Claiming for Military Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder is a reaction to being exposed to an event outside the range of normal human experience. It is a term used to describe a range of psychological symptoms following an event that can be classed as traumatic.

In our everyday lives we all have the potential to experience aspects which are frightening and out of our control but military personnel experience this daily, which increases the potential of post traumatic stress disorder occurring. With time most people have a tendency to get over traumatic experiences without the need of extra help but in some cases traumatic experiences can set off a reaction that can last for months or even years; this is where post traumatic stress disorder sets in.

The symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder can start after a few weeks or even months but the feeling of distress may not start straight away. Some examples of post traumatic stress disorder are reliving the event through flashbacks and nightmares. There are many aspects that could trigger reliving the event such as smells, fear or sounds. As well as reliving the event you may also try and avoid memories. This is because these memories may be too upsetting to deal with so many people try to avoid feeling pain altogether by keeping busy and avoiding places and people that remind them of the traumatic event. Many other people simply can’t relax; they are on alert/guard constantly, which often causes disturbed sleep, irritation and a lack of concentration.

Post traumatic stress disorder doesn’t however just affect military personnel; it can also affect their family, some of which are young children. Post traumatic stress disorder in the case of children means they may have upsetting dreams, which are relevant to the trauma. This can then change into nightmares of things such as monsters. They may also lose interest in things they used to enjoy as they may find it hard to believe that they will live long enough to grow up.

Although the Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot be sued for injuries that are sustained during combat they do have the same obligations as any other employer to make sure that their employees have the safest possible environment. This is done through aspects such as proper training in equipment use and general job requirements as well as suitable supervision and safe equipment. Members of the armed forces can seek military compensation if their employer is found to be negligent.

Talking of compensation there was an important change in the law in 1987 to allow injury claims Ministry of Defence employees to be brought through the courts. This comes as an addition to War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claims.

Post traumatic stress is sadly a frequent occurrence in soldiers who have been in combat. It can be triggered by aspects such as being shot, getting caught in an explosion as well as losing a fellow soldier through armed combat. Thankfully post traumatic stress disorder is more known now meaning if you are suffering from it you will receive the correct treatment for it in a timely manner and you may also be able to make a claim for compensation.

Helen in the web master of Accident Consult, specialists in all aspects of compensation claims, including Military Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

War Trauma – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurs after you have been through a traumatic event; however just because you go through a traumatic event it doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is estimated that about 8% of men and 20% of women will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a traumatic event.

Experts have estimated that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurs in about the following:

• 30% of Vietnam veterans, or about 30 out of 100 Vietnam veterans.

• 10% of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans

• 6% to 11% of veterans of the Afghanistan war (Enduring Freedom), or in 6 to 11 veterans out of 100

• 12% to 20% of veterans of the Iraq war (Iraqi Freedom), or in 12 to 20 veterans out of 100

The missions that you encounter whilst you are serving at war may mean that you are exposed to life threatening experiences; you may be shot or someone you are servicing with may be caught in the line of fire. You may even experience death whilst you are stationed in various places around the world.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder. It occurs when you are afraid, your body activates the fight or flight response. This reaction releases adrenaline, which is responsible for increasing your blood pressure and heart rate as well as increasing glucose to muscles (to allow you to run away quickly in the face of immediate danger). However when this danger has gone your body begins to go through a process that shuts down the stress response and this process involves the release of another hormone known as cortisol. If your body doesn’t generate enough cortisol to shut down the stress reaction you may continue to feel the effects of adrenaline. Trauma victims who develop post-traumatic stress disorder often have higher levels of other stimulating hormones (catecholamines) under normal conditions in which the threat of trauma is not present. These same hormones kick in when they are reminded of their trauma.

When it comes to the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder the main treatment that is given is psychotherapy and basic counselling, this includes education about the condition as well as safety and support.

If you are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to your time spent serving in a war you could be entitled to compensation.

To find out where you stand legally with making a claim for compensation after suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder contact Accident Consult today on 08081 68 69 70 and speak to one of our highly skilled legal team today. Alternatively visit Accident Consult for all aspects of Claiming Compensation for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.