🧠 “He Looks Fine to Me” — 3 Myths That Harm Disabled Veterans
“He doesn’t look disabled.”
“She’s always smiling — no way she has PTSD.”
“My buddy got 100% for a paper cut.”
We’ve heard it all. These are the myths that linger in online comments, VA waiting rooms, and even inside veteran circles. But how true are they — and what damage do they cause?
🔍 Myth 1: “You Don’t Look Disabled”
Not all wounds are visible. In fact, most aren’t. Veterans rated for PTSD, TBI, MST, chronic pain, migraines, or autoimmune disorders may look outwardly healthy. That doesn’t make the conditions less real — or less disabling.
“I have nerve damage. I can stand and smile through a conversation — but later I’m in pain for hours.”
“Gulf War illness isn’t something you can see. But I’m still exhausted, foggy, and in pain most days.”
Disability isn’t about appearance. It’s about function, frequency, and impact on daily life — things the casual observer doesn’t see.
😐 Myth 2: “You Can’t Have PTSD If You’re Smiling”
This one’s especially dangerous. Many veterans who struggle with PTSD or anxiety mask their symptoms — in part because of stigma, shame, or survival instinct. Some overcompensate. Others have moments of peace between episodes.
“I run a successful small business. People don’t see the nightmares, the hypervigilance, or the isolation.”
“I smiled during my C&P exam. Doesn’t mean I wasn’t dissociating the whole time.”
PTSD doesn’t always look like the movies. And smiling isn’t proof of wellness — it’s often a defense mechanism.
📎 Myth 3: “My Buddy Got 100% for a Paper Cut”
This one spreads like wildfire — the belief that someone else “didn’t deserve” their rating. It’s almost always based on partial info, rumor, or resentment. The reality? 100% ratings require severe, documented impairment.
Someone might be rated for a mental health condition, multiple secondary issues, or a combination of lesser ratings that legally total 100%. Without seeing the full claims file, you’re only seeing the headline — not the story.
“People thought I got 100% for a knee injury. They didn’t know I also had severe depression from losing my career, and back problems from overcompensating for that knee for years.”
Veterans deserve compassion, not suspicion. And when in doubt — don’t guess. Ask or stay quiet.
✅ Final Thought
Myths like these don’t just misinform — they isolate. They make it harder for veterans to seek help, harder for them to feel seen, and harder for the community to build trust.
If we want a stronger veteran community, we have to stop judging what we don’t understand.
