Legal Help for Veterans blog.
Aug
26

Sleep disorders are on the rise among veterans

Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press

Sleep is an essential part of a person’s wellbeing. However, many veterans are not getting the sleep they need. Recent research shows sleep disorders have increased six-fold among former service members over the past decade. The largest rise in sleep problems has been linked with patients who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), combat experience or […]

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Aug
19

Veterans may benefit from mental health treatment

Mental Health, News and Press, PTSD

Nearly one-third of veterans who experience trauma are at a higher risk for depression, substance abuse or suicide even though they do not meet all the criteria for a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. The findings of a Yale study highlight the need for doctors to be vigilant when assessing and treating PTSD symptoms in […]

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Aug
09

Veteran Volunteers Needed for PTSD Marijuana Study

News and Press, PTSD

A study is being conducted to figure out if smoking marijuana can help relieve the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. To help confirm the researcher’s hypothesis, the study will require that 76 combat veterans smoke up to two joints a day for 12 weeks. The $2.2 million study will be conducted at Johns Hopkins University […]

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Jun
28

Veterans Find Inner Peace, Alter Brain Function following University of Michigan Study

Medical Issues / Disability, Mental Health, News and Press, PTSD, Veterans Law

Kristina Derro Veteran Advocate The University of Michigan and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System teamed up to study the effects of mindfulness training among veterans suffering from PTSD; the positive results of the study came as a surprise even to the researchers. Mindfulness training can be thought of as a form of meditation and […]

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Jun
24

Veterans urged to use online tool for mental health screening

Mental Health, News and Press

Following Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the Michigan Veterans Affair Agency (MVAA) is encouraging veterans to use a free online mental health screening tool. The agency is offering the tool in collaboration with Screening for Mental Health, a nonprofit organization that provides various mental health and substance abuse resources. Veterans can use the tool […]

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Jun
03

Horse therapy offers hope to veterans with PTSD

News and Press, PTSD

Service dogs are to known to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) manage their symptoms. Although less common, horse-assisted therapy has also emerged as a valuable way of supporting former service members as they transition from military to civilian life. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has partnered with PEACE Ranch in Traverse City, […]

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May
04

How mindfulness training can help veterans with PTSD

Mental Health, News and Press, PTSD

Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often face challenges when trying to manage their symptoms. Traumatic memories keep replaying in their minds in a continuous loop, according to researchers. Traditional forms of treatment may not always prove effective for all veterans. A new study shows mindfulness training may serve as a promising way for […]

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Apr
06
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Fairness for Veterans Act aims to recognize PTSD-related discharges

PTSD, Veterans Law

Veterans currently face a long, uphill battle when trying to upgrade their less than honorable discharges. Many such discharges occur due to undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other conditions. The Fairness for Veterans Act introduced by Colorado Rep. Mike Coffman on March 3 might provide some much-needed relief. The bill seeks to ensure veterans […]

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Jan
25

Survey shows thousands of wounded veterans struggle with PTS and TBI

Mental Health, PTSD

More than 75 percent of wounded veterans are battling post-traumatic stress (PTS), according to the Wounded Warrior Project’s 2015 Alumni Survey. PTS and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are two of the biggest mental health issues facing veterans today. The organization estimates that over 400,000 veterans suffer from PTS while around 320,000 are dealing with TBI. […]

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Dec
29

Student creates app to improve sleep for veterans with PTSD

Mental Health, News and Press, PTSD

For some veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a basic good night’s sleep can often be elusive. A college student has developed a smartphone and smartwatch application that aims to help veterans by preventing night terrors, which are a major symptom of PTSD. Tyler Skluzacek, a senior at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was […]

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