Psychological trauma comes in many forms, and so does post-traumatic stress disorder. The classic PTSD patient is a military veteran who survives combat only to contend with flashbacks and nightmares once they are home.

For veterans who served on multiple, prolonged deployments overseas, the risk of PTSD is especially high.

At AeroPsychiatry, we see many veterans who receive medical benefits from the VA. Many are completely fit to fly, yet nonetheless deemed by FAA rules to be medically unfit because of conditions that occurred in the past.

We are honored to help veterans sort these cases out with the FAA. Often this means clarifying the reasons for a benefits determination, and explaining a diagnosis in a way that meets the FAAs rules.

Trauma can also be chronic and complex, and can be caused by many factors, including sexual abuse and assault. The aftermath of complex or chronic trauma can result in feelings of anxiety, depersonalization, and interrupted sleep.

With proper therapy and in some cases medications, these symptoms are treatable.

The FAA has different pathways for pilots with PTSD, depending on the time frame of their symptoms. Knowledge of these pathways is vital if you are undergoing a PTSD related psychiatric evaluation.