Surviving Spouses, Veterans DIC Benefits, Alcohol Use, and PTSD
Are you entitled to Veterans DIC Benefits because of PTSD-related alcohol use? In recent years, the understanding of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has advanced considerably. PTSD is a physical brain injury.
Exposure to extreme stress, like combat stress, erodes the cerebral cortex. This part of the brain controls logical thought. If the cerebral cortex shrinks, the amygdala, which controls emotional responses, becomes too large. This imbalance explains symptoms like nightmares, heightened awareness, and flashbacks.
Like all other brain injuries, PTSD is incurable. However, it is treatable, and in many cases, manageable. Unfortunately, many victims and physicians still see PTSD as a processing disorder. With no where else to turn, many PTSD victims resort to alcohol. In many cases, the alcohol use may cause more problems than the PTSD.
Relief may be available in the form of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits. Surviving spouses of veterans who suffered from PTSD-induced AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) may be eligible for substantial monthly compensation. This money obviously does not turn back the clock and erase the scars of PTSD. But the benefits do make life a little more liveable.
The Link Between PTSD and Alcohol Use
Immediately after a stressful event, the brain releases endorphins. This natural morphine is the brain’s way of dealing with the situation. Endorphins give the person a sense of calmness and well-being. This effect is only temporary, however. Shortly thereafter, endorphin withdrawal sets in. This condition has symptoms like:
- Depression,
- Anxiety,
- Physical discomfort,
- Emotional distress, and
- Drug or alcohol cravings.
Many people see alcohol as the best way out. As a result, dual-diagnosis PTSD-AUD cases are rather common. In fact, it is rare to see one without the other, especially in military families.
As the endorphin withdrawal increases, alcohol use increases, as well. Because of the increased use, the brain releases dopamine. This substance numbs certain neural receptors, temporarily alleviating reactions like heightened awareness and flashbacks. The symptoms inevitably return. Since the symptoms are generally stronger, the person generally drinks more. The brain releases even more dopamine, and the vicious cycle continues.
Roughly a 1/4 of the people with a serious brain injury also have a chronic substance abuse problem.
Alcohol-Related Illnesses
Intense alcohol use has some serious emotional consequences, but these consequences usually do not qualify for DIC status. To receive these benefits, the surviving spouse must establish both service-connected PTSD/AUD and a physical illness related to alcohol consumption. Some common illnesses in this category include:
- Liver Disease: The body metabolizes alcohol through the liver, transforming it into acetaldehyde. This substance is toxic in several ways. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption leads to liver inflammation (alcohol hepatitis) and eventually cirrhosis (excessive scar tissue which impedes normal liver function).
- Pancreatitis: Acetaldehyde particles often invade the pancreas, where a similar process takes place.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Alcohol inflames the stomach lining, and this gastritis often causes dangerous internal bleeding. Alcohol also impedes certain gastric secretions, impairing muscle movement throughout this area of the body.
- Osteoporosis: When young people, like military veterans, drink heavily, they often lose bone mass later in life. Osteoporosis leaves people vulnerable to fractures, especially hip fractures.
DIC benefits begin at approximately $1,300 a month. Many surviving spouses are eligible for additional benefits, as well.
Count on Assertive Attorneys
The link between PTSD and AUD often leads to serious and fatal illnesses. For a free consultation with an experienced veterans disability lawyer, contact Cameron Firm, PC at 800-861-7262 or fill out the contact box to your right. We are here to successfully represent veterans nationwide.
This article is for educational and marketing purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship.
