Veterans face ongoing challenges in securing PTSD compensation in Denmark
Veterans regularly face denials for compensation related to PTSD, with authorities sometimes determining that the condition can be documented as war-related. In other cases, they find veterans do not meet the criteria for the disorder. A report from the Danish Armed Forces Personnel Agency reveals that leading medical experts often disagree on these decisions.
An examination of 26 rejected cases found that in 15 instances, at least one psychiatrist concluded that the veteran had PTSD resulting from combat experiences. Many veterans shared troubling incidents they endured during deployment, such as witnessing devastating injuries and fatalities among fellow soldiers. One veteran described incidents where he was close enough to explosions that shrapnel damaged his clothing, and he was forced to collect body parts after a fellow soldier was killed.
Upon returning home, this veteran struggled to complete education, faced deteriorating mental health, and eventually received a diagnosis of depression, with suicidal thoughts, resulting in treatment with antidepressants. Psychiatrists noted symptoms aligned with periodic depression and personality changes attributed to traumatic experiences, alongside suggestions of ADD.
Despite expert opinions, authorities denied compensation, arguing that the depression did not arise within the required time frame after deployment and that the veteran did not exhibit specific symptoms such as flashbacks or nightmares directly related to combat.
Another veteran, who experienced ongoing threats and physical danger, reported symptoms like sleeping issues and nightmares, yet similarly faced denial of claims. Authorities contended that the stressors experienced during deployment were not severe enough to warrant a PTSD diagnosis, instead categorizing the condition as a non-specific stress reaction. Consequently, veterans continue to encounter challenges in securing recognition and compensation for their mental health struggles tied to their military service.