Many veterans suffer from mental health issues related to their in-service experiences. Knowing the signs and symptoms of common mental disorders can be helpful in identifying conditions and seeking treatment.
If the VA has denied your veterans disability benefits claim for a mental disorder, WHG can help. Get in touch with us by calling (800) 320-HELP or filling out a contact form.
Explaining What Veterans’ Mental Disorder Symptoms Mean
The VA mental disorder rates are primarily based on a list of symptoms found in 38 CFR 4.130. Most of them are self-explanatory (e.g. “chronic sleep impairment”), but some of them are terms used by mental health professionals (e.g. “flat affect”). Their meaning is not evident to a layperson, but understanding them can be helpful when sitting for a C&P exam.
Here is a list of some of the mental disorder symptoms you should be on the lookout for:
Depressed Mood
One of the most common mental disorder symptoms in veterans is depressed mood. This can manifest in different ways. For example, the individual may have little to no expression. Their body language looks slouched, they have poor posture, and perhaps a low-hanging head. They express a lack of motivation to do things that they used to do or enjoyed. They withdraw from others and from activities.
For example, a veteran used to go out with her friends to dinner and movies. She used to enjoy reading. Now, she finds that when a friend calls her, she either says that she cannot go out with the friend or she does not answer the phone. These behaviors could indicate a depressed mood and a corresponding mental health disorder.
Additionally, a veteran struggling with depressed mood might eat more than usual or less than usual. Oftentimes, the individual will express a change of sleep, either sleeping too much, having insomnia, or not being able to fall asleep. They also might have thoughts of suicide either passive or intentional. The VA is now offering online depression screenings to address this issue among the veteran population.
Panic Attacks
Another major mental disorder symptom is when a veteran experiences a panic attack. A panic attack is an intense feeling of anxiety or feeling very nervous. An attack can appear to come on suddenly, but often there are warning signs, such as an increase in body temperature or feeling uneasy.
People who experience panic attacks might have physical symptoms that include increased sweating, heart racing, chest pain/pressure, dizziness, shortness of breath, trembling, tingling, feeling chilled, feeling as if one is choking, feeling ill/abdominal pain or discomfort, fear of dying, or feeling as if things are not real.
To be diagnosed with a panic disorder, one has to have at least four or more of these symptoms during a panic attack. At least one of the attacks must be followed by intense worry for at least a month and cannot caused by another physical medical issue or substance use.
Flattened Affect
A very concerning mental disorder symptom is when the individual does not express any emotion. They might sound monotone in their speech. They might not feel they are aware of anything else around them. Often, a flattened affect is a trait in people with depression or schizophrenia.
Speech Issues
Atypical speech patterns are often a warning sign that a veteran is suffering from a mental disorder or brain injury. Some patterns to be aware of include:
Circumstantial speech: A person takes a long time to get to the point. They might talk about other details before answering a question or getting to the important part.
Circumlocutory Speech: A person exhibiting circumlocutory speech patterns might talk about something else and take a while (but will eventually) to get to the point.
Stereotyped speech: This is speech that is repetitive in thought process. The individual repeats themselves.
Speech Intermittently Illogical, Obscure or Irrelevant: Speech which seems nonsensical to others. For example, if someone asks if a chair will fit through the doorway and the individual’s response is “Of course it will because the chair is brown.”
Impaired Judgment
Someone with impaired judgment might take actions that do not make logical sense to others and/or engage in risky behavior. For example, someone with bipolar disorder might take risks that could do themselves harm or others.
A veteran with impaired judgment might also have other cognitive deficits, such as an inability to pay attention, process information quickly, remember and recall information, think critically, and initiate speech.
Impaired Abstract Thinking
Is a difficulty in thinking about something that is not physically present. For example, recognizing the symbolism of an object, such as the American flag symbolizing freedom. An inability to understand metaphors is another example.
When a veteran is under a lot of stress, for example experiencing a flashback, they will not be able to think critically and constructively. This is because their brain is functioning using only the primal part of the brain instead of the frontal lobe, which is the logical part of the brain.
Changes in Appetite or Weight
Veterans with mental health conditions frequently experience changes in appetite or weight, either gaining or losing weight as a result of emotional distress. Additionally, disordered eating habits are closely linked to experiencing sexual abuse, such as Military Sexual Trauma.
Depression and anxiety can alter eating patterns, leading to significant health impacts. These changes are common as veterans cope with the stress of transitioning from military to civilian life, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health support.
Sleep Disturbances (Insomnia or Hypersomnia)
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and hypersomnia, are common among veterans, often stemming from PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Insomnia involves difficulty falling or staying asleep, while hypersomnia is characterized by excessive sleepiness.
These conditions can drastically impact veterans’ daily functioning, leading to irritability and concentration issues. The rigorous demands and stress of military service often contribute to these sleep disorders, making them prevalent among veterans adjusting to civilian life.
Intense Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness
Veterans frequently experience intense feelings of guilt or worthlessness, particularly those suffering from PTSD or depression. These emotions may be linked to specific events during service or the perceived inability to reintegrate into civilian life.
Such feelings can exacerbate mental health struggles, leading to social withdrawal and decreased self-esteem. Understanding and addressing these feelings are crucial for veterans’ mental health recovery.
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
Cognitive difficulties, such as impaired concentration and indecisiveness, are symptoms often reported by veterans dealing with a mental health disorder. These symptoms can be attributed to PTSD, anxiety, or depression, impacting their ability to maintain employment or manage daily tasks.
The high-stress environment of military service can contribute to these cognitive challenges, making it essential to address them for successful reintegration. Veterans may also experience physical side effects from mental conditions such as headaches that impair their ability to focus.
Fatigue or Loss of Energy
Chronic fatigue or a persistent lack of energy is a debilitating symptom that many veterans face, often linked to depression, anxiety, or PTSD. This exhaustion can hinder their ability to perform daily activities or participate in social interactions, further isolating them.
The demanding nature of military service can contribute to these symptoms, requiring targeted interventions for improvement.
Hallucinations or Delusions
Hallucinations and delusions, though less common, can occur among veterans, particularly those with severe PTSD or certain mood disorders. These symptoms involve perceiving things that are not present or holding false beliefs, impacting reality perception and decision-making.
Addressing these symptoms is crucial for improving veterans’ mental health and ensuring their safety and well-being. These experiences can be intensified by the stress and trauma of military service, necessitating specialized care and support.
Common Mental Health Conditions Among Veterans
Military service often places veterans in situations that can significantly impact their mental health. The transition to civilian life, coupled with the psychological scars of service, can lead to various mental health issues.
Recognizing these conditions is essential in helping veterans find the support they need to lead fulfilling lives. The mental disorder symptoms we discussed above can indicate conditions such as:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a serious condition that affects many veterans, arising from the intense and often traumatic experiences encountered during their service. Veterans suffering from PTSD may experience severe anxiety, recurring flashbacks, and constant distressing memories of their traumatic events.
To secure the benefits you are entitled to, a veterans benefits lawyer can assist by compiling the necessary medical documentation and corroborating evidence to build a strong case for VA disability benefits.
Depression
Depression is another prevalent issue among veterans, characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities. This condition can severely diminish a veteran’s quality of life and hinder their ability to function effectively.
A VA disability lawyer can play a pivotal role by gathering comprehensive medical records, expert opinions, and personal testimonies to ensure the veteran’s depression is recognized as service-connected, thus qualifying them for the appropriate VA disability benefits.
Anxiety Disorders
Many veterans experience various forms of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety and panic disorders, often as a result of their military service. These mental disorder symptoms can cause significant distress, affecting their relationships and work life.
A seasoned VA-accredited disability claims lawyer can help navigate the VA claims process, ensuring all relevant documents and evidence are submitted to support your case, thereby increasing your chances of receiving the necessary support and compensation.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A Traumatic Brain Injury is a condition that can occur due to head injuries sustained during active duty, leading to cognitive challenges and emotional instability. Veterans with TBI may battle issues with memory, focus, and emotional regulation.
A VA benefits lawyer can be instrumental in collaborating with medical specialists to provide thorough evaluations and compelling evidence, enhancing the likelihood of a successful disability claim and access to needed rehabilitation services.
Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders can develop in veterans as a coping mechanism for managing their mental health issues, potentially leading to addiction and additional health complications.
A VA disability lawyer can help by establishing a connection between the veteran’s substance use and their military service, thereby assisting them in qualifying for essential treatment programs and securing the benefits necessary for recovery and improved well-being.
Seek VA Disability Benefits for Mental Disorder Symptoms With the Help of WHG
If you or a loved one is showing any of the mental disorder symptoms discussed above, call us at (800) 320-HELP or submit this online contact form to book your free case evaluation with a VA-accredited veterans benefits lawyer.
