Post Traumatic Stress is a normal set of reactions to a trauma such as war, which could be experienced by almost anyone. Sometimes, it becomes a Disorder (PTSD) with the passage of time when feelings or issues related to the trauma are not dealt with, but are suppressed by the individual. This can result in problems readjusting to community life following the trauma. A delayed stress reaction may surface after many years and involve some or all of the following problems:

• anger, irritability, and rage
• feeling nervous
• depression
• difficulty trusting others
• feeling guilt over acts committed or witnessed, the failure to prevent certain events, or merely having survived while others did not.
• hyper alertness and startle reactions
• feeling grief or sadness
• having thoughts and memories that will not go away
• isolation and alienation from others
• loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• low tolerance to stress
• problems with authority
• problems feeling good about oneself
• nightmares
• substance abuse
• trouble sleeping
• anxiety
• paranoia

Readjustment Counseling Services

• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Marital and family counseling
• Medical referrals
• Assistance in applying for VA Benefits
• Employment counseling, guidance and referral
• Alcohol/Drug treatment referrals
• Information and referral to community resources
• Sexual trauma referral services
• Community education

New Directives for Glasses and Hearing Aids.  This new directive allows VA to provide glasses and hearing aids to those enrolled in the VA Healthcare System who are not service connected for those conditions (Priority Groups 6-8), providing their necessity is clinically indicated.

In the past these were available only to those service connected for the condition.  These services are now considered part of the preventative care package for all veterans enrolled in the VA who meet certain criteria.