Update: PTSD Claims the Life of Another Combat Veteran

PTSD Last week we posted about PTSD and the possible triggering effects of July 4th fireworks.  We are sad to post this follow up about a Georgia veteran who committed suicide after hearing fireworks on the Fourth.  Click here for the full story from a local news source.

National Disgrace – 22 Veteran Suicides Every Single Day

As tragic as this death is, equally tragic are the other 21 veteran suicides that happen every day that go seemingly unnoticed by most people.  That’s right – 22 veterans commit suicide every day.  That is almost one per hour.  When you go to bed, another 7 or 8 will have likely died by the time you wake.  Another 440 will die this month. Another 3,784 this year.  Even worse news – the number may actually be higher than 22 based on inaccurate state reporting.

Veteran Suicide Resources

There is a Veterans Crisis Line (phone 1-800-273-8255, or text to 838255) for veterans in their time of need.  This crisis line has been credited with saving 48,000 veterans since its creation in 2007. Unfortunately, this has not been able to keep up with the demand of those in need.  A recent investigation revealed the line receives 1,400 calls a day but can only field 1,000 of those.

How The Rest of Us Can Help

What can we, as individuals, do about this crisis?  First, we all need to have a greater sense of awareness of the problem.  That problem really has two parts – the vast number of veterans affected and the seriousness of the problem in the individual context.  Left untreated, PTSD can be fatal.  There are those who think veterans who struggle with mental illness are either faking or somehow wrong for having problems when all veterans are not similarly affected.  That is a shame and contributes to the problem so many military families face.  We need more resources for veterans fighting suicidal thoughts.  Many of these are PTSD veterans, although not all of them carry a formal diagnosis.  For anyone who has personal experience with PTSD will know, post-traumatic stress disorder take a huge toll on the servicemember and the rest of the family as well.

What can we, as a nation, do about this crisis?  We need to research and develop the correct resources to help out veterans who struggle with mental illness.  Like anything else, all of this requires funding.  Our country can also demand that the Department of Veterans Affairs do its part to provide these veterans with fast and accessible treatment for their conditions.  Finally, it can process PTSD and other mental health VA disability claims in an expeditious and non-adversarial manner.  The only thing worse for an afflicted veteran than dealing with PTSD is trying to tackle that at the same time he is being erroneously denied VA disability benefits.

Our Veterans Disability Attorneys are Committed to Help

At Perkins Studdard, we help veterans every day.  We understand how events in service can have devastating effects on a veteran later on, even years down the road.  We often try to assure our veteran clients that the denials they receive in their VA disability claims are not a reflection on their service, their truthfulness, or the reality of their struggles with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and similar problems.  However, we do see the toll a long VA disability claim can have on them.

If you know a veteran who may have PTSD or other mental health issues, be proactive in helping them find resources before it’s too late.  Twenty-two veteran suicides every day is a national disgrace.  Do what you can to help fulfill our nation’s promise to those whose sacrifice continues long after their service.

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.

I could not have asked for a better lawyer to represent my worker comp. case. Any questions I had during the process was always answered in a timely manner. Mr. Perkins really cared about insuring that I wasn't being taken advantage of during this process and helped us reach a settlement that I feel comfortable with. I would recommend this firm to my parents or children.syndel Laber
I'm so thankful and grateful for all the hard work Jason, Tina and Liz did for me. They went above and beyond to get the best outcome for me. They took the to explain everything that was going on with my case again I'm so thankful grateful and happy with the outcome of my workers comp case.Adrian Adams
First off, I must say thank you again to the office of Perkins Studdard. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication your office has shown to achieve a successful and happy outcome. You have forever changed my family’s life! Also, I wanted to give a special shoutout to Jessica Hyatt for her excellent attitude, advice, and overall professionalism throughout every step of this process. This journey has finally been complete after more than a decade of being denied and almost giving up. However, two of my old coworkers advised me that the office of Perkins Studdard had also successfully helped them achieve their proper rating too. Needless to say, this has been one of my best decisions in life. I can now sleep a little better and stress free knowing I finally got what I deserved all along. Once again, thank you for everything! And shoutout to Travis Studdard, “we did it.” Respectfully, Jonathon FloresJonathon Flores
My family and I are so grateful for Jason Perkins and his team. Jason explains thing's to detail and walks you through every step of your case. I would highly recommend Perkins Studdard for your legal needs. Thank you so much Jason and Tina!Chapin & Lea Anne Warner
The best I know for workers comp attorney'sDenise Williams
Jason really has helped me so much through this hard experience I have went through! And the ladies in the office was wonderful with any and everything I had questions about! I highly recommend using this lawyer office to everyone and Jason Perkins for sure!! Thank y'all for everything and making it easier to get through this long though experience! James HammittJames Hammitt
Thank you so much ! I received excellent representation from the entire Perkins Studdard Law firm, my VA claim was resolved and granted in a timely manner, they were hands on with me during the entire process. I would definitely recommend the firm to any veteran deciding to file a VA claim.Darrell Lynn
I would like to thank the law firm of Perkins-Studdard (Travis) and his team, for performing such an outstanding job, at every possible level, during my recent situation with the VA Disability Claims . From the first time I called and spoke with Mr Studdard with an overview of my situation, until the final settlement was executed (successfully I may add), I always felt that I was in good hands with this firm. Everyone in the office, Jessica, and April were responsive, approachable, knowledgeable, good listeners, and extremely professional. Mr. Studdard was realistic of the circumstances and of the potential difficult process that would lay ahead, should I proceed. I can’t say enough about Travis, and I will always be thankful to him. Travis was committed, and he instilled a real sense of confidence during both the highs and the lows. He ultimately prevailed and the outcome was very much in my favor. Of course, each case is different on its own merits and one can never predict how things ultimately will turn out. All I know is that the settlement far exceeded my expectation. Mr. Studdard has been a blessing to me. I strongly recommend that anyone who would find themselves in a similar legal situation with the VA to contact Law Offices of Perkins Studdard for a consultation. It was a very positive experience given the circumstances. Thank you again, I shall forever be in your debt.Concetta Hogg
Mr. Perkins, I cannot express enough how thankful I am for your exceptional representation. Your hard work, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my case have left an indelible mark. Thanks to you, I can now move forward with my life, confident that justice has been served.Esli Roque
Travis and his team have been a blessing for me and my family. They have done an amazing job in helping me navigate the VA appeals process. They kept their eye on the ball all the way through the long, difficult and confusing process. I highly recommend Travis and his team because thanks to their professionalism and know how, I got the benefits I deserve.Daniel patriot

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