Our team at Disability Law Group, led by attorney Erika Riggs, recently secured a life-changing victory for a 60-year-old veteran from Flint, Michigan. This Army veteran, who served as a cannon crewman and field artillery specialist from 1982 to 1985, faced numerous health challenges, with PTSD being the most debilitating. After years of struggling with his condition, he now receives 100% service-connected disability benefits for PTSD alone, resulting in over $60,000 in back pay, along with increased monthly benefits.
Initially, the veteran faced significant hurdles in his pursuit of justice. His own doctors at the VA refused to provide the necessary nexus letters and Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) that could support his claim. Without these crucial documents, his chances of securing the benefits he rightfully deserved were severely diminished. This is a common struggle for many veterans, as obtaining supportive medical evidence is often a critical step in the claims process.
Understanding the importance of this evidence, Erika Riggs and our dedicated team went above and beyond. We assisted the veteran in finding independent doctors who were willing to review his case, understand his struggles, and prepare the necessary nexus letters and DBQs. These documents played a pivotal role in proving the connection between his military service and his PTSD, ultimately leading to a 100% disability rating.
This success story is not just a testament to our team’s legal expertise but also to our commitment to supporting veterans every step of the way. This veteran’s experience with us was so positive that he now regularly refers fellow veterans to Disability Law Group, knowing firsthand the difference our comprehensive support can make.
PTSD Among Veterans: A Growing Concern
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant issue among veterans, particularly those who have served in combat or other high-stress environments. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, between 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom suffer from PTSD in a given year. For Vietnam veterans, the number is even higher, with about 30% having experienced PTSD at some point in their lives.
The criteria for a 100% PTSD rating from the VA are stringent and reflect the severity of the condition. Veterans must demonstrate total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD, which may include symptoms such as persistent hallucinations or delusions, grossly inappropriate behavior, danger of hurting oneself or others, and memory loss for names of close relatives, one’s own occupation, or one’s own name.
In this case, our client’s PTSD symptoms were so severe that they met these criteria, leaving him unable to work or maintain social relationships. The 100% rating recognizes the profound impact PTSD has had on his life and ensures he receives the maximum level of benefits available.
Supporting Veterans Beyond the Claims Process
At Disability Law Group, we understand that securing benefits is just one part of the journey for our clients. We are committed to helping veterans navigate the complexities of the VA system, from finding supportive medical professionals to ensuring they receive the care and compensation they deserve. If you or someone you know is struggling with a VA disability claim, especially for conditions like PTSD, our team is here to help.
