New research indicates that a veteran’s genetic background may play a role in how at risk they are for developing PTSD, but more information is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Summary
- PTSD affects up to 30% of veterans, and studies have explored potential genetic links to PTSD symptoms using data from the Million Veteran Program.
- Researchers found eight brain areas in European American veterans that may be related to PTSD, including regions tied to motivation, reward, and stress responses.
- The study’s African American group of veterans was too small to produce statistically significant data, highlighting the need for further research.
- Veterans are slightly more likely to experience PTSD than civilians.
- Female veterans have higher PTSD rates than male veterans.
Although Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, affects a significant part of our population and an even larger portion of the veteran population, there is relatively little information known about this condition.
This disorder involves reliving traumatic experiences and sometimes has no identifiable cause. In order to treat PTSD in former service members, it is important to understand how it develops and identify genetic susceptibility in individuals before they develop the disorder.
This is why a group of researchers conducted a study to investigate the relationship between the risk of developing PTSD and genetic background in veterans. As veteran disability appeals lawyers, we have supported a number of clients in reversing VA PTSD claim denials in order to obtain disability benefits.
Let us put our skills to work for you. Reach out to us by calling (855) 525-1710 or filling out a contact form. Our team will assist you with scheduling a free consultation with a dedicated veteran disability benefits denial attorney.
New PTSD Research Examines Variations Among Veterans by Genetic Background
While we know that certain characteristics, such as having combat experience, increase a veteran’s risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, researchers sought to determine whether biological elements may also contribute to the likelihood a vet will develop PTSD.
Doctors and researchers conducted a study of veterans and PTSD to explore potential genetic predispositions. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), PTSD affects 11 to 30 percent of former servicemembers.
The study used genetic data from members of the Million Veteran Program, which is funded by the VA. It was comprised of over 165,000 U.S. veterans who were divided into two separate groups: European Americans and African Americans. Researchers sought to find biological links to the most common symptoms of PTSD.
Study Results Highlight Genetic Risk Factors for PTSD in Veterans With European Ancestry
For the European American group, researchers found eight parts of the brain that may be connected to PTSD and stress responses. Specifically, striatal medium spiny neurons are related to motivation, reward, reinforcement, and aversion.
Additionally, there may be a connection between PTSD and other psychiatric and behavioral conditions, most notably schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Since the African American participant population was small, it did not yield statistically accurate data for this study.
Doctors and researchers also found that further studies would be necessary to identify genetic patterns associated with PTSD for both groups. Notably, the researchers were able to reproduce the study outcomes with UK Biobank data, which strengthens the credibility of their findings.
Find the Legal Guidance You Need With VetLaw’s VA Disability Claims Attorneys
The passionate and dedicated lawyers at VetLaw have the experience necessary to handle veteran disability claims. We proudly advocate for veterans grappling with service-related PTSD to help them secure the disability benefits they have rightfully earned.
If you have been affected by PTSD and need disability benefits, reach out to VetLaw’s team of attorneys for help with this process. Call (855) 525-1710 today to start discussing the details of your case or fill out a contact form. We will help you schedule a free consultation to speak with an attorney about your VA PTSD disability claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are veterans more likely to get PTSD than civilians?
As a group, veterans have a higher rate of PTSD as compared to the civilian population. However, the difference between PTSD rates in veterans and civilians is only 1%. Studies on the genetic risk for PTSD in veterans may also give us insight into PTSD in civilians.
How do I get an automatic 50% rating for PTSD?
The VA created a pathway for veterans experiencing mental health symptoms from PTSD to efficiently secure and maintain disability benefits for a limited amount of time if their PTSD caused the military to discharge them.
If you want to apply for an automatic 50% rating for your service-connected PTSD, you need to provide evidence that:
- You experienced an in-service event or ongoing circumstances that constitute a trigger
- A medical professional has diagnosed you with PTSD
- Your PTSD is attributable to that in-service event or conditions
- The military discharged you because of your PTSD
- Your PTSD symptoms affect your health, quality of life, and/or work
Although it might take more work to prove, you can hold onto your 50% rating for PTSD for 6 months without a VA challenge, as long as the VA approved your claim under this provision.
Is PTSD more common in female veterans?
13% of female veterans experience PTSD, according to the latest VA statistics. That is more than double the percentage of male veterans with PTSD. The discrepancy between these two rates likely comes from multiple sources.
Women serving in the military are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing Military Sexual Trauma, a common precursor for PTSD. They may also be more likely to seek treatment for mental health conditions.
