{"id":597,"date":"2024-04-18T21:13:05","date_gmt":"2024-04-18T21:13:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/?p=597"},"modified":"2024-04-18T21:13:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T21:13:05","slug":"ptsd-is-a-disability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/blog\/ptsd-is-a-disability\/","title":{"rendered":"PTSD Is A Disability: Affects Countless Military Veterans Everywhere"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I want to tell you something that might surprise you: PTSD is a disability. That&#8217;s right, the same condition that affects countless veterans, survivors of sexual assault, and those who&#8217;ve experienced traumatic events can qualify as a disability under the law.<\/p>\n<p>But here&#8217;s the thing &#8211; getting that recognition and the support that comes with it? It&#8217;s not always easy. Trust me, I know from experience. The process can be confusing, frustrating, and downright exhausting at times.<\/p>\n<p>But don&#8217;t worry, I&#8217;m here to help. In this post, we&#8217;ll break down what it means for PTSD to be a disability, the challenges you might face, and, most importantly &#8211; how to get the help you need. Ready? Let&#8217;s do this.<\/p>\n<h2>Table of Contents:<\/h2>\n<ul id=\"main-toc\">\n<li><a href=\"#understandingptsdasadisability\">Understanding PTSD as a Disability<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#criteriaforptsddisabilityrecognition\">Criteria for PTSD Disability Recognition<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#theroleofmedicaldocumentation\">The Role of Medical Documentation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#theimpactofptsdsymptomsondailylife\">The Impact of PTSD Symptoms on Daily Life<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#emotionalandpsychologicalsymptoms\">Emotional and Psychological Symptoms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#physicalsymptomsanddailychallenges\">Physical Symptoms and Daily Challenges<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#navigatingsocialsecuritydisabilitybenefitsforptsd\">Navigating Social Security Disability Benefits for PTSD<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#preparingyourdisabilityclaim\">Preparing Your Disability Claim<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#understandingspecificrequirements\">Understanding Specific Requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#monthlybenefitexpectations\">Monthly Benefit Expectations<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#commontriggersandtypesoftraumaticeventsleadingtoptsd\">Common Triggers and Types of Traumatic Events Leading to PTSD<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#combatexposureandmilitaryservice\">Combat Exposure and Military Service<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sexualassaultasatrigger\">Sexual Assault as a Trigger<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#naturaldisastersandaccidents\">Natural Disasters and Accidents<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#strategiesformanagingptsdsymptoms\">Strategies for Managing PTSD Symptoms<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#professionalmedicaltreatmentoptions\">Professional Medical Treatment Options<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#selfhelptechniquesforcopingwithanxietydisordersymptoms\">Self-Help Techniques for Coping with Anxiety Disorder Symptoms<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/b_n9qegR7C4\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"understandingptsdasadisability\">Understanding PTSD as a Disability<\/h2>\n<p>Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can be absolutely debilitating. It&#8217;s not just in your head &#8211; it&#8217;s a real, diagnosable disorder that can majorly impact your ability to function in daily life. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes PTSD as a disability that may qualify for benefits, but there are specific criteria you have to meet. It&#8217;s not enough to say you have PTSD &#8211; you need medical evidence to back it up.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"criteriaforptsddisabilityrecognition\">Criteria for PTSD Disability Recognition<\/h3>\n<p>For the SSA to consider your PTSD a disability, you need to show that it severely limits your ability to function. This means your symptoms are so intense that you can&#8217;t work or carry out normal daily activities. You&#8217;ll need detailed medical records documenting your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. This includes notes from your therapist or psychiatrist and any medication you&#8217;re taking. The SSA will look at how your PTSD affects your ability to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Remember and apply the information<\/li>\n<li>Interact with others<\/li>\n<li>Concentrate and complete tasks<\/li>\n<li>Manage yourself and adapt to changes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your PTSD significantly impairs any of these areas, you may qualify for disability benefits.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"theroleofmedicaldocumentation\">The Role of Medical Documentation<\/h3>\n<p>I can&#8217;t stress enough how important it is to have thorough medical records when applying for PTSD disability benefits. The SSA isn&#8217;t just going to take your word for it &#8211; they need cold, hard evidence. Make sure your doctor is documenting everything:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your specific PTSD symptoms<\/li>\n<li>How often you have symptoms and how severe they are<\/li>\n<li>What treatments you&#8217;ve tried and how effective they&#8217;ve been<\/li>\n<li>How your symptoms limit your daily functioning and ability to work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The more detailed your medical records, the stronger your case for disability benefits. A study found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3229683\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">documentation of functional limitations is one of the most important factors<\/a> in PTSD disability claims. Without comprehensive records, the SSA may decide you haven&#8217;t proven that your PTSD is disabling enough to qualify for benefits. I&#8217;ve seen it happen too many times &#8211; don&#8217;t let inadequate documentation tank your claim.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"theimpactofptsdsymptomsondailylife\">The Impact of PTSD Symptoms on Daily Life<\/h2>\n<p>PTSD is so much more than just bad memories or nightmares. The symptoms can infiltrate every aspect of your life, challenging even basic daily functioning. The emotional and psychological symptoms of PTSD can be some of the hardest to deal with. Many people feel hopeless, detached, or numb. You may have angry outbursts or irritability that make it hard to interact with others. Negative thoughts and distorted feelings of guilt or blame are common. You may feel like the world is dangerous and have difficulty trusting anyone. Maintaining close relationships can feel impossible. These symptoms aren&#8217;t a sign of weakness &#8211; they&#8217;re a normal response to trauma. But they can make daily life and work incredibly difficult. I&#8217;ve seen clients struggle to even leave the house due to severe anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"physicalsymptomsanddailychallenges\">Physical Symptoms and Daily Challenges<\/h3>\n<p>PTSD also has genuine physical symptoms that can disrupt daily functioning. Sleep disturbances like insomnia or nightmares are extremely common. You may have trouble falling asleep or wake up frequently during the night. This chronic lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and impaired memory. Imagine trying to get through a workday exhausted and unable to focus &#8211; it&#8217;s a recipe for poor performance. Many people with PTSD also have an exaggerated startle response. Loud noises or unexpected touches can trigger intense fear or even flashbacks. This hypervigilance is exhausting and can make it hard to relax or feel safe anywhere. Chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues are also common physical symptoms. Dealing with these, on top of the emotional impact of PTSD, can make maintaining employment feel impossible. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5047000\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Studies show that PTSD symptoms significantly interfere with work performance and productivity.<\/a> The effects on daily life are very real and can be disabling.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_598\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-598\" style=\"width: 365px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-598\" src=\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_117269416-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"365\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_117269416-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/usarmy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_117269416.jpg 665w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 365px) 100vw, 365px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-598\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Is PTSD a disability?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"navigatingsocialsecuritydisabilitybenefitsforptsd\">Navigating Social Security Disability Benefits for PTSD<\/h2>\n<p>If your PTSD symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. But navigating the application process can be daunting.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"preparingyourdisabilityclaim\">Preparing Your Disability Claim<\/h3>\n<p>The key to a successful <a href=\"https:\/\/usmilitary.com\/va-disability-conditions-list\/\">PTSD disability claim<\/a> is solid medical evidence. You must gather all your records documenting your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Notes from therapy sessions<\/li>\n<li>Psychiatrist records and evaluations<\/li>\n<li>List of medications and side effects<\/li>\n<li>Hospitalization records<\/li>\n<li>Statements from friends or family about your symptoms and limitations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Organize everything chronologically and ensure no gaps in your medical history. The more thorough and complete your records, the better your chances of approval. Consider working with a disability attorney or advocate. They can help you gather evidence, fill out paperwork, and present the strongest case to the SSA.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"understandingspecificrequirements\">Understanding Specific Requirements<\/h3>\n<p>To qualify for disability benefits, your PTSD must be severe enough to meet the SSA&#8217;s specific criteria. This means your symptoms must significantly limit your ability to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Remember, understand, and apply information<\/li>\n<li>Interact with others<\/li>\n<li>Concentrate and complete tasks<\/li>\n<li>Adapt to changes and manage yourself<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You&#8217;ll need medical evidence showing that your PTSD severely impairs at least one of these areas. Detailed records from your mental health providers are crucial. The SSA will also look at your ability to function outside of work. If your PTSD makes it difficult to shop, cook, clean, or maintain relationships, make sure that&#8217;s documented too.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"monthlybenefitexpectations\">Monthly Benefit Expectations<\/h3>\n<p>If approved, the amount of your monthly PTSD disability benefit will depend on your work history and the severity of your condition. As of 2023, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/oact\/cola\/SSI.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">average monthly benefit is $1,483<\/a> for disabled workers. But don&#8217;t expect a quick decision. The SSA denies most initial applications &#8211; the approval rate is only about 22%. You may need to go through multiple appeals before getting benefits. The process can take months or even years. Make sure you have a financial plan in place while waiting on a decision. And remember, you&#8217;re not alone &#8211; thousands of people with PTSD fight for disability benefits every year.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"commontriggersandtypesoftraumaticeventsleadingtoptsd\">Common Triggers and Types of Traumatic Events Leading to PTSD<\/h2>\n<p>PTSD can develop after any type of traumatic event &#8211; it&#8217;s not limited to combat veterans. In fact, sexual assault is one of the most common causes of PTSD.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"combatexposureandmilitaryservice\">Combat Exposure and Military Service<\/h3>\n<p>Combat is a well-known trigger for PTSD. Military personnel exposed to life-threatening situations, violence, and death are at high risk for developing the disorder. Seeing fellow service members injured or killed, being shot at, or having to shoot others can all lead to PTSD. Even non-combat deployments can be traumatic &#8211; the constant threat of danger and being away from loved ones takes a toll. Veterans may struggle with guilt, anger, and difficulty readjusting to civilian life. The hypervigilance and startling reactions that kept them alive in combat become maladaptive at home. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptsd.va.gov\/understand\/common\/common_veterans.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Studies estimate that up to 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD.<\/a> It&#8217;s a major problem in the military community.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"sexualassaultasatrigger\">Sexual Assault as a Trigger<\/h3>\n<p>Sexual assault is a horrifically common cause of PTSD, especially for women. Rape, attempted rape, and other forms of sexual violence can shatter a person&#8217;s sense of safety and trust. Survivors often struggle with shame, self-blame, and difficulty with intimacy. PTSD symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares can make it feel like the assault is happening over and over again. The effects of sexual assault can last for years or even decades. Many survivors have difficulty maintaining jobs or relationships due to their symptoms. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK207191\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">One study found that 94% of women experienced PTSD symptoms in the first two weeks after a sexual assault.<\/a> Even with treatment, about 50% still had symptoms nine months later.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"naturaldisastersandaccidents\">Natural Disasters and Accidents<\/h3>\n<p>Surviving a natural disaster or serious accident can also trigger PTSD. Hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and floods can all be traumatic &#8211; especially if you feared for your life or lost loved ones. Car crashes, workplace accidents, and other life-threatening events can also lead to PTSD. The sudden shock and fear can be overwhelming. Survivors may have nightmares, flashbacks, or intense anxiety related to the event. They may avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma &#8211; like not wanting to drive after a car accident. The effects can be long-lasting. A study of Hurricane Katrina survivors found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2367432\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">one in three still had PTSD symptoms a full year after the storm.<\/a> No matter the cause, PTSD is a serious condition that can drastically impact daily functioning. If you&#8217;re struggling, know you&#8217;re not alone and help is available.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"strategiesformanagingptsdsymptoms\">Strategies for Managing PTSD Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p>Dealing with PTSD is an ongoing process &#8211; there&#8217;s no quick fix. But there are strategies and treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"professionalmedicaltreatmentoptions\">Professional Medical Treatment Options<\/h3>\n<p>Professional treatment is crucial for most people with PTSD. The two main approaches are therapy and medication &#8211; often used in combination. Common therapy options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) &#8211; focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts related to the trauma<\/li>\n<li>Prolonged Exposure (PE) &#8211; involves gradually confronting trauma-related memories and situations to reduce fear and anxiety<\/li>\n<li>Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) &#8211; uses guided eye movements to process traumatic memories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs can also be helpful. They can reduce the intensity of symptoms and make therapy more effective. It&#8217;s important to work with a mental health provider who has experience treating PTSD. Look for someone you feel comfortable with and who uses evidence-based treatments.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"selfhelptechniquesforcopingwithanxietydisordersymptoms\">Self-Help Techniques for Coping with Anxiety Disorder Symptoms<\/h3>\n<p>In addition to professional treatment, there are self-help strategies that can improve PTSD symptoms. Some options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga<\/li>\n<li>Regular exercise to reduce stress and improve mood<\/li>\n<li>Connecting with other trauma survivors for support and understanding<\/li>\n<li>Avoiding alcohol and drugs, which can worsen symptoms<\/li>\n<li>Sticking to a regular sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Self-help techniques can be a valuable supplement to professional treatment. But they shouldn&#8217;t be used as a substitute for therapy or medication if needed. It&#8217;s also important to be patient with yourself. PTSD recovery is a process &#8211; there will be good and bad days. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. With time, treatment, and support, it is possible to manage your PTSD symptoms and reclaim your life. Don&#8217;t hesitate to reach out for help &#8211; you deserve to heal.<\/p>\n<h2>Faith<\/h2>\n<p>For many, faith is a valuable resource as veterans seek out their pastor, church members, and groups within the church with like-minded individuals. Books like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Dare-Live-Greatly-Powerful-Christian\/dp\/1733988025\">Dare To Live Greatly<\/a>, written by a veteran who compares Navy SEAL training with Christian living, exist. These books offer encouragement while embracing faith, God, and life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PTSD is so much more than just bad memories or nightmares. The symptoms can infiltrate every aspect of your life, challenging even basic daily functioning. The emotional and psychological symptoms of PTSD can be some of the hardest to deal with. Many people feel hopeless, detached, or numb. You may have angry outbursts or irritability that make it hard to interact with others. Negative thoughts and distorted feelings of guilt or blame are common. You may feel like the world is dangerous and have difficulty trusting anyone. Maintaining close relationships can feel impossible. These symptoms aren&#8217;t a sign of weakness &#8211; they&#8217;re a normal response to trauma. But they can make daily life and work incredibly difficult. I&#8217;ve seen clients struggle to even leave the house due to severe anxiety and depression.  PTSD also has genuine physical symptoms that can disrupt daily functioning. Sleep disturbances like insomnia or nightmares are extremely common. You may have trouble falling asleep or wake up frequently during the night. This chronic lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and impaired memory. Imagine trying to get through a workday exhausted and unable to focus &#8211; it&#8217;s a recipe for poor performance. Many people with PTSD also have an exaggerated startle response. Loud noises or unexpected touches can trigger intense fear or even flashbacks. This hypervigilance is exhausting and can make it hard to relax or feel safe anywhere. Chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues are also common physical symptoms. Dealing with these, on top of the emotional impact of PTSD, can make maintaining employment feel impossible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,1,3],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>PTSD Is A Disability: Affects Countless Military Veterans Everywhere - US Army<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"PTSD is a disability that affects military active duty and veterans. PTSD recovery is a process - there will be good days and bad days.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/blog\/ptsd-is-a-disability\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"PTSD Is A Disability: Affects Countless Military Veterans Everywhere - US Army\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"PTSD is a disability that affects military active duty and veterans. PTSD recovery is a process - there will be good days and bad days.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/blog\/ptsd-is-a-disability\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"US Army\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-04-18T21:13:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_117269416-200x300.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"larryf\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"larryf\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/blog\/ptsd-is-a-disability\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/blog\/ptsd-is-a-disability\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"larryf\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/#\/schema\/person\/6f312920475a56e53af8553a9681a89e\"},\"headline\":\"PTSD Is A Disability: Affects Countless Military Veterans Everywhere\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-04-18T21:13:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-04-18T21:13:05+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/blog\/ptsd-is-a-disability\/\"},\"wordCount\":2006,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":{\"0\":\"Navy SEALs\",\"2\":\"US Military\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/blog\/ptsd-is-a-disability\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/blog\/ptsd-is-a-disability\/\",\"name\":\"PTSD Is A Disability: Affects Countless Military Veterans Everywhere - US Army\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/usarmy.com\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2024-04-18T21:13:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-04-18T21:13:05+00:00\",\"description\":\"PTSD is a disability that affects military active duty and veterans. 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