When veterans return from combat, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After being involved in or witnessing a life-altering event such as a hostile attack or the death of a service member, military personnel who worked in dangerous environments and faced the challenges of deployment may present symptoms of this mental condition. One sign of PTSD is intrusion symptoms.

What Are Intrusion Symptoms?

PTSD intrusion symptomsVeterans face various symptoms if they suffer from PTSD, and one of those may be intrusion symptoms—recurring, disruptive, and stressful memories of the incident that caused the PTSD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders used to refer to intrusion symptoms as “re-experiencing symptoms” because when they occurred, patients said they were reliving or re-experiencing the traumatic incident all over again.

Additionally, this symptom is called "intrusive" because an intrusive memory or thought isn’t one that a person recalls voluntarily—it isn’t called to mind on purpose, nor are these thoughts wanted or desired.

Instead, the intrusive thought:

  • Comes to mind when a person isn’t expecting it
  • Is one they don't want to remember
  • Makes a veteran feel he doesn’t have control over his thinking
  • Involves recurring stressful nightmares, flashbacks, or dreams
  • Replays repeatedly in an individual's mind
  • Causes physical and emotional anxiety when the veteran is exposed to reminders or triggers that bring back the event, including specific smells, sights, or sounds

Cuddigan Law Can Help With Your PTSD Claim

The experienced legal team at Cuddigan Law recognizes and respects the sacrifices veterans have made to protect this country. If you’re a veteran suffering from PTSD, we can help you obtain the disability benefits you need. If you qualify for financial assistance from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we can help service-connect your mental health condition when filing for disability.

Our social security disability attorneys have supported veterans for years, and we’ll carefully examine your case and advise you on the best approach for receiving the maximum in disability benefits. Contact us today, and you’ll speak to an intake specialist for free.

 

Sean D. Cuddigan
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SSA and VA Disability Attorney in Omaha, Nebraska
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