might be met. Social Security Lawyer For experienced help on these matters in our area, consider consulting the Social Security Disability attorney at our firm.