The dangers of war can often leave many veterans with lingering anxiety, which can often manifest in the form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The condition can make it difficult for them to hold down a job or adjust to civilian life.
New federal guidelines are expected to make it easier for those suffering from PTSD to access treatment and benefits, according to Sara Stinski with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.
The change means vets will no longer need to document the specific incident that may have triggered their PTSD. Instead, Stinski says they’ll just need to be able to show they were in or near combat conditions where they would have been exposed to situations that would have made them fear for their lives.
Stinski says the change will help prevent claims from being denied or delayed, and could also increase the chances that some veterans will try to seek treatment for PTSD.
Safeguards are being put in place to help avoid fraudulent claims.