Afghanistan veterans from the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) are calling for enhanced support for their struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They report feelings of abandonment and unsatisfactory treatment following their combat experiences. Systemic issues in recognizing and providing compensation for PTSD pose challenges for those affected. Recent suicides among veterans underscore the urgency for improved mental health support.

Afghanistan veterans who served in the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) express a pressing expectation for enhanced support concerning their struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This week, the investigative show “Pealtnägija” highlighted the feelings of abandonment experienced by some veterans, particularly those deployed from 2003 to Afghanistan. Three veterans, Artur Lavrinenko, Artjom Heinsaar, and Venno Tamjärv, shared their concerns regarding unsatisfactory treatment towards individuals affected by PTSD.

The Estonian missions in Afghanistan represent the most complex and casualty-heavy operations in EDF history, commencing in 2003 and intensifying in Helmand province. More than 2,400 Estonian soldiers served in the conflict, confronting the Taliban alongside NATO allies under the designation “Estcoy.” Despite perceptions of a low-intensity conflict, EDF’s chief medical officer Ahti Varblane indicated that the Afghan conflict carried characteristics of a conventional engagement.

The veterans recounted the acute fear and stress of combat. For instance, Tamjärv recalled realizing in 2011 that enemy fire posed a real threat. Heinsaar noted the confusion in recognizing the sound of bullets. The emotionally challenging experiences left lasting impacts, as evidenced by Lavrinenko’s injury and subsequent struggles with mental health following his deployment.

Suicidal incidents among Afghan veterans underscore insufficient support systems. Lavrinenko mentioned the tragic losses of fellow soldiers, which deeply affected him. Heinsaar, diagnosed with PTSD, applied for disability benefits for necessary therapy but faced denial due to bureaucratic challenges. The EDF contends that there needs to be a documented incident related directly to his service for compensation eligibility.

The committee’s decision-making processes prioritize documented physical injuries over invisible wounds like PTSD, complicating veterans’ claims. Heinsaar’s appeal to the administrative court aims to challenge the EDF’s restrictive approach. Other veterans have experienced different outcomes, leading to perceived discrepancies in support and acknowledgment of their conditions.

Currently, the psychological support framework at EDF is said to have improved. Nevertheless, significant gaps remain, as demonstrated by recent suicidal cases. EDF psychologist Kaidi Kiis noted that even with available resources, some veterans’ conditions progress beyond the assistance offered. It emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent further tragedies.

The challenges faced by Afghanistan veterans within the Estonian Defense Forces highlight significant gaps in mental health support and bureaucracy surrounding PTSD compensation. While some veterans receive recognition and benefits for their service-related trauma, many others struggle against systemic hurdles. The narrative shared by veterans like Heinsaar and Lavrinenko reflects an urgent call for improved recognition and a reevaluation of support systems to adequately address the psychological scars of war. Altogether, the EDF must reassess its policies and practices in order to better support the mental health needs of its veterans.

Original Source: news.err.ee

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