Invisible Wounds, Real Rights: PTSD and Compensation
The sirens fade. The cast comes off. Friends say you look “fine.” Yet sleep stays out of reach, memories of the incident replay on a loop, and everyday life feels permanently off balance. Trauma doesn’t always leave a visible mark.
The law recognizes this — when evidence is clear, credible, and properly presented.
When Trauma Lingers Beyond the Scene
A single traumatic event can dramatically reshape mental health. A car accident, workplace incident, or other traumatic incident may end in minutes, while psychological trauma lasts far longer. Often associated with military service, post-traumatic stress disorder, often referred to as PTSD, affects people at higher rates and for more reasons than many realize.
PTSD is a legally recognized mental health condition. Courts, insurers, and the Department of Veterans Affairsacknowledge PTSD as a real impairment with real consequences.
PTSD: Explained Without the Clinical Jargon
Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after being exposed to a stressor involving serious harm or fear. Symptoms of PTSD often interfere with daily life, work, and relationships.
Common PTSD symptoms include:
- Flashbacks of the accident or intrusive memories
- Nightmares or chronic sleep issues
- Hyper-vigilance or anxiety when faced with an environment similar to where an injury was sustained
- Emotional numbness or withdrawal
- Substance abuse as a coping mechanism
A mental health professional provides a diagnosis of PTSD, often supported by medical records, therapy notes, and medical evidence from ongoing mental health treatment.
The Impact of Trauma
Many people associate PTSD with veteran disability or VA disability compensation. Military service certainly carries risk, and service connection remains a major focus for veteran disability claims. Yet PTSD also arises in civilian life.
Some examples include:
- Personal injury after a car accident
- Work-related incidents
- Trauma linked to severe physical injuries
Mental disorders don’t discriminate on the basis of background. Eligibility for compensation often depends on documentation and a clear link between the traumatic incident and ongoing mental health problems.
How Compensation Works for PTSD
PTSD claims fall into several categories, depending on circumstances:
- Personal injury claims
Emotional harm may qualify alongside physical injuries, including lost wages and long-term health care needs. - Disability claims
PTSD may support disability benefits when symptoms prevent consistent employment. - Work-related claims
Workers’ compensation may cover mental health conditions tied to workplace trauma.
Each compensation claim follows a structured claims process. Strong documentation often includes:
- Diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional
- Medical treatment history and mental health care notes
- Proof of impairment affecting daily life
- Supporting medical records and expert opinions
Why PTSD Claims Face Resistance
Insurance companies and government agencies closely scrutinize mental health claims. PTSD lacks a visible injury, leading to skepticism, delays, or low disability rating offers. Higher rates of denial occur when claims don’t have clear medical evidence or professional referrals.
With proper legal guidance, you can increase your chance of adequate reimbursement.
Why Legal Support Matters
A law firm experienced in PTSD claims understands how to translate lived experience into persuasive evidence. Litner + Deganian focuses on clarity, credibility, and strategy — especially when mental health problems receive unfair treatment.
Clients often seek help after:
- Confusing government paperwork
- Requests for repeated evaluations
- Pressure to downplay symptoms
- Missed deadlines or denied disability claims
Legal advocacy protects rights throughout the entire process, from initial filing through appeal.
Taking the First Step
Support starts with a conversation. A simple call to our law office connects clients with professionals ready to listen, guide, and advocate. Contact our office today.
