PTSD and Mental Health Injury Claims: What You Need to Know

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychological condition that can have a lasting and devastating impact on an individual’s life. For many military veterans and serving personnel, PTSD is not just a clinical diagnosis, it is a daily reality brought on by traumatic experiences endured in service. Recognising the impact of PTSD and understanding your legal rights is the first step toward recovery and compensation.

Understanding PTSD in a Military Context

PTSD often follows exposure to a traumatic event, such as combat, a serious accident during training, or witnessing injury or death. In the military setting, such experiences are not uncommon, and the effects may be long-lasting. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, emotional numbness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Left untreated, these symptoms can significantly impair personal relationships, career prospects, and overall quality of life.

Importantly, PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is a recognised medical condition, and increasing awareness has led to improved clinical understanding and support networks but legal support remains a crucial part of the recovery process, especially where negligence or systemic failure is involved.

Can You Make a Claim for PTSD?

Yes, it is possible to bring a claim for compensation if your PTSD was caused by or made worse due to the negligence of another party, including the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Although military personnel are not classed as employees in the conventional legal sense, the MoD still owes a duty of care to protect service members from foreseeable harm.

Common grounds for claims include:

• Failure to provide proper mental health support or screening
• Exposure to unnecessary trauma during training
• Bullying, harassment, or abuse within the chain of command
• Lack of appropriate rest and decompression after deployment

In many cases, claims are brought under common law negligence or via the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). In some situations, a Human Rights Act claim may also be appropriate, particularly where there is a failure to safeguard dignity and mental wellbeing.  We also deal with applications for review of Secretary of State decisions and appeals to the First and Second Tier Tribunals.

Mental Health Support Matters

A successful PTSD claim does more than secure financial compensation — it can open the door to treatment, counselling, and vital support services. At Ison Harrison, we work with clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and military charities to ensure clients are supported beyond the legal process.

We understand that coming forward with a claim can be daunting. Our approach is confidential, compassionate, and client led. We will always listen first, advise clearly, and support you at every step of the journey.

Take the First Step

If you or a loved one are suffering from PTSD linked to military service or another traumatic experience, do not suffer in silence. Legal advice is available and can make a meaningful difference to your recovery.

Contact our specialist military claims team today for a free, no-obligation consultation.