Danish veterans frustrated as PTSD recognition delays persist

Danish veterans, including Mads Fahrenholtz from East Jutland, express deep frustration over the continued difficulty in having PTSD recognized as a work-related injury, despite political promises in 2024 to simplify the process, DR reports.

Fahrenholtz, a veteran of three deployments—Cyprus in 1986, Namibia in 1989, and Iraq in 1991—holds two specialist medical reports confirming his PTSD stems from his service, particularly his time in Iraq. Yet his claim for recognition was rejected by the Labour Market’s Occupational Insurance (AES), which argued he had not faced sufficient danger and that his diagnosis was made too late. He has since appealed the decision.

In 2024, then-Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (V) announced plans to introduce a “presumption rule,” shifting the burden of proof from veterans to the military to demonstrate that service did not cause their PTSD. The proposal was included in the defence agreement and was expected to take effect in early 2026. However, it has yet to be implemented, sparking outrage among veterans and advocacy groups.

Poulsen told DR the delay stemmed from the early election called by then-Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, which prevented the bill from being introduced. He criticized the new government for omitting veterans or the presumption rule from its policy platform.

New Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus (S) stated the bill remains a top priority and will be presented in the autumn. “I understand the veterans’ impatience,” he said, acknowledging the need for reform.

Fahrenholtz, who chairs a support group for veterans in Aarhus, said the lack of recognition feels like a betrayal. “We came home after fighting for Denmark. There should be peace and respect. Instead, we have to keep fighting here at home for the acknowledgment we deserve,” he said. “I can’t help but feel bitter.”