President Obama, saying that post-traumatic stress is one of two "signature injuries" of today's wars, announced Saturday that new policies will soon take effect to make it easier for war-zone veterans with the disorder to receive disability benefits.
The president previewed the changes at the Veterans Affairs Department in his Saturday radio address. He said traumatic brain injuries also beset today's veterans and that too few of them "receive the screening and treatment they need" for both conditions.
In the past, veterans were often stymied by a requirement to produce evidence that a specific event triggered their stress disorder. That's kept those who served in noncombat roles in war zones from getting the care they need, he said.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that can surface after traumatic events and leave patients feeling scared, confused or angry, according to the VA's National Center for PTSD. They may experience flashbacks, become suddenly angry, have a hard time sleeping or concentrating and develop problems involving relationships, employment and alcohol or drug use.
Rep. John Hall (D-N.Y.), who championed the changes, said veterans had been required to produce incident reports, buddy statements, medals or other corroboration to prove they experienced trauma.
