Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe mental health condition that many veterans suffer from after experiencing traumatic events during their military service. This debilitating condition can deeply affect your quality of life, rendering you nearly incapable of performing regular tasks or maintaining steady employment. Therefore, it is critical that any veteran who is suffering from PTSD receive the appropriate benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs to aid their recovery and provide financial stability. While VA disability benefits are available for PTSD diagnoses, navigating th ..read more

In a move to address the alarming rates of veteran suicides, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) introduced a significant program in January 2023. Under the new policy, eligible veterans in acute suicidal crises can seek free emergency care at any VA or non-VA health care center. As the first year of the emergency suicide prevention program concludes, the VA reports that 49,714 veterans have used the service. This translates to over $64 million in saved healthcare costs. The initiative covers a range of services, including emergency room visits, up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residen ..read more

As of January 17, 2023, any veteran who struggles with suicidal thoughts and actions can seek emergency services at a VA or non-VA healthcare facility. There is no cost involved. Services received can include inpatient, or crisis residential care for up to thirty days, and up to three months for outpatient care. A veteran does not need to be enrolled in the VA system to access this assistance.  This move to expand healthcare to suicidal veterans means care is now available for roughly nine million vets who are not currently enrolled in the VA. “There are a lot of vets needing help, and th ..read more

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it is an annual campaign to increase understanding and awareness of suicide, its warning signs, and how to get help. Suicide is a major public health problem in the United States. Each year, suicide kills more people than homicide. It is especially high among certain groups, such as Veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with mental health conditions. There are many ways to get involved in the month of September. You can learn the warning signs of suicide, how to talk to someone who may be considering it, and where to find prevention ..read more

Veterans experiencing the effects of inflation are likely to see some relief in 2023 with a potential record increase in VA Disability Benefits. According to recent projections by The Senior Citizens League (the nation’s largest nonpartisan senior citizen group), the 2023 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will likely be around 8.7%. What Is the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)? Every fiscal year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sets an annual increase in benefits called a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment is based on the rise in cost-of-living as measured by the Consume ..read more

People may know nightmares by the technical name parasomnia. Parasomnia includes sleep paralysis, sleepwalking, and nightmares. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 60% of veterans suffer from trauma-related nightmares, and 31% suffer from nightmares. Nightmares occur during the resting, waking, or falling asleep state. Although there are several periods when nightmares may occur, they often happen during the REM (rapid eye movement) cycle that also involves faster breathing, increased heart rate, and brain activity. According to recent studies, nightmares are caused by medicat ..read more

Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022: What to Know | Deanne Bonner Simpson – Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC On August 10, 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the SFC. Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics – or PACT Act of 2022. The bill affords veterans their earned health care and disability benefits under the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this article, we will be examining who is eligible for VA disability benefits or healthcare with the passing of this bill. Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 The bill was named in honor of SFC. Heath Robinson of the Ohio Nationa ..read more

A recent study published in Neuropharmacology shows that low doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This leading study investigates the relationship between cannabis and PTSD, focusing on the effects of THC. Other studies have shown the benefits of another active marijuana ingredient – cannabidiol or CBD. Key Points to Ponder About THC increases cerebellar activation when exposed to neutral images. THC reduces adverse effects during a reassessment. Higher PCC*/precuneus activation on reassessment correlated with a lesser negative impact ..read more

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have always been a part of military life, particularly in combat zones. However, it wasn’t until 2003 that awareness of TBIs began to increase.  TBIs can be sustained in the wake of an IED, a roadside bomb. In the last twenty years, military personnel have obtained approximately 454,000 TBIs. Most TBI cases result from being in battle, involved in noncombat accidents, or during training. Some cases may be considered mild to moderate, but symptoms can be present over a long period. Although active-duty members have top priority in receiving proper treatment ..read more

People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can find relief in the simplest ways. A variety of medical treatments and alternative therapies are available. Particular medicines and exercises may work better for some veterans, while others may need to explore additional options. The end goal of reaching a place of peace is what veterans should strive toward achieving. Not every therapy is a winner for those that need serious help. Mental health treatments can be a great starting point, but what if it is paired with developing an exercise regimen? For veterans interested in creating a healt ..read more