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Veterans seeking disability benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder: who applies and the self-reported meaning of disability compensation

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  • Sayer, Nina A.
  • Spoont, Michele
  • Nelson, Dave

Abstract

Assumptions about the characteristics and motivations of individuals pursuing disability status are well known. However, policy, programming and interventions need to be based on information about the actual sociodemographic characteristics of disabled individuals, as well as their goals in seeking disability status. In this study, we focus on veterans seeking disability compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. We present information on their life circumstances and their self-reported reasons for valuing the obtainment of veterans' disability status on the basis of PTSD. There was considerable variability in the background of veterans seeking disability status on the basis of PTSD. Of concern, only about half of these individuals were receiving any mental health treatment at the time of application. Most claimants reported seeking disability compensation for symbolic reasons, especially for acknowledgement, validation and relief from self-blame. Reasons having to do with improved finances were less frequently endorsed, although the importance of obtaining improved solvency through disability status decreased as income increased. The sense of investment in obtaining a sense of self-acceptance and acceptance from others through disability status varied by sociodemographic variables. Overall, findings suggest that individuals seeking disability benefits may have unmet mental health care needs, and that policy makers, investigators and providers should consider material benefit as one of many possible reasons for engaging in a disability compensation system.

Suggested Citation

  • Sayer, Nina A. & Spoont, Michele & Nelson, Dave, 2004. "Veterans seeking disability benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder: who applies and the self-reported meaning of disability compensation," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 58(11), pages 2133-2143, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:58:y:2004:i:11:p:2133-2143
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    Cited by:

    1. Mauricio Sarrias & Benjamin Jara, 2020. "How Much Should We Pay for Mental Health Deterioration? The Subjective Monetary Value of Mental Health After the 27F Chilean Earthquake," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(3), pages 843-875, March.
    2. Benyamini, Yael & Solomon, Zahava, 2005. "Combat stress reactions, posttraumatic stress disorder, cumulative life stress, and physical health among Israeli veterans twenty years after exposure to combat," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(6), pages 1267-1277, September.

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