Veteran Anxiety: Causes, Signs, & Treatment

Veteran anxiety is a complex and pressing issue in the military field. The experts of our mood disorder treatment program are delving into the complexities of anxiety among veterans, shedding light on the distinct challenges they face as a result of their military service. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence, contributing factors, diagnostic criteria, and available treatment modalities for veterans grappling with anxiety disorders. By explaining the nuances of VA anxiety, we hope to contribute to the broader conversation on veteran mental health and foster a deeper appreciation for the clinical and societal dimensions.

Is Anxiety Common With Veterans?

Yes, anxiety is common in veterans. The experience of anxiety disorders is a common consequence of military service for many veterans and active-duty members, owing to the unique stressors and traumas that individuals who serve in the military often encounter during their deployments and service-related activities.

Studies have consistently shown elevated rates of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder, within the veteran population. Therefore, it is important to recognize the prevalence of anxiety within this population to provide appropriate support and treatment.

Causes of VA Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Veteran anxiety can be attributed to multiple factors, including both military-related and post-military experiences. It is important to understand the causes of anxiety in veterans to provide comprehensive care and support.

Major contributing factors to VA anxiety include:

• Combat exposure: Veterans who have been deployed to combat zones are more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Exposure to life-threatening situations, witnessing violence, and the constant state of alertness in combat can cause acute stress reactions and the development of anxiety symptoms.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Aside from combat, veterans often encounter other psychologically distressing events during their service, such as witnessing accidents, loss of comrades, or involvement in morally ambiguous situations, which can lead to anxiety. This trauma often manifests into PTSD, another significant contributor to anxiety among veterans. Traumatic experiences during military service lead to persistent and intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks, which may foster hypervigilance and heightened anxiety.
• Military sexual trauma (MST): Veterans who have experienced sexual assault or harassment during military service may develop anxiety disorders.
• Transition to civilian life: Reintegration into civilian life can be challenging for veterans. The abrupt shift from a structured military environment to the uncertainties of civilian life can trigger anxiety. Concerns about employment, relationships, and adapting to a non-military routine are common contributing factors.
• Injuries: Veterans who have sustained physical injuries during their service may experience chronic pain and disability, which can lead to emotional distress and anxiety.
• Substance abuse: Some veterans engage in substance use as a coping mechanism for their emotional distress, which can worsen anxiety or lead to substance use disorders co-occurring with anxiety.
• Financial problems: Economic instability and financial stressors can be a source of anxiety for veterans, particularly when they struggle to find employment or manage their finances after service.
• Relationship issues: Difficulty in maintaining relationships, including family and social connections, can contribute to feelings of isolation and anxiety among veterans.
• Access to care: Limited or no access to mental healthcare services, long wait times, or perceived stigma regarding mental health treatment can hinder individuals from seeking help for their anxiety.

Understanding the nature of veteran anxiety is crucial for healthcare professionals and facilities, such as our drug rehab for veterans, to provide tailored interventions and support to address these underlying causes effectively. Early detection and individualized treatment can significantly improve the well-being of veterans with anxiety disorders.

VA Anxiety Symptoms & Signs to Look Out For

The signs of anxiety among veterans can manifest in various ways, including both physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and functioning.

Common symptoms of anxiety experienced by veterans include:

• Avoidance behaviors
• Difficulty concentrating
• Emotional numbing
• Excessive worry
• Fatigue
• Flashbacks
• Hypervigilance
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Panic attacks (includes rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and sweating)
• Restlessness
• Sleep disturbances
• Social withdrawal
• Substance abuse

It's important to note that the severity and combination of these symptoms can vary widely among veterans. A comprehensive assessment by a healthcare provider is essential to determine the specific anxiety disorder and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention and support are crucial to help veterans manage their anxiety and improve their quality of life.

Is Anxiety a Veteran Disability?

Yes, the VA recognizes anxiety as a veteran disability, but it must be evident that the disorder is associated with military service. This is partially determined by diagnostic records and other information from the individual’s physician and/or psychiatrist. However, family and friends may also contribute to proving that anxiety is service-connected.

Additionally, while anxiety alone may qualify individuals for veterans’ disability benefits, it may also be secondary to other service-related disabilities, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and chronic pain.

Anxiety VA Rating

A disability rating is assigned based on the severity of the individual’s service-connected condition. The VA uses the veteran’s disability rating to determine how much disability compensation they’ll receive every month, as well as their eligibility for other VA benefits. Like most conditions, anxiety can result in a range of possible disability ratings.

A veteran with a diagnosed and service-connected anxiety disorder may receive a VA rating for anxiety ranging from 0% to 100%. For instance, a 30% VA disability rating may be assigned to a veteran with anxiety if they can generally function satisfactorily in terms of behavior, self-care, and communication but may occasionally exhibit a decrease in work efficiency and periods of inability to perform occupational assignments due to depressed mood, panic attacks, long-term sleep impairment, and other similar problems.

Veterans’ Anxiety Treatment at Banyan

With multiple military rehab centers across the nation, Banyan offers addiction and mental health care to active-duty service members and veterans in all communities. If you or someone you care about is a veteran battling anxiety or any other mental health disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help.

Call Banyan Mental Health today at 888-280-4763 or contact us online for more information about our anxiety treatment services.