The Possible Effects of Combat

Those who serve in the military and are called to Iraq or Afghanistan are likely to witness a number of traumatic events. Many - even those stationed in areas that are considered to be safe - will find that there are risks of ambush, incoming rocket fire, engaging in combat, or seeing others who have lost their lives in the battle. Most will, during the time of their service, know someone who is injured or killed during battle.

These events, unfortunately, are a part of life in a combat zone. Some who are stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan will have a lower risk of experiencing something traumatic; for others, witnessing daily battles, seeing fellow soldiers injured and killed, and living in a constant heightened state of anxiety takes its toll on those who serve.

Many will find that the anger and anxiety that they feel after witnessing combat is something that dissipates within a few months after service - a normal reaction to a traumatic event. But what happens if your symptoms persist?

If you find that your symptoms stay with you or that they become worse over time, you may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Those who suffer from PTSD after serving in Iraq or Afghanistan offer experience a number of symptoms that fall into one of four categories:

• Re-experiencing symptoms. You may find yourself reliving the traumatic event time and time again. Re-experiencing symptoms may be triggered by a car backfiring and putting you in a position where you feel, see, hear or smell things that are associated with the time you spent in combat. They may also affect you in the form of nightmares.
• Avoidance symptoms. Those who suffer from PTSD often find themselves avoiding situations that remind them of a traumatic event. You may find yourself avoiding places, events and even people who remind you of a traumatic event that you experienced during combat.
• Numbing symptoms. Have you found yourself less able to feel connected to the people in your life? Do you feel numb all of the time? Many who experience post traumatic stress disorder find themselves numb - not just unable to feel pain, loss, anger and sadness, but also unable to experience joy, happiness and even love.
• Arousal symptoms. If you find that, after your service in Iraq or Afghanistan, you're always on edge, unable to concentrate and unable to relax or sleep, you may be experiencing arousal symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.

If these symptoms go on for more than one month without easing, or if they begin to have a significant impact on your relationships or your ability to keep your job outside of the military, then you should talk with either your family doctor or a military doctor and ask to be evaluated for post traumatic stress disorder.

When a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder is made - and the triggering incident took place during your service in Iraq or Afghanistan - you may find that you are eligible for Veterans' Disability Compensation benefits. These benefits can help to alleviate the financial burdens of being unable to work.

If you are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder after service in Iraq or Afghanistan and your symptoms are interfering with your ability to work, you owe it to yourself to speak with an experienced disability attorney to open a claim for disability benefit compensation.

At LaVan and Neidenberg, we are determined to secure veterans their rightful disability compensation and disability rating. Whether you are applying for compensation, seeking an increased rating, or appealing a denied request, we are determined to help you. Our law office will evaluate your case for FREE and we will work hard for you at NO COST unless you win.

While it will take counseling and possibly medication to treat post traumatic stress disorder, VA Disability Compensation can help to alleviate some of your financial stressors. Contact us today to start your disability claim.