Veterans who have PTSD due to their time in the military are entitled to VA disability benefits. Although post-traumatic stress disorder is a common claim among individuals struggling with mental health conditions, being approved for the benefits can be lengthy. Understanding the procedures involved while filing these claims can help you prove your eligibility and secure your claim settlement. The following are crucial that PTSD applicants should know.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits Due to PTSD
Veterans can be eligible for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the VA. Although these bodies have different requirements and use different criteria, one can be eligible for both. Since filing a lawsuit is usually hectic, one should seek help from veterans law attorneys.
If an individual experiences severe PTSD symptoms whereby they cannot work, the SSA considers them disabled, making them eligible for benefits. PTSD cases considered as disabilities by the Social Security Administration must meet the medical requirements provided by the SSA’s Blue Book.
How Should You Prepare for a PTSD Claim?
One must undergo various evaluations for their PTSD claim to be approved. For instance, a CP is used to determine whether a PTSD case is related to the service and also the severity of someone’s case. PTSD compensation payouts are determined on a case-by-case basis, but can include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Seek a Nexus Letter from a Qualified Medic
A nexus letter is also called an independent medical opinion (IMO). It links someone’s disability claim to their service. Although nurse practitioners can prepare these letters, seeking help from experienced psychiatrists who have handled veterans is advisable.
Collect Multiple Buddy Statements
Buddy accounts gathered from friends, family members, and colleagues you served with are essential in supporting different aspects of your PTSD claims. These settlements can elaborate on someone’s changes since their diagnosis, stressors that lead to PTSD, and how their diagnosis affects their usual routines. The number of buddy statements that one can present isn’t limited.
Be Authentic and Provide Clear Information during the C&P Exam
It is essential for a person filing a PTSD claim to provide precise information about their symptoms during their PTSD claim. For instance, one should precisely explain how their condition affects their general activities without exaggerating. Providing vague details makes a case doubtful, whereby the VA views a case as fake or perceives one to be exaggerating their symptoms to receive a higher rating.
Submit Relevant Private Medical Evidence
Medical evidence from other healthcare providers, apart from the VA medical system, can help support a PTSD claim. These records can be used to show the condition has caused other linked problems like gastro esophageal reflux disease or migraines. These records should be submitted with the original file if possible. However, they can be added to the applicant’s file for up to a year or submitted with their Notice of Agreement to start the appeals procedure.
What are the Entitlements?
Individuals who have developed PTSD during their time in the service or due to their service in the military are eligible for benefits. Benefits include low-cost or free health care, financial support, tax-free monetary payments, rehabilitation options, housing grants, employment assistance, and living support.
Individuals with PTSD are awarded Disability Compensation, whereby their benefits are based on their condition’s severity.
Proving a service connection can be difficult while filing a PTSD claim. This is because many veterans fail to seek treatment due to denial, lack of information, or stigma. Some records may also fail to prove that PTSD is service related. A person filing a PTSD claim should seek help from an experienced lawyer to help understand the available options.