Anyone can develop PTSD. It may seem that Veterans experience more traumas; however, over half of the general population goes through a trauma, and a much smaller percentage develops PTSD. In other words, you do not need to be in a war zone or in combat to be vulnerable to developing PTSD.

What percentage of veterans suffer from PTSD?

In a 2017 study involving 5,826 United States veterans, 12.9% were diagnosed with PTSD.

Why do some veterans not get PTSD?

The data indicated that stressful combat exposure was necessary for the onset of the PTSD syndrome, as 98% of the veterans who developed the PTSD syndrome had experienced one or more traumatic events. But combat exposure alone was not sufficient to cause the PTSD syndrome.

What qualifies a veteran for PTSD?

In order for a veteran to receive VA disability benefits for PTSD, all of the following criteria must be met: The stressor or traumatic event must have happened during the veterans military service. The veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD by a medical professional who is qualified to make a PTSD diagnosis.

What happens when PTSD goes untreated?

Untreated PTSD from any trauma is unlikely to disappear and can contribute to chronic pain, depression, drug and alcohol abuse and sleep problems that impede a persons ability to work and interact with others.

Can you get PTSD without going to war?

So can a soldier get PTSD without actually seeing combat? Yes, you can, says Craig Bryan, the executive director of the National Center for Veterans Studies. Its actually an issue the science in the last several years has been catching up with.

Can you stay in the military with PTSD?

According to the Department of Defense, youre disqualified from serving in the U.S. military if you have a current diagnosis or a history of most mental disorders. Other disqualifying mental health conditions include: A history of obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Can a civilian have PTSD?

If people believe that only service members and veterans can develop PTSD, the recognition of symptoms and treatment can be delayed. The fact is: Anyone can develop PTSD when they experience or witness a traumatic event—adult or child, man or woman. Anyone.

What is the VA disability 20 year rule?

Twenty Year Rule) If your disability has been continuously rated at or above a certain rating level for 20 or more years, the VA cannot reduce your rating unless it finds the rating was based on fraud. This is a very high standard and its unlikely the rating would get reduced.

What do veterans struggle with?

Some veterans suffer combat-related injuries, including mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and traumatic brain injury. Quality health care is critical as veterans return to their communities.