Dealing With PTSD In the Military and as a Veteran

Some service members currently on active duty may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and not realize it. Perhaps you become angry very quickly without understanding why, repeatedly have images flash through your mind of tragic incidents you have witnessed or been involved in, or have night terrors even when on base away from combat. If so, you may begin to have difficulty adhering to military discipline and be issued several Article 15s.

Many service members with PTSD begin using alcohol or drugs to cope with their symptoms. This can lead to more serious conduct problems, which can potentially lead to a dishonorable discharge. If that happens, you won't be able to obtain any veterans' benefits once you return home. (Contrary to popular opinion, you won't receive an automatic discharge upgrade after six months.) So if you think you may have PTSD, it's in your best interest to learn about resources available to you while you're still in service.

How Getting a PTSD Diagnosis While In the Military Helps You

Having a diagnosis of PTSD while you're still on active duty can help you prove that your symptoms are service-connected, which is essential if you later apply for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Furthermore, getting diagnosed in-service can aid in establishing an early effective date for disability, so if you're approved for benefits, you'll get more in back pay.

Having been diagnosed with PTSD while on active duty can also help protect you from being refused VA benefits on the basis of willful misconduct. If you act inappropriately, having a PTSD diagnosis can establish that your misbehavior wasn't intentional but instead a symptom of your illness. For example, if you get into frequent fights because of PTSD and this leads to serious injuries, your in-service diagnosis of PTSD can help to prevent the VA from refusing to provide you with any benefits based on your misconduct.

Does PTSD Disqualify You From the Military?

Having a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder isn't likely enough to end your military career. But in the absence of treatment, you may develop behavioral problems that can in turn hinder your career advancement. Seeking treatment for PTSD is often a good way to help protect your service record. It's better to establish a treatment regimen that works for you instead of allowing symptoms to get worse or develop into performance problems.

However, military doctors can recommend that you be discharged on the basis of PTSD if the disorder substantially impairs your ability to perform the duties required by your rank and occupation. If you're found "unfit for duty" and discharged from service, you'll likely receive medical retirement or medical separation benefits depending on how long you've been in the military.

While there has been a significant stigma in the armed forces against admitting to PTSD, that stigma is fading. Active duty members are becoming more aware of their right not to be penalized for behavior arising from the stress of combat and other dangerous activities inherent to military service. The earlier you seek treatment, the greater the chances are that you'll be able to manage your symptoms effectively and ease the transition into civilian life when it happens.

VA Resources for Veterans With PTSD

In recent years, the VA has attempted to broaden access to benefits and improve community engagement for veterans who are dealing with PTSD symptoms. One major change includes easing evidentiary restrictions on getting disability compensation for PTSD, so you don't have to prove that the traumatic event ("stressor") actually occurred. Instead, you can provide the VA with a stressor statement explaining how the event affected you.

A VA-run organization called the National Center for PTSD contains information for vets about treatments for PTSD as well as a search function that can help in finding a medical provider. There are also links to services specifically geared towards women and LGBTQ+ veterans struggling with PTSD. You can also go to va.gov/REACH and explore resources available by categories such as relationship issues or substance abuse. If you're not sure whether or not you have PTSD, you can try using this screening tool and answering several questions as a first step.

If you or a loved one need immediate assistance, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 for online chat, by texting 838255, or by dialing 988 and then pressing 1. The Veterans Crisis Line is completely confidential, and you don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

Non-Military Benefits for Veterans With PTSD

The VA isn't the only source of aid for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you may be eligible to take time off work in order to treat your symptoms, which may be useful if you have to undergo extended in-patient treatment or a lengthy hospitalization for PTSD. Your relatives might have the option to use military family leave to take care of you as well.

You also have the right to request reasonable accommodations at work through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodations for mental health disabilities such as PTSD might include a quieter office space, moving cubicle walls, or extra time in order to complete tasks. And if you can't work any longer, keep in mind that many veterans who qualify for VA disability compensation due to PTSD also meet the standards for Social Security disability benefits.

If you're finding it hard to qualify for VA compensation, assert your FMLA or ADA rights, or get Social Security disability, consider contacting an attorney with experience handling your issue. Many lawyers offer free consultations—and, potentially, discounted fees for veterans—so you can ask around until you find one who's a good match for your case.