Do you suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Sadly, according to PTSD United, an estimated 8 percent of Americans, or 24.4 million people, are currently struggling with this disorder. This number is equal to the population of Texas, costing our society an extreme amount of money in healthcare treatment costs.
In fact, it is estimated that the annual cost to treat anxiety disorders in American is more than $42.3 billion, which includes medical treatment costs, indirect workplace costs, mortality costs and prescription drug costs.
People who suffer from PTSD can struggle tremendously with symptoms that include:
- Severe depression
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
- Angry and irritable feelings
- Challenges maintaining relationships
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hallucinations
- Overwhelming anxiety
- A lack of focus
Many Vietnam Veterans Still Suffer from PTSD Symptoms
We bring up PTSD because we read an interesting story in Stars and Stripes indicating that many Vietnam veterans are still dealing with complications.
According to the news source, a study has found that although it has been more than 40 years since fighting in Vietnam ended, 11 percent of combat veterans still suffer from PTSD. Of the 271,000 Vietnam veterans suffering from PTSD, researchers found that almost a third suffer from bouts of depression and anxiety.
Researchers are still trying to determine why some Veterans are still struggling with PTSD, while others have overcome their symptoms.
Should I Work With a Social Security Disability Attorney if I Have PTSD?
Unfortunately, many Americans are unable to work due to the severity of their PTSD. Those who cannot work should know that they might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, if their symptoms fall under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) requirements for anxiety disorders.
PTSD victims who are looking to obtain SSDI benefits may need to submit information to the SSA that includes medical evidence documenting psychological episodes, such as panic attacks or suicide attempts. If you have questions about collecting SSDI with an anxiety disorder, contact our Tulsa disability attorneys.
For more information about the SSDI application and appeals process, you can contact our office at (918) 265-1404.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers
