Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a kind of anxiety disorder. The condition develops after someone experiences the risk of injury or death to themselves or love ones. Unlike other anxiety disorders, PTSD can happen suddenly, even if the traumatic event happened a long time ago.
Personal injury cases can also lead to PTSD. Some personal injury situations involve a sudden moment of violent traumatic injury. Some examples include an animal attack or a disabling injury from a workplace accident. An estimated 8% of Americans have PTSD at any given time. Make sure you are protected and getting the compensation you deserve if your PTSD has resulted from a personal injury.
Read on to see what you need to know when making a PTSD disability claim.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms typical manifest within three months of a traumatic event. However, sometimes reaction can be delayed, sometimes not manifesting for years.
Symptoms of PTSD can come and go throughout your life. They are more likely to occur during stressful times, or if something happens that triggers a traumatic memory. Here are some symptoms of PTSD:
- Hypervigilance
- Difficulty sleeping
- Social withdrawal
- Moderate or severe depression
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Avoiding activities
- Feeling hopeless
- Memory issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inability to maintain close relationships
- Irritability
- Anger
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame
- Self-destructive behavior
- Being easily startled or frightened
PTSD should be considered and included as a part of damages in any personal injury lawsuit. If you’ve settled a liability claim before a complete inspection by a neuropsychologist for a potential PTSD disability claim, you may not be getting the compensation you deserve.
Stress disorders can range from being acute, chronic, or delayed. Like any disorder or illness, the best thing to do is begin treatment as soon as possible after symptoms begin.
How to Qualify for PTSD Disability Benefits
Disability claims for post traumatic stress disorder must satisfy the Blue Book listing requirements for anxiety disorders. You can find the specific requirements on the social security website.
When you present your disability claim, your medical records should include at least one detailed description of a recent anxiety reaction. The more detailed the description the better. It should include the nature, duration, and frequency of the anxiety reaction. It should also include how the reaction has affected your ability to function. These medical records should always be backed up by a medical professional.
Claiming a PTSD Disability Case
It takes an experienced law firm to handle these sensitive cases. It is important for these firms to have proper awareness and have the ability to detect symptoms as early as possible in the process.
If your symptoms are not detected in a timely manner, you will probably not get the chance to fight for the compensation you deserve. If too much time passes, you may lose the claim to fight for treatment costs, regardless of how serious your condition may be.
To make sure that the all of your damages are taken fully into account, you need experienced lawyers who will know how to handle your particular situation. Learn more about us to see how we can help.