A recent study found similarities between Vietnam veterans and male veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The similarities were discovered in pathways for risk factors for post-traumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS).
Researchers state there are multiple vital pathways that produce risk factors capable of contributing to PTSS, and those pathways will vary across "veterans cohorts." Researchers were also able to identify other, different pathways for OEF/OIF female veterans.
It is generally believed experiencing a traumatic event will place one at a higher risk for developing mental health problems. Previous research that has focused on risk factors for PTSS in veterans who have experienced combat discovered "both direct and indirect mechanisms of risk." Those mechanisms cover veterans' deployments, and include their time prior to, and following their deployments.
This study consisted of 579 male and female veterans who served OIF & OEF deployments. The focus was to find those specific mechanisms by which risk factors that have already been identified contribute to PTSS. Researchers then compared those results against Vietnam veterans.
Researchers found there were multiple "chains of risk" that could lead to a veteran developing PTSS. For many veterans, those risk factors developed prior to be deployed, and those soldiers were then at greater risk for "additional stress exposure."
There was also a higher correlation discovered between familial relationships during their deployments and how female veterans readjust following deployment compared to male veterans. Comparing risk factors to Vietnam veterans, researchers found some similarity in male OEF/OIF veterans. "Mechanisms of risk" for female veterans, however, were found to be closer to observed mechanisms in OEF/OIF male veterans than female Vietnam veterans.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.
Category: Veterans' Disability
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Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.