Medical Conditions Secondary To Ptsd
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental illness that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Many veterans experience and are service connected for PTSD because of their traumatic events during service. PTSD can also lead to the development of other conditions. Those conditions can also be service connected.
This article will cover:
- How to get service connected for PTSD?
- What other conditions are secondary to PTSD?
- What evidence do you need to prove your condition is secondary to PTSD?
- Where can you go to get help in getting your condition service connected as secondary to PTSD.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is post traumatic stress disorder. It is a mental heath condition that is triggered by a terrifying event. Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Avoidance of triggers of stressful/terrifying event
- Uncontrollable thoughts about the stressful/terrifying event
If you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of PTSD, or related mental health disorder, contact your medical provider or your local VA medical center. If you believe you are in crisis please contact 911 or call the Veterans mental health line by
- Chatting on line at Chat
How do I get service connected for PTSD?
Like all conditions, to get service connected for PTSD you have to prove three things:
- An in service event
- A nexus between your diagnosed PTSD and your in service event.
What conditions are secondary to PTSD?
- Vision problems
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Va Disability Benefits
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome , also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis , is a complicated condition that is often characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months which cannot be explained by a different medical condition. The fatigue worsens with mental and physical activity, but is not relieved by rest. Some other symptoms common to this condition are:
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down to sitting upright or standing
- Difficulties with memory and concentration
- Unexplained muscle or joint pain
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
The cause of CFS remains unknown, but there are many theories as to its etiology, including viral infections or psychological stress. Some doctors believe a combination of factors could cause the syndrome, which could explain its complicated presentation. While there is no single medical test that can definitively diagnose the condition, doctors often use a variety of medical tests to rule out other health conditions that have similar problems. Due to the uncertain cause of CFS, treatment typically focuses on reducing symptom severity.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Veterans
How The VA Rates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Under 38 CFR § 4.88a, the VA diagnoses chronic fatigue syndrome if the following factors are met:
How Much Can I Receive In Va Disability Benefits
As of December 1st, 2021 the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:
- 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
- 10 percent disability rating: $152.64 per month
- 20 percent disability rating: $301.74 per month
- 40 percent disability rating: $673.28 per month
- 60 percent disability rating: $1,214.03 per month
- 100 percent disability rating: $3,332.06 per month
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Different Types Of Fatigue With Ptsd
PTSD and fatigue intertwine in different ways. In many cases, PTSD can cause an individual to experience a fight or flight response when exposed to certain stimuli. For example, a combat veteran with PTSD may hear fireworks that trigger a flashback to his time in a war zone full of gunfire. When the fight or flight response activates, a surge of adrenaline causes a person to enter a hyper-alert and hypersensitive mode that can be dangerous.
Some people who struggle with PTSD may even hallucinate or lash out unpredictably in response to certain stimuli. Once the adrenal system is overworked, exhaustion and excess cortisol levels in the bloodstream set in. This makes it difficult to relax and decompress after stressful episodes of PTSD.
PTSD and Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue occurs when the bodys adrenal system works to excess. Typically, the adrenal system activates in response to danger or severe stress. An individual with PTSD may experience adrenal activation under normal circumstances or in response to very minor stressors. This takes a significant toll on the body, especially without intervention. An individual who experiences adrenal fatigue searches for an escape or ways to avoid the stressors that cause the responses. Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol tempt many people with PTSD.
PTSD and Chronic Fatigue
Was Your Va Disability Claim For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Denied
The selfless individuals who give their service to the military are put through a great deal of stress, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, many veterans suffer from physical ailments as a result of their military service. While most of these physical injuries are pretty straightforward when it comes to receiving diagnosis and treatment, others arent quite as straightforward. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one condition that often goes undiagnosed or even denied, leaving many veterans in a vulnerable position. Read on to learn more about VA disability for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and what to do if your claim was denied.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a systemic exertion intolerance disease or myalgic encephalomyelitis . In order to receive VA disability benefits, you will need a current diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from your doctor. However, this is often easier said than done, as many medical professionals are hesitant to diagnose patients with this condition. While CFS is a serious chronic illness, common among both the general population and veterans, it is still a very misunderstood illness.
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Gerd Secondary To Ptsd
GERD Secondary to PTSD
Medical research supports a connection between GERD and PTSD.
Both veteran and non-veteran studies have reported high rates of comorbidity between PTSD, Depression, and Gastrointestinal symptoms.
A 2013 study of veterans who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan found that nearly 45% of patients screened positive for PTSD and 23% screened positive for depression symptoms.
While only 11% of patients reported GI symptoms, 73.4% of these patients had a positive screen for PTSD, indicative of a significant relationship.
Many veterans with GERD or acid reflux, especially those who were diagnosed long after leaving the military are eligible under the law for GERD secondary to PTSD.
For example, if veterans are taking SSRIs to help manage their PTSD symptoms, perhaps youre suffering from side effects of those SSRI medications, which can lead to digestive system issues.
Thus, veterans can connect GERD as a secondary condition to PTSD.
Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation.
A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately due to or proximately aggravated by another service-connected disability.
Ptsd Fatigue Ptsd Exhaustion As A Symptom Of Trauma
It is not uncommon for people living with PTSD to develop ME or fatigue syndrome over time. It is one of the major symptoms accompanying PTSD, as are migraines, fibromyalgic pains, irritable bowel syndrome, depressed immune system, and inflammation.
PTSD fatigue, tiredness, lethargy, and exhaustion can manifest in different forms. It can vary from a flat-out draining attack related to what you are dealing with and suffering from, to a lingering, sullen, but persistently pervasive, exhausted state.
I think PTSD fatigue and exhaustion is one of the most common symptoms accompanying post-trauma to be utterly exhausted, tired, fatigued, not having the will or the energy to do anything, and especially so after a triggering activation, when one’s story, accompanying emotions, and adrenaline get going.
The cause of the draining attack is obvious your flight/fight mechanism has kicked in through a triggering event, and after it has run its course, you will have to pick up the pieces and attempt to build yourself up again as best as you can.
Besides a triggering activation, there’s a lot of energy invested in keeping a traumatic state steadily static, and this is held mostly at an unconscious level. It is this manifestation of PTSD that leads to the persistently exhausted state.
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What Is The Experience Of Chronic Pain Like Psychologically
Research has shown that many patients who experience chronic pain tend to also be diagnosed with depression. Because the pain and disability are always there and that may even become worse over time, many of them think suicide is the only way to end their pain and frustration. They think they have no control over their life. This frustration may also lead the person to use drugs or have unneeded surgery.
An Independent Medical Examination Can Change The Outcome Of Your Claim
If you receive a low disability rating from the VA, you may be able to get your rating changed by presenting further medical evidence. One of the best ways to make a strong case for getting a higher disability rating is to get an independent medical examination .
An independent medical examination involves an evaluation by a doctor who is not affiliated with the VA. When you get an IME, your doctor will review your military records and perform any necessary tests to establish a stronger connection between your disability and your military service. These can be extremely effective if you visit your family doctor who has treated your condition over time and understands the effects of your disability on your life.
The results of an independent medical examination can be presented to the VA as part of the appeals process. The VA gives every Veteran who applies to receive benefits an in-house examination known as the Compensation & Pension Exam, and the results of this test can have a key role in the outcome of a claim. However, the results of an independent medical examination can help to support your claim if your C& P exam was inconclusive.
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How Cfs And Depression Are Alike
CFS and depression can cause fatigue, sleep problems, a lack of energy, pain, digestive problems, headaches, memory lapses, or trouble with concentration.
The way you live with CFS is similar to the way you live with depression. You can try cutting back on activities or avoiding anything that causes stress.
CFS and depression are chronic illnesses. Both conditions may last for years, although your symptoms could be better or worse at times.
CFS and depression are more common in adults, but also affect children and teens. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with either CFS or depression.
CFS and depression often affect more than one member of the same family.
The Connection Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Gulf War Veterans
Gulf War Veterans who develop Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome do not have to prove a connection between their illnesses and service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation, although at VA Claims Insider we still recommend getting a Medical Nexus Letter , especially since Gulf War Syndrome is commonly misunderstood by C& P examiners and VA Raters.
ME/CFS musthave emerged during active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of militaryoperations onor by December 31, 2021, and be at least 10 percent disabling.
The VA has recognized medically unexplained illnesses, more commonly referred to as Gulf War Syndrome, and certain infectious diseases to include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
APersian Gulf Veteran is one who served in the Southwest Asiatheater of operations during the Persian Gulf War. See 38 CFR § 3.317
Theater of Operations Covered for Gulf War Syndrome
TheSouthwest Asia theater of operations includes Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, theneutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United ArabEmirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, theArabian Sea, the Red Sea, and the airspace above these locations. See
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How Stress Affects Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
As mentioned, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a pathological and not a psychological condition.
However, how stress and systemic stress relate to a persons life with this condition?
Usually as experts explain this disease occurs on a severe stressful situation.
The more demanding and responsible a persons daily life is, the more likely to develop the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
However, it is not only the responsibility itself being the main cause of such a disease. Usually occurs in people with a specific psychological profile, people with high demands on themselves, difficult people accepting no failure, collapsing following any defeat and being psychologically lost.
Certainly, a problematic condition makes the situation even more difficult, increasing the risk of developing the syndrome dramatically.
TIP: This is the main reason while referring to it as a pathological condition doctors usually recommend parallel psychological support of the person by specialists .
The doctor is able to assess the patients condition and provide the most appropriate treatment / medicine .
How To Establish Service Connection Secondary To Ptsd
In accordance with 38 CFR § 3.310 disabilities that are proximately due to, or aggravated by, service-connected disease or injury, a current disability condition, which is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury shall be service connected.
Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation.
A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability claim be shown to be proximately due to or aggravated by another service-connected disability.
There are three evidentiary elements that must be satisfied for secondary conditions to PTSD to prove service connection under the law:
- A medical diagnosis of the secondary disability condition youre attempting to link to PTSD AND
- A current service-connected primary disability AND
- Medical nexus evidence establishing a connection between the service-connected PTSD and the current disability youre trying to connect
The first part can be satisfied with any existing medical evidence in service treatment records, VA medical records, or any private medical records.
The second part can be satisfied with a veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher, which in this case, is PTSD.
The third part, and often the missing link needed to establish secondary service connection, can be satisfied with a credible Medical Nexus Letter from a qualified medical provider.
Truth bomb here veterans
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Va Rating Criteria Explained
The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome VA rating criteria are explained in detail below.
A veterans final VA disability rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of your symptoms, meaning, the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
100 Percent Chronic Fatigue Syndrome VA Rating is warranted when a veteran has debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments , or a combination of other signs and symptoms, which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care.
60 Percent VA Rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is warranted if a veteran has debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments , or a combination of other signs and symptoms, which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to less than 50 percent of the pre-illness level or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least six weeks total duration per year.
40 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome VA Rating is warranted when a veteran has debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments , or a combination of other signs and symptoms, which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities from 50 to 75 percent of the pre-illness level or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least four but less than six weeks total duration per year.
Characteristics Of Veterans With Ptsd Or Cfs And Prevalence Of Conditions
The percentage distributions of selected demographic and military characteristics among the Gulf and non-Gulf veterans who participated in the survey are presented in table . The subgroups of Gulf veterans who met the criteria for PTSD or CFS-like illness were compared with the total number of Gulf veteran respondents to determine whether these conditions were concentrated in particular demographic or military strata. There were some differences in demographic and military characteristics when those who met the PTSD criteria were compared with all Gulf veterans. The veterans positive for PTSD criteria were more likely to be female, older, non-White, in the enlisted ranks, and in the Army and National Guard . The veterans positive for CFS-like illness were more likely to be younger , single , in the enlisted ranks , in the Army or Marines , and in the reserves .
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How Ill Go Over It
First, learn to distinguish fatigue from the disease of chronic fatigue, 2 completely different situations.
Fatigue is a normal body state manifesting itself when exceeds its tolerance limits.
Fatigue is a symptom of many disorders of the bodys endocrine system, such as the adrenal glands, thyroid gland or even calcium metabolism.
However, chronic fatigue is something completely different. Different causes, another way to deal with it and another severe situation.
The clinical picture of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome though its main symptom is this physical fatigue presents a different clinical picture from the justified physical fatigue felt by a person after intense psychological or physical strain.
A key feature of this chronic syndrome is that not all days look similar. Some of the patients days may be softer while others are extremely difficult .
Therefore, there are good and bad days constantly changing .
In fact, the great effort that a person usually makes to cope with its daily routine and commitments , often leads to a deterioration of its overall clinical picture.
Higher number of severe symptoms.
More physical pain & discomfort.
Increased severe sleep disturbance.
Even higher stress.
The person suffering from this syndrome becomes can never succeed to feel relaxed , so provoking new health problems.
