VA Disability for Anxiety: What is Anxiety?

Many veterans qualify for VA disability for anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness, such as worry, fear, or dread, that is a normal emotional response to stress or perceived threat. It is not unusual for people to worry about life circumstances such as finances, health, problems at work, or relationship troubles. In some situations, anxiety can even be helpful to provide a boost of motivation or energy or keep us out of harm’s way. For people with anxiety disorders, though, anxiety can be debilitating. Anxiety disorders involve feeling excessive, incessant worry and fear in everyday circumstances. People with anxiety disorders may also experience episodes in which they are suddenly overcome with sudden overwhelming fear or terror that is disproportionate to the situation or when there is no threat at all. This is called a panic attack. Panic attacks and symptoms of anxiety disorders often interfere with being able to successfully carry out everyday activities because the anxiety is difficult to control, and to avoid these feelings, you may avoid certain situations. 

There are several types of anxiety disorders, such as:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder– this disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday things
• Panic Disorder– involves experiencing recurrent panic attacks, or sudden waves of intense and overwhelming fear, anxiety, or terror. Physical symptoms such as chest pain, hot flashes, shortness of breath, or trembling, are often experienced as part of a panic attack.
• Agoraphobia– fear and avoidance of situations in which one would be unable to escape. People with agoraphobia are afraid of experiencing overwhelming anxiety or feelings of panic in these situations. Agoraphobia often occurs with Panic Disorder (but not always).
• Social Anxiety Disorder– intense fear or anxiety related to social situations 
• Phobias– irrational, persistent, and overwhelming fear of a specific object or situation

Anxiety in Veterans

Anxiety among veterans is common. Many veterans have been exposed to extremely stressful situations, have experienced trauma, and face the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

Physical Symptoms:

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Sweating or trembling
• Muscle tension or aches
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Gastrointestinal issues

Emotional Symptoms:

• Persistent worry or fear
• Irritability or restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling on edge or overwhelmed
• Panic attacks (sudden episodes of intense fear)

Behavioral Symptoms:

• Avoidance of social situations or activities
• Increased substance use
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Hypervigilance

How Anxiety Impacts Daily Life

Anxiety can significantly disrupt daily functioning, affecting various aspects of a veteran’s life:

• Relationships: Anxiety can lead to social isolation, difficulty communicating, and strained relationships with family and friends.
• Work/Education: Anxiety can cause concentration problems, leading to reduced productivity and increased mistakes. It can also lead to avoidance behavior. Panic attacks can interfere with job performance or academic success.
• Daily Activities: Simple tasks like grocery shopping, driving, or attending appointments can be overwhelming for veterans who experience anxiety.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options for Anxiety

Effective treatments are available to help you manage anxiety. They typically involve psychotherapy, medication, or both:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- This psychotherapy approach helps you to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety and learn coping skills for managing anxiety-provoking situations.
• Exposure Therapy- This approach is especially helpful to treat phobias and involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or stimuli to reduce anxiety responses.
• Medication- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms. A combination of psychotherapy and medication often yields the best treatment results.

Taking the First Step

If you are a veteran struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and VMHA is here to support you. An Independent Medical Opinion from VMHA can provide the necessary evidence to support your VA mental health claim. This will help you receive VA disability for anxiety. Email us at info@vmhaforvets.com or call us at 214-307-2198 to learn how we can help you get the benefits you deserve. For more information about our services, visit our Services Page.