Post-9/11 Veterans Face Challenges Upon Return

A recent article in the Army Times discussed the difficulties that service members often have when returning from deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan.  After they are joyfully reunited with family and friends and celebrated as heroes, our veterans must work to adapt to civilian life.  Many face a range of physical, mental, and financial struggles. This is particularly true for soldiers who are returning from multiple deployments and those who have experienced traumatic events while serving.

The Wounded Warrior Project Study

Fortunately, organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project are putting forth diligent effort to learn more about injured veterans’ experiences in order to aid in the development and refinement of support services for veterans.  On September 10th, after conducting an annual comprehensive survey of nearly 14,000 veteran members (in collaboration with the Rad Corp. and Westat), the Wounded Warrior Project released statistics about returning U.S. service members and their challenges.

What Struggles Do Veterans Face

Staff writer Patricia Kime of the Army Times reports  that “[m]ore than three out of four injured post-9/11 veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder and roughly the same number suffer from major anxiety….” Unfortunately, troops experiencing mental health struggles also report that they have ongoing issues in obtaining mental health care upon return to the U.S.  Kime went on to state that “m]ore than half (55 percent) said they had sought treatment; a third (34 percent) said they had trouble getting care or put off care; and a third (33 percent) said they were not comfortable getting treatment at Defense Department or Veterans Affairs Department facilities.”

Physical challenges are an expected area of difficulty for injured veterans. “According to the report, 83 percent said they are overweight or obese — the result largely of the physical limitations of their injuries — and 80 percent said they had trouble sleeping,” according to the Army Times. Substance abuse is a less talked about struggle for returning vets, though a quarter of respondents reported that “they either do not drink alcohol or have not consumed alcohol more than four times a month in the past year.”

Finances are also a big concern for many veterans. The rate of unemployment for returning soldiers is 17.8 percent, extremely high compared to the national rate. The Army Times article notes that, “It’s one of our highest priorities to make sure they are employed,” according to Jen Silva, executive vice president of economic empowerment for the Wounded Warrior Project.  Kime reports that “39 percent said they are worse off now financially than last year — and 17.8 percent are unemployed.”

The good news is that a majority of respondents report that they perceive themselves as having good support systems, feeling well cared for and resilient in the face of these mental, physical, and financial difficulties. “Eighty-six percent said they had family or friends they could depend on and 55 percent said they believe they can handle change or challenges,” according to the Wounded Warrior Project’s findings.  Organizations and projects dedicated to working toward a better understanding of the struggles and needs of our returning service members are also a crucial support for veterans and their families and friends.  The Wounded Warrior Project is one of many groups to be grateful for as we continue to learn more about the effects of war on the men and women who serve.

Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims.  He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.

You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.

Rita BarnesRita Barnes
00:03 20 Jan 22
This is a great group of people who really care about your well being. They all treated me as though I was family and helped me with my work comp case in more ways than the average would have.Thank you Jason and Thank you Tina! For doing an awesome job.
Cortex ButlerCortex Butler
18:09 29 Dec 21
I am a Veteran of United States Air Force and was awarded my first 30% in 1996 and have been fighting for my rating for 26 years I came to Perkins and Studdard in 2019 while my mom was in a terrible incident and was given to much anesthesia and through GODS Grace she was spared her life, She is disabled since 2018 and I have been struggling with my life and issues and yet I didn’t call the law firm every 10 minutes or call being rude anytime, I mentioned this as I got to know Jessica more than just a phone call and Mr Studdard was always available when not working on other cases or in court, They always called back and Never had to do a call back, My Review is Simple in Life there peaks and valleys and it doesn’t stop because you have issues, Perkins & Studdard took my case in 2019 in 2021 I received my 100% from VA, I Was Never Rude, I was Never Promised Success, I Was Never Lied too and I was Always Treated with Respect, Friendliness, and Kindness the Real Stuff not a (Money Thing) If You want a firm that Cares about the Client and will work on your case even through a pandemic, Will not lie, will not promise anything will communicate your case and will Give you their Best ALWAYS THIS IS THE Best Law Firm for VETS HANDS DOWN Perkins and Studdard THERE IS NO OTHER 100% we had 5 calls Total Case That’s Taking Care Of Business
annetteMomma nokesannetteMomma nokes
14:29 12 Sep 16
Jason and his paralegal Lisa were on point and on top of their game when it came to handling my worker's comp. injury case. I tried going it alone and the insurance carrier pushed me around. They denied extra physical therapy. They denied injections the doctor recommended to ease my pain. When I turned my case over to Jason things turned around, QUICK. They were at all times attentive and on top of my case. I cannot recommend Jason and his staff enough. If you are hurt at work, this is the firm you want on YOUR side.
Sheila KirklinSheila Kirklin
23:11 12 May 16
Jason Perkins, was my lawyer in a workers comp. case, my case has settled now, and I am very happy for all Jason and his office hard work on my case, he was always there to help me out with any questions that I had or help I needed. Jason is a excellent lawyer and if I ever need another one I would only go to Perkins,Because I believe they would be able to help me in any situation I am in need of..
Anna PabonAnna Pabon
23:16 13 Sep 15
I recommend Perkins Law Firm. Everyone I came in contact with there was very nice. Kim was very helpful and any time I had a question she made sure I got an answer. Ann Margaret really took the time to explain things to me.
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