Legal Help for Veterans blog.
Jan
19

New York becomes latest state to allow medical marijuana for PTSD treatment

PTSD

New York recently became the latest state to approve medical marijuana as a treatment for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The state’s nearly two-year-old medical marijuana program has been expanded to include the condition. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the measure on Veterans Day in November. Medical marijuana can currently be used for treating PTSD […]

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Jan
05

VA to offer oxygen therapy to some veterans with PTSD

PTSD

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is increasingly turning to alternative therapies to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their latest offering is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The VA will provide HBOT to a small number of patients experiencing PTSD symptoms that are resistant to traditional treatments. The therapy will be made available to […]

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Dec
29

Poll says majority of veterans back medical marijuana research and legalization

News and Press

The topic of medical marijuana has been under intense debate. While lawmakers seem unable to agree on whether to legalize it, a recent survey revealed surprising results. Veterans across 39 states have expressed overwhelming support for the legalization of medical marijuana, as well as research into the drug. The American Legion polled 513 veterans as […]

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Dec
05

Artificial intelligence is helping veterans open up about PTSD, say researchers

PTSD

A computerized “virtual human” could soon be helping veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to recent research funded by the Department of Defense. University of Southern California (USC) researchers conducted a study using a computerized avatar named Ellie. They found that service members and veterans were three times more likely to disclose their […]

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Oct
20

Scientists say blood tests could help diagnose PTSD

PTSD

A simple blood test could soon be used to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to new research. PTSD is currently only diagnosed through symptoms that people report themselves. However, diagnosis can be difficult as veterans and others who have the condition are often reluctant to discuss it. Researchers at the University of Maastricht in […]

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Jul
31

New research sheds light on fight or flight response in veterans with PTSD

PTSD

A recent study seeks to explain why veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at an increased risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. Researchers are attributing the threat to the intense “fight or flight” response that combat veterans experience during moments of mental stress. Findings from previous research show that veterans have an […]

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May
19

More focus needed on physical health effects of PTSD, says study

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has long been considered a psychological condition. However, researchers are now saying it should be viewed as a systemic disorder that can also take a damaging toll on bodily health. A new study has found that adults with PTSD are at a higher risk of suffering a broad range of health […]

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Mar
31

New bill to launch mental health treatment program for veterans

Mental Health

Two senators introduced legislation that seeks to provide cutting-edge medical treatment for veterans struggling with mental health issues. The No Heroes Left Untreated Act will open up treatment options to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Senate legislation aims to establish pilot programs at two Department of Veterans Affairs […]

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Jan
06

Ecstasy moves closer to getting approved as PTSD treatment

PTSD

Veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may soon have another form of treatment to turn to for relief when traditional therapies fail to work. The Food and Drug Administration on November 29 authorized large-scale phase three clinical trials of MDMA after promising results from earlier studies. The trial could help open doors to more […]

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Dec
19

Virtual reality offers new approach to PTSD treatment

Mental Health, News and Press, PTSD

Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may find relief for their symptoms through the innovative use of virtual reality (VR). Some Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, university centers and military bases have turned to gradual exposure therapy to help former service members heal by reliving the moments that triggered their PTSD. The Miami […]

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