Due to the stressful and violent situations experienced by military personnel, many veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their military service. PTSD represents a mental reaction to a traumatic event that lasts for months or years after the event. It can cause various symptoms that adversely affect mental and physical health, social activities, daily tasks, and work performance. Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Flashbacks or reliving the traumatic event in one’s head
- Uncontrollable or intrusive thoughts or memories about the event
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Behavioral changes
- Physical reactions when reminded of the event
The severe emotional distress and mental health challenges caused by PTSD can also have adverse consequences for physical health, including high blood pressure, increased heart rate, nausea, chronic headaches, joint pain, and fatigue. The physical and mental effects of PTSD can interfere with daily activities or work duties.
Fortunately, veterans who have service-related PTSD may qualify for disability benefits and VA health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, even if PTSD symptoms did not manifest until after a veteran left active-duty service. PTSD ranks as one of the most common benefits claims the VA receives. An experienced attorney can help you learn how to apply for PTSD VA benefits if you suffer from service-related PSTD and can discuss additional benefits you may be entitled to. Contact Disability Law Group today for a free consultation to discuss your circumstances.
Benefits and Services for Veterans with PTSD
VA programs for veterans with service-connected PTSD can provide VA health services and other benefits to assist veterans with coping with the symptoms of PTSD. For example, veterans who qualify for PTSD disability benefits can obtain PTSD treatment at a VA medical center or outpatient clinic, including:
- Mental health assessments
- Medications to treat PTSD symptoms
- Talk therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy for anger or stress management or combat support
Veterans receiving PTSD disability benefits may also obtain transition and employment services transition and employment services to help them as they leave military service due to PTSD. The VA operates programs such as the Returning Service Member Program for veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn, the Disabled Transition Assistance Program, and vocational rehabilitation programs. These programs help transitioning service members find employment and offer additional support to help improve successful outcomes after leaving a life of military service.
Finally, veterans may also qualify for disability compensation. The VA can provide tax-free monthly payments to veterans who have a disability rating connected with their PTSD.
What Is the VA PTSD Disability Benefits Questionnaire?
The amount of VA benefits a veteran receives for PTSD will depend on the severity of their disability. The higher a VA benefits PTSD rating a veteran receives, the higher the amount of disability compensation they stand to receive. The VA evaluates the severity of disability caused by PTSD based on the mental and physical symptoms caused by the condition, such as:
- Intrusive symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety or panic attacks, or recurring memories of the traumatic events
- Avoidance of places, people, or situations that trigger memories of the traumatic events
- Efforts to avoid distressing memories or thoughts associated with the traumatic events
- Adverse mental health issues, such as detachment, distrust, hopelessness, self-blame, fear, anger, guilt, shame, loss of interest in activities, or memory loss
- Hyperarousal symptoms, such as irritability, outbursts, problems concentrating, easily startled, trouble sleeping, or hypervigilance
In determining the severity of disability caused by PTSD, the VA uses the PTSD Disability Benefits Questionnaire. The questionnaire provides the VA with substantial information to determine the symptoms a veteran is experiencing, their severity, and their underlying causes. The first part of the questionnaire asks about the veteran’s current mental disorder diagnoses and other medical diagnoses potentially relevant to the veteran’s PTSD, such as traumatic brain injuries. It also asks whether the veteran can differentiate their symptoms between diagnoses. Additionally, the questionnaire inquires about the occupational and social impairment caused by a veteran’s PTSD.
The second part of the questionnaire asks about clinical findings related to a veteran’s PTSD and other medical and mental health diagnoses and the specific symptoms they’ve experienced. It also asks how those symptoms interfere with the veteran’s daily activities, including whether the symptoms interfere with managing financial affairs.
Applying for PTSD VA Benefits
Service members may qualify for VA disability benefits for PTSD if they have suffered a serious injury, personal trauma, military sexual trauma, or sexual violation in connection with their military service. A veteran can also qualify for PTSD benefits if they faced a threat of injury, sexual assault, or death in connection with their military service. The veteran’s PTSD symptoms must adversely affect their functioning. An other-than-honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge status may disqualify a veteran from VA disability benefits.
To successfully apply for PTSD VA benefits, a veteran must meet several criteria:
- Have a Current PTSD Diagnosis – The veteran must present medical records from a physician who diagnoses them with PTSD.
- Identify a Service-Related Stressor that Caused the PTSD – The veteran must present evidence to prove that their PTSD occurred due to a service-connected traumatic event.
- Prove a Connection Between Military Service and PTSD – Veterans must document any traumatic incidents they believe triggered their PTSD. However, they may establish a connection by default if they received a PTSD diagnosis during their military service, worked in a combat zone, became a prisoner of war, or suffered an in-service personal or sexual assault.
After filing a PTSD benefits claim, the VA will review the veteran’s medical records and supporting documentation. Sometimes, the VA may ask a veteran to submit additional evidence to support their claim. Veterans may also have to undergo a claim exam or compensation and pension exam.
A VA disability lawyer can assist you with getting VA benefits for PTSD, including helping you complete application paperwork and submitting additional information and documentation as needed.
Contact an Experienced PTSD VA Disability Lawyer for a Free Consultation
As a military veteran, you may be eligible for VA benefits if you’ve developed PTSD due to your service. However, pursuing VA PTSD benefits can involve a complex process. Working with experienced legal counsel can give you the best chance of securing the care, education, and resources you need and deserve. Contact Disability Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a VA disability lawyer to discuss your eligibility for PTSD benefits from the VA.
