Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder in Veterans

At Veterans Victory Protection, we’re here to guide veterans through the complexities of VA benefits. One condition that often goes under the radar is Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). If you’re a veteran struggling with unexplained physical symptoms that affect your daily life, it’s important to understand how SSD could be connected to your service and what benefits you may qualify for.

What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

Somatic Symptom Disorder involves persistent physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition. These symptoms cause significant distress and disrupt your ability to function normally. SSD often overlaps with mental health conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making it essential to address both physical and emotional well-being.

Types of Somatoform Disorders

Somatic symptom disorders can take many forms. Here are some common ones:

1. Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder

This condition is similar to SSD but involves fewer symptoms.

2. Conversion Disorder

When physical symptoms mimic a neurological disorder—like chronic pain or hearing issues—but no neurological cause is found, conversion disorder may be the diagnosis.

3. Pain Disorder

This involves chronic pain without a clear physical explanation. The pain is real, can feel overwhelming, and often disrupts daily life.

4. Hypochondriasis (Illness Anxiety Disorder)

This condition is characterized by excessive worry about having a serious illness, even when medical tests show no cause for concern.

5. Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Involves an intense fixation on a real or imagined physical flaw, leading to anxiety and social withdrawal.

6. Somatoform Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)

For symptoms that don’t fit neatly into any specific category, NOS is used as a diagnosis.

SSD and Veterans: The PTSD Connection

For many veterans, SSD is rooted in trauma. Studies show that PTSD—one of the most common service-connected conditions—can manifest through somatic symptoms like:

• Unexplained dizziness

• Tinnitus

• Blurry vision

If you’re already receiving VA disability compensation for PTSD and experience somatic symptoms, you might be eligible for an increased rating due to SSD secondary to PTSD.