If you’ve been affected by Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may be wondering what benefits the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides for those who have this condition. You might be feeling lost, alone, and scared. But don’t worry – there are resources available to help you through this difficult time.
In this article, we will outline the steps you need to take to file a claim and receive the benefits that you deserve.
A Brief Overview of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences an extremely traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD can include recurrent intrusive thoughts and memories about the event, intense fear or anxiety, hypervigilance, and sleep difficulties. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to significant psychological and physical problems and even suicide.
How is PTSD diagnosed?
To be diagnosed with PTSD, you must have had an experience that has caused you significant physical or emotional distress. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and how they have affected your daily life. If you are eligible for benefits through the VA system, your doctor will refer you to a VA medical center for a full evaluation.
VA Service Connection for Veterans with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If you are a veteran with PTSD, you may be eligible for service connection for your disorder. VA benefits may include medical care, counseling, and compensation for lost income. To qualify, your PTSD must meet the following requirements:
1. It must have been caused by a qualifying military injury or illness.
2. It must have lasted at least six months.
3. It must be severe enough to interfere with your daily life.
4. You must be able to show that the disorder has caused you significant distress, disability, or pain.
Tips for Filing a VA Disability Claim for PTSD
If you have been diagnosed with severe PTSD, you may be eligible for a VA disability claim. Here are some tips to help you file your claim:
Personnel Records, Service Medical Records, and VA Medical Records
For veterans with severe trauma, accessing and filing VA benefits can be a challenge. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
If you have been diagnosed with PTSD, or if your injury or illness resulted in a rating of 10 or more on the PTSD symptom scale, you may be eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To qualify for benefits, however, you will first need to access your personnel records and service medical records.
Your personnel records will include information about your military service, including dates of service and discharge. Your service medical records will include any health evaluations that were conducted while you were in the military. Together, these records will help determine whether you are eligible for benefits.
If your disability was caused by active-duty military service, your VA claim may be filed through the Department of Defense (DoD). If your disability was caused by a qualifying underlying illness or injury, your claim may be filed through the VA. Regardless of which department files your claim, it is important to contact both departments so that they are aware of your situation.
Once you have contacted both departments and verified that you are eligible for benefits, you will need to submit paperwork to both departments. This paperwork will include a claim form, medical evidence, and proof of your disability. You will also need to provide contact information for any other relevant parties, such as your spouse or dependents.
Lay Evidence
If you have suffered from severe trauma and PTSD, there is a good chance that you qualify for Veterans Affairs benefits. However, before filing a claim, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. This includes documenting your symptoms, seeking out counseling and therapy, and keeping a journal. Here are some tips on how to lay evidence in your favor:
- Document your symptoms. Include dates, times, locations where the incidents occurred, and descriptions of the incidents.
- Seek out counseling and therapy. These services can help you work through the trauma that has caused PTSD.
- Keep a journal. Describe your thoughts and feelings at the time of the incidents, as well as any physical or emotional responses afterward. This can help prove that you have been affected by PTSD.
Compensation and Pension Exams
Compensation and pension exam is an important step in filing a VA claim for PTSD. It determines whether you are eligible for benefits based on your level of disability. The exam measures your ability to work and earn money, as well as your ability to receive government benefits.
VA will usually contact you by phone or mail to schedule an exam.. You can find the address and phone number for your regional office on the website of the VA Office of Regional Counsel.
Medical Nexus Letters
There are several things you will need to take into account when filing your claim.
- First, make sure you have all of your medical records handy. This includes both paper and electronic copies.
- Next, make sure you have all of your discharge papers from service as well as any relevant paperwork from your hospitalization or treatment.
- Lastly, make sure you have all of your original bills from any treatments or surgeries that were performed.
Once your documentation has been received, the VA will review it and determine if you are eligible for benefits. If your claim is approved, the VA will pay you benefits based on your disability rating and the severity of your PTSD. If it’s denied, you may need a nexus letter from a provider of your choosing, at your expense, to establish entitlement to benefits.
Did VA Deny Your PTSD Disability Claim? Call Conviction Solution Today for a Free Case Evaluation
VA denies PTSD disability claims more than any other category of claim. This is likely because there is no single test that determines whether someone has PTSD. Instead, the VA looks at a veteran’s history and symptoms to determine if he or she meets the definition of PTSD.
If you’re denied a PTSD disability claim, it’s not too late to try again. Conviction Solutions can help you file an appeal and make your case strong. We have years of experience helping veterans get the benefits they deserve. Our team will work hard to get you the benefits you deserve.
Bottomline
If you have been diagnosed with PTSD and have severe symptoms, it is important to know that you can file a VA claim for benefits. The process of filing a VA claim for PTSD is not easy, but with the help of a qualified lawyer, you may be able to get the assistance you need to live your life as best as possible. If you are thinking about filing a claim for PTSD, please reach out to our office for more information.
