Noteboom The Law Firm

How U.S. Veterans Moral Injury and Guilt Play Major Role in PTSD

Clinicians generally likely believe most U.S. veterans suffer from PTSD because of their experience with a traumatic event. According to a new article in USA Today, however, the largest percentage of veterans suffering from PTSD may very well be caused by guilt.

A recent study of active duty Marines found that many felt “survivor’s guilt,” which usually results from soldiers experiencing moral dilemmas while in combat. According to researchers, this usually occurs under 2 specific situations: 

• ·        witnessing or contributing to the accidental deaths of women or children; and
• ·        living through attacks that killed other soldiers.

Using a “moral injury” as a base injury resulting in PTSD is something psychiatry has not embraced in previous years. This means new diagnostic criteria must be created, and they must embrace and include feelings of guilt and shame. That line of thought does have some merit as the most “traditional” PTSD symptoms are related to: 

• ·        fear of being killed;
• ·        combat violence; and/or
• ·        losing friends.

PTSD rooted in moral injuries may very well end with reactions from soldiers and veterans that are more severe than those with PTSD rooted in more traditional traumas. The study has helped to shed a lot of light on moral injury as it relates to PTSD. At the same time, it provided a solid path on which to travel to get new answers.

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 veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.