Left Behind: PTSD, Veterans, and the Disability Benefits Gap

For many U.S. veterans, the fight doesn't end when military service does. After returning home, those grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often face an uphill battle to receive the disability benefits they deserve.

A new national survey from Atticus, launched for PTSD Awareness Month, uncovers the silent struggles veterans face when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) due to PTSD and related mental health issues. Combined with federal data, the findings show a complex and emotionally draining system that too often leaves veterans behind.

Key takeaways

• 2 in 5 veterans (40%) have been formally diagnosed with PTSD or another mental health condition related to their military service.

• 1 in 6 veterans (17%) have applied for SSDI; 48% were denied, and 12% still have applications pending.

• Veterans with mental health conditions report being able to work an average of 19 hours per week.

• 3 in 5 veterans (61%) do not believe veterans with PTSD are treated fairly by the federal disability system.

• Over 2 in 3 veterans (69%) believe some veterans fake mental illness to get disability benefits.

• Mental health conditions account for over 1 in 3 of all SSDI awards (34.6%), a larger share than musculoskeletal disorders, the most common physical disability category, at 30%.

Veterans struggle to access SSDI for PTSD

• Among veterans who applied for SSDI, 43% cited a combination of physical and mental health conditions, 26% cited a physical condition or injury, 17% cited another mental health condition, and 14% specifically cited PTSD.

• Just 40% of veterans were approved for SSDI the first time they applied, while 48% were denied, and 12% still have applications pending.

• Among veterans who were denied SSDI, 43% haven't reapplied, 26% reapplied once, 24% appealed multiple times, and 7% were never approved despite trying.

• 3 in 5 veterans (61%) do not believe veterans with PTSD are treated fairly by the federal disability system.

• Veterans with mental health conditions report being able to work an average of just 19 hours per week.

• Over 3 in 5 veterans (69%) believe some veterans fake mental illness to get disability benefits.

Top reasons why veterans haven't applied for SSDI

• I don't think I'd qualify: 60%

• I'm already receiving VA disability benefits: 23%

• I didn't know where to start or who to talk to: 20%

• I didn't know mental health conditions could qualify: 17%

• The process seems too difficult or overwhelming: 15%

Challenges faced by veterans during the SSDI process

• Denied initially and had to appeal: 48%

• Trouble accessing mental health records/documentation: 36%

• Encountered long delays or missing paperwork: 36%

• Didn't understand the SSDI process or requirements: 33%

• Process worsened mental health symptoms: 31%

Impact of military-related mental health conditions on work ability

• Unable to work due to my mental health condition(s): 33%

• Can only work part-time or sporadically: 24%

• Employed full-time, but it's challenging due to symptoms: 12%

• Condition(s) impacted work in the past, but no longer do: 7%

• Employed full-time without significant impact: 7%

The emotional and practical toll of the SSDI process on veterans

• Worsening of PTSD or anxiety symptoms: 57%

• Financial hardship while waiting for benefits: 55%

• Strain on family or personal relationships: 45%

• Social isolation or withdrawal: 40%

• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or shame: 40%

• Loss of housing or risk of eviction: 33%

• Difficulty accessing medical or mental healthcare: 29%

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide: 21%

• Had to return to work before ready: 19%

How PTSD and mental health claims compare to physical disabilities in SSDI

Millions of Americans rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) when health conditions prevent them from working, but not all diagnoses are treated equally. New data reveals how mental health-related claims, including PTSD, compare to physical disability claims within the SSDI system.

Mental health claims account for over a third of SSDI awards

According to the Social Security Administration's 2023 Annual Statistical Report, 34.6% of current SSDI recipients were awarded their benefits for a mental health condition. This places mental health on equal footing with the largest physical disability category, musculoskeletal disorders, which represents 30% of awards.

Here's how mental health claims compare to other major physical condition categories in SSDI awards:

Within mental health claims, these conditions are represented as follows:

• Depressive, bipolar, and related disorders: 11.6%

• Schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders: 4.7%

• Other mental disorders: 4.5%

• Neurocognitive disorders: 3.0%

While PTSD isn't broken out individually in the SSA's public data, the volume of awards tied to “other” mental health categories, which accounts for almost 400,000 SSDI recipients, signals its significant presence in the disability system.

It’s also likely that the number of recipients who have dealt with PTSD is greater than the SSA data shows. The percentages above reflect only the primary condition for which a person was approved for SSDI. On the whole, qualifying with a physical condition, either on its own or in addition to a mental health condition, is easier under SSA guidelines. So it’s not uncommon for someone living with PTSD or another mental health condition to have been awarded benefits primarily for a separate disability. In such cases, a PTSD or other mental health diagnosis wouldn’t be included in this data.

Methodology

SSDI approval rate data was sourced from the 2023 Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, published by the Social Security Administration (SSA). We analyzed national SSDI award statistics by primary diagnosis category, comparing mental health-related conditions to physical impairments. While PTSD is not listed separately, it is included under the broader disability category of "other mental disorders." Percentages reflect the share of total SSDI recipients in 2023 by diagnostic group.

Additionally, we surveyed 250 U.S. veterans to explore the hidden hurdles they face when seeking SSDI for PTSD and other mental health conditions.

About Atticus

Atticus is a public interest law firm that helps Americans in a crisis secure aid from the government. Through a dedicated team of lawyers and client advocates, we specialize in helping individuals claim their rightful benefits in challenging times.

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