Securing VA benefits for PTSD is a challenge for many veterans suffering from this service-connected disability, but a veteran disability claims lawyer can explain the eligibility requirements and demonstrate to the VA that you qualify for compensation.
Summary
- Many veterans suffer from PTSD, a complex mental health condition that can cause major disruptions in their lives.
- Symptoms can include re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, and hyperarousal.
- PTSD can make it difficult to maintain relationships or gainful employment.
- Working with a veteran disability compensation lawyer can help you successfully navigate the claims process and recover the maximum possible benefits.
When veterans return home from military service, many will face new challenges recovering from what they went through during their service and reintegrating into civilian life.
If you or a loved one is a veteran suffering from PTSD, it can be difficult to access the wealth of VA benefits that are available. You’re not alone. The team of expert VA disability benefits lawyers at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia–many of us veterans ourselves–are here to help.
To schedule your free consultation, just give us a call at (800) 320-HELP or fill out a contact form.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health condition caused by exposure to extreme trauma. For veterans, this could include exposure to combat conditions, sexual assault, natural disasters, and other accidents.
When the anxiety, stress, or fear caused by exposure to trauma lasts for more than a few weeks or interferes with your daily life, you may be dealing with PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder. Everyone is different, but PTSD often manifests as three main symptoms:
- Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, or vivid memories that transport you back to the traumatic event.
- Avoidance: Avoiding anything that may trigger memories of the trauma, including isolating yourself from social situations and withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed.
- Hyperarousal: A constant state of being on edge, including irritability, difficulty sleeping, or heightened vigilance.
You may also experience other symptoms like memory problems or extreme negative emotions.
How PTSD Symptoms Affect a Veteran’s Daily Life
If you’re a veteran suffering from PTSD, the symptoms of this mental disorder can have a profound effect on your life. Maintaining relationships and meaningful employment are both more difficult.
The feeling of constant danger can take a serious toll after a while. You may lose interest in important parts of your life, experience memory problems, and have difficulty controlling or expressing emotions.
In some cases, PTSD can lead to self-destructive behavior like addiction or suicidal thoughts.
VA Benefits Available for Veterans with PTSD
The Department of Veterans Affairs office recognizes the serious impact PTSD can have on the lives of veterans and offers a wide range of benefits to help you rebuild your life.
Medical Treatment
The VA offers medical coverage for veterans, and more specialized treatment is available for those who suffer from PTSD. VA health care for veterans with PTSD can include:
- VA medical personnel can assess your condition and confirm you have PTSD.
- Various therapy options are available, including 1-on-1 psychotherapy, family therapy, and other types of group therapy.
- Medication proven to treat PTSD symptoms is provided.
- Inpatient treatment centers are available to help veterans with the most extreme PTSD symptoms.
Disability Benefits
If you’re a veteran diagnosed with PTSD, you may also qualify for disability benefits from the VA. These are monthly cash payments intended to compensate you for the trauma you suffered during your service and the effects it still has on your life.
VA disability benefits are based on a sliding scale of disability. Veterans can calculate their VA disability ratings to get an idea of what their monthly compensation for PTSD will be. Given the impact of a VA PTSD rating, it’s especially important to provide high-quality evidence while filing your claim.
How to File a Claim for VA Benefits for PTSD
To file a claim for VA disability benefits for PTSD, the eligibility requirements are simple: you must have suffered a traumatic event during your time in the military, and a doctor must have diagnosed you with PTSD.
Once you know you qualify for disability compensation for PTSD, it’s time to file a case with the VA. You do this by filing a disability compensation claim (online, in person, or via mail) and one of two forms: VA Form 21-0781, or VA Form 21-0781a.
How Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia Can Provide an Advantage With the VA
Filing a VA posttraumatic stress disorder claim can be more difficult than it sounds, especially when it comes to providing the necessary documentation to receive all of the benefits you’re entitled to.
Working with an accredited VA PTSD benefits lawyer, like the team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, can make sure that everything goes smoothly.
Our Services Can Help You Secure VA Disability Compensation
We can assist in your veteran post-traumatic stress disorder claim by:
- Reviewing your case and advising you on your eligibility for specific benefits based on your PTSD symptoms
- Assisting you in gathering, organizing, and submitting the necessary documentation of your military service and medical condition
- Representing you and advocating for your best interests throughout the disability compensation claims process
- Appealing any denials of the disability benefits you deserve
Contact WHG to Speak with an Experienced VA PTSD Benefits Lawyer ASAP
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we are veterans ourselves, and we understand the challenges you face and how important disability benefits can be as you reintegrate into civilian life. Our skills and experience are demonstrated by a proven track record of successful claims and appeals on behalf of veterans.
To get started, contact us online or call us at (800) 320-HELP. Posttraumatic stress disorder related to military service can be debilitating, so let our team take the lead in getting you the disability compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prove that I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD?
Medical records from your treatment will be helpful. You can also get assessed by healthcare providers at a VA medical center, public facility, or a private practice. Additionally, your military service records can help clarify the connection between a traumatic event and your PTSD symptoms.
If your veteran PTSD disability claim is denied, it may not always be obvious why. Working with a VA benefits lawyer can help you file the right kind of evidence for your disability compensation claim.
How long does it take to file a claim for PTSD?
Every case is different, but it currently takes an average of nearly 150 days to process most VA disability compensation claims.
You can help speed up the VA claims process timeline by completing your paperwork thoroughly, filing high-quality evidence, and working with a qualified veteran disability benefits lawyer.
How does the VA determine if my PTSD is service-connected?
You must provide evidence that your PTSD is a service-related disability. Commonly used evidence in disability benefits claims include expert testimony or “buddy statements,” a type of sworn testimony given by fellow service members who witnessed what you went through during your time in the military.
How much does a VA disability benefits lawyer cost?
Every case is different. In general, we don’t get paid unless you get paid. Once your claim is successful, we’ll take a small percentage of your first payment, which is the back pay benefits you are owed.
