Military service and the development of mental disorders

There are aspects of serving in the military that are difficult and traumatic. For some people who serve in active duty assignments or in certain types of high-stress roles, the mental effects can be serious. You may find that your time in the military resulted in a mental disorder that ultimately impacts your ability to continue with your career, find different types of employment and enjoy a certain quality of life.

Some people who experience some type of mental distress are able to, with support and professional help, continue working as before. However, this may not be the case for you. If you are no longer able to hold gainful employment and support your family because you are suffering from a mental disorder, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Common mental conditions

Because of the nature of some jobs in the military, people who serve in these capacities may be prone to develop disorders after experiencing combat, violence, traumatic events and prolonged periods of distress. Some of the most common mental disorders experienced by military service members include the following:

• Depression – This is much more than just a deep sadness. Severe depression often leads to the inability to deal with daily life and function in a normal workplace.
• Traumatic brain injury – This type of injury can take a long time to heal, and it can also lead to the development of memory problems, sleep disorders, severe headaches and more.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder – PTSD is a disorder that develops as the result of experiencing a traumatic event. People with PTSD often experience anger, mood swings and other behaviors that make it difficult to work.

If your military service led to any of the following issues, it is worthwhile to explore how you can secure financial support through a claim for disability benefits.

Eligibility and the help you need

You may want to first learn more about the eligibility requirements for securing disability benefits. If you believe you qualify, you may find it surprising to learn that it is not easy to navigate the process and get the support you need, even with a valid claim.

Many applicants find it beneficial to seek guidance and support from an experienced North Carolina disability benefits attorney before they move forward with their claim. You do not have to walk through this often lengthy and potentially confusing process on your own.