The Department of Veterans Affars' (VA) National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the Boston University School of Medicine recently released a new study that found both male and female soldiers suffer from the post-deployment symptoms of PTSD on the same scale.
One month ago, a smaller study came to the opposite conclusion. That study, also conducted by the VA but in conjunction with the New Jersey Health Care System, found female veterans who had experienced combat suffered from their PTSD symptoms at higher rates than their male counterparts.
There could be multiple reasons for the discrepancies between the studies. The first study was much smaller. In addition, the first study put much of its focus on National Guard members, and was not as much of a general study as the most recent one. Irrespective of which one is correct, the final conclusion is female veterans need help with their post-deployment PTSD symptoms equal to the level at which it is provided to male veterans. Within the VA health care system, however, this need is not being met.
The support groups and services provided to male veterans simply do not exist for female veterans. The few programs that do exist for female veterans do not provide services for female veterans with children. The logistics of providing such care seems to be the most difficult obstacle to overcome. Many female veterans have suffered sexual assault, which is part of their PTSD.
Co-ed problems treating their PTSD, then, become problematic and hinder treatment and recovery. As female veterans age, the need for care will increase. The sooner something is in place to treat their specific needs, the better treatment they will receive.
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.