Noteboom The Law Firm

Veterans’ Invisible Wounds Limit Employment Options

September 23, 2010 - Veterans are facing an employment crisis that they really shouldn't be. After all, they leave the military having been trained in leadership and teamwork; two qualities most employers highly value. However, being diagnosed or treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) seems to negate many positive traits veterans offer to employers which has resulted in employment problems for many veterans.   

According to a 2008 study, almost 1/3 of all troops returning from combat suffer from:

• PTSD;
• TBIs; and/or
• Severe depression.

Many employers see veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) as a potential liability to their business. Even if veterans were to hire other veterans with PTSD or TBIs, many don't know how to make accommodations for those conditions. Making accommodations for physical disabilities is much easier than making accommodations for someone with a mental health issue.

Many of the symptoms for PTSD would make many workplaces dangerous: 

• Headaches;
• Memory lapses/loss;
• Poor concentration;
• Slurred speech;
• Loss of balance;
• Short tempers; and
• Anxiety in crowds.

There are accommodations that can me made, however, without disrupting the work environment. Arranging short rest breaks, about as long as a smoking break, seems to help. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can pay for adaptive technology, such as devices to help with keeping appointments as well.

Most veterans offer strong work ethics to employers. It is only a matter of employers staying open-minded and not lump all veterans together under one stigma.