When servicemen return from their time in the military, there is often an understandable focus on any physical injuries that they may have suffered from and how best to assist their recovery through physiotherapy and the like. However, the mental difficulties that often accompany warfare can be overlooked and this can cause lasting problems for those affected.
What are common army injury claims?
In terms of being able to make a claim for any injuries that you have sustained whilst in the army, there are a number of different injuries that could lead you to make an army injury claim. These include:
- Training accidents
- Combat accidents
- Hearing loss
- Sports-related injuries
- Road traffic accidents while serving
- Chemical or fire-related incidents and exposure to harmful substances
- Unexpected amputations
- Non-freezing cold injuries
- Criminal injuries that occurred while you were serving
If you have been the victim of any of these injuries whilst you were in the military, then you may be able to make an army injury claim. Additionally, it is worth considering whether you have also suffered psychological damage, because it is highly likely that you may have done.
What exactly is PTSD?
PTSD stand for post-traumatic stress disorder, and it is something that affects a great deal of individuals who have been in the military. It is the result of experiencing or witnessing any event that you would find traumatic. Some common situations that lead individuals to experience symptoms include:
- A natural disaster
- A serious accident
- A rape or violent personal assault
- Experiences whilst carrying out military service
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
If you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, there are a number of symptoms that can indicate this. The symptoms may be mild at first, but the nature of PTSD means that they will often worsen as time goes on. These symptoms include:
- Flashbacks to the traumatic incident
- Nightmares
- Feelings of anger, isolation and guilt
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks
What are the treatment options for PTSD?
Some of the most common treatment options for PTSD sufferers include:
- Prescribed medication such as the antidepressants paroxetine or mirtazapine
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Careful monitoring of the original symptoms, including discussing them with a professional
If you are found to be suffering from PTSD as a result of your time in the military, then you could be entitled to PTSD compensation in addition to any compensation that you may need for physical injuries.
Whether you have suffered from a military accident, or you just have general PTSD from your experience whilst serving, you should always get the compensation that you may need for your treatment. The right legal support will be able to explain all of the technicalities of your claim, as well as be sensitive to the difficult nature of your situation. Being able to focus on the things that matter most to you is understandably important, and compensation can allow you to do that. Talking about PTSD is an important part of breaking any stigma surrounding it and taking steps towards your final recovery.