19. Somatic Symptom Disorder: When Pain Becomes Mental
If you have chronic pain (back, knees, shoulders) that has lasted for years, it likely affects your mental health. This is a claimable condition often called Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD).
It links your physical pain to your mental health rating. It is a powerful way to bridge the gap for veterans who have physical injuries but were never diagnosed with "PTSD" during service.
Pain is Mental Too
Let us explore if Somatic Symptom Disorder is the right path for your claim.