Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

For many Veterans, memories of their wartime experiences can still be upsetting long after they served in combat. If you are an older Veteran, you may have served many years ago, but your military experience can still affect your life today.

Here are some ways that past military experience can affect you as you get older.

PTSD symptoms later in life







PTSD symptoms can occur soon after a traumatic experience, but this is not always the case. Here are some common symptom patterns:


Other Veterans don’t have PTSD symptoms until later in life.


Late-Onset Stress Symptomatology (LOSS)

Many older Veterans have functioned well since their military experience. Then later in life, they begin to think more or become more emotional about their wartime experience. As you age, it is normal to look back over your life and try to  make sense of your experiences. For Veterans this process can trigger Late-Onset Stress Symptomatology (LOSS).


Having symptoms of LOSS is not upsetting for all Veterans. While some find that remembering their wartime experience is upsetting, many find that it helps them to make meaning of their wartime experience.

What can you do to find help?


Do things to feel strong and safe in other parts of your life, like exercising, eating well, and volunteering.




Tell your family and friends about LOSS and PTSD. It can be very helpful to talk to others as you try to place your long-ago wartime experiences into perspective. It may also be helpful for others to know what may be the source of your  anger, nerves, sleep, or memory problems. Then they can provide more support.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most of all, try not to feel bad or embarrassed to ask for help. Asking for help when you need it is a sign of wisdom and strength.

From US Dept of Veterans Affairs. For more info on the effects of PTSD, coming home from war, sleeping problems, and more, visit