As a veteran, it is critical that you receive adequate treatment for any symptoms that are hampering your ability to mentally and physically function. For many service members that have already been awarded a rating for post-traumatic stress disorder, and are using risperidone for treatment that has proven ineffective, you need to seek legal action to ensure that your disability rating and compensation is fair.
This stems from a recent study by a leading Veterans Administration doctor and other notable colleagues in The Journal of the American Medical Association that showed risperidone was no more effective than the placebo sugar pill at treating PTSD. In fact, the study showed individuals also experienced weight gain, fatigue, sleepiness, and hypersalivation over the course of a six-month treatment. Individuals from various wars – Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan – still experienced depression, paranoia, anxiety, and a diminished quality of life while using risperidone.
“Overall, the data do not provide strong support for the current widespread prescription of risperidone to patients with . . . military-related PTSD symptoms, and these findings should stimulate careful review of the benefits of these medications in patients with chronic PTSD,” said Dr. John H. Krystal, director of the clinical neurosciences division of the VA’s National Center for PTSD.
From October 2000 to June 2010, Veterans Affairs physicians wrote five million-plus prescriptions of risperidone totaling $717 million. Risperidone is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat schizophrenia, bipolar conditions, and irritability in autistic youth. Using risperidone for PTSD is considered “off-label” use. Even the pharmaceutical company that makes the drug, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, does not suggest using the drug for PTSD.
“PTSD is associated with dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, compounded in the combat environment by prolonged extreme stress and chronic sleep restriction,” said Dr. Charles W. Hoge, from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. More studies and research is needed to address this problem that affects thousands of servicemen and women.
For service members, it is important to note how your treatments for PTSD have addressed the problem. If you are unable to work or interact with others, or have the reduced ability to do so, your disability rating should be evaluated. VA regulations allow service members to seek new evaluations for their mental health concerns. PTSD varies for each person, and could have started while in the service, or only shown up years later. In any case, it is best to seek medical advice and get legal counsel to represent your claims.
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com.
James G. Fausone is a Veterans disability lawyer and Veterans attorney with Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC. Learn more at Legalhelpforveterans.com.
