Many veterans from the Iraqi and Afghanistan War suffered from post traumatic stress disorder. Many were treated. However, many were not found eligible for long term benefits. This has been unfortunate for these vets particularly when the symptoms associated with post traumatic stress can present themselves at many times over the course of a lifetime. Consequently, last quarter of 2008 a class action lawsuit was filed. Now a federal judge is allowing a court authorized mailing to go out to roughly 4,300 vets which will permit them to participate in the class action lawsuit if they qualify.
The National Veterans Legal Services is the advocacy group that initiated the class action lawsuit involving seven injured vets. If the lawsuit is won, many vets with post traumatic stress would potentially receive long term financial compensation and healthcare benefits. Veterans most likely affected in this class action received disability discharges between December 2003 and November 2008.
The diagnosis for post traumatic stress may involve both a physiatrist and psychologist. The symptoms associated with post traumatic stress are numerous, including:
- Bothersome memories about the event that create distress
- Flashbacks of the event
- Nightmares
- Physical reactions to reminders of the event such as chest pain and nausea
- Avoiding activities and isolation from reminders of event
- Depression
- Irritability and difficulty concentrating
- Over cautiousness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Distrust of others
- Reoccurring time periods of the disorder
Recently, there is new technology available to help screen for post traumatic stress disorder. Magnetoencephalography, also known as MEG, has proven useful in the diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder. Neuroscience professors at the University of Minnesota used MEG to evaluate brain activity patterns in over 70 vets with post traumatic stress disorder and 250 individuals that do not have the disorder. The results of the research showed that MEG identified post traumatic stress disorder in 90% of the participants with the disorder.
Post traumatic stress is caused by traumatic events that adversely affect individuals. People that have been assaulted, raped, or kidnapped may experience post traumatic stress. People that suffer from auto accidents and natural disasters may have post traumatic stress.
Burton Padove is highly experienced in helping victims that suffer from traumatic events. Mr. Padove was a part of the ABC Childcare advocacy group against child abuse and was on the Board of Directors for Haven House, a battered women’s shelter. If you or a loved one has suffered from a traumatic event, seek out the advice of Burton Padove at 219-836-2200. Vets may contact 1-877-222-VETS for more information about the class action lawsuit for the Iraqi and Afghanistan War veterans.
If you or a loved one has been injured and are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, call Burton Padove for a free consultation at 219-836-2200.