VA Compensation for PTSD
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is something that too many veterans face. Although PTSD can affect anyone, it’s particularly common amongst military personnel, who may face traumatic events that civilians do not. PTSD is common enough in veterans that VA medical centers screen for the condition. Veterans who experience a qualified disability related to their military service are eligible for VA benefits. The VA rates each disability based on how much that disability affects the veteran’s ability to work.
If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of PTSD and was either denied VA disability benefits or the rating didn’t sufficiently represent the extent of the disability, our experienced attorneys can help you with your VA appeal. Contact Farah & Farah for a free consultation.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder and it refers to a mental health condition that is triggered by either experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Anyone who experiences a terrifying event may experience temporary effects in the aftermath of that event. If the symptoms worsen instead of improving, or if the symptoms last for months or possibly even for years, and if the symptoms interfere with the person’s daily life, it may be PTSD.
PTSD isn’t something that should be treated with self-care and time. PTSD sufferers require effective treatment with a doctor and a mental health professional in order to treat their symptoms.
Is PTSD a Disability?
Not all disabilities are physical. PTSD can impair someone’s ability to function in their day-to-day life as well as impact their ability to hold a job and maintain personal relationships. It’s for this reason that the VA considers PTSD caused by trauma experienced during military service to be a disability that qualifies veterans suffering from it for veterans’ disability benefits.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
PTSD symptoms may develop within a month after the traumatic event. However, for some, it can take years for the symptoms to appear. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can interfere with personal relationships, cause trouble with work, affect social situations, and cause difficulties in going about the person’s day-to-day activities.
No two people may experience PTSD the same way. Symptoms can vary from person to person, as can the severity of the symptoms and when they appear. Symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Recurring memories of the event also known as flashbacks
- Emotional distress or physical responses to anything that reminds the person of the event
- Avoiding anything that reminds the person of the event, including:
- People
- Places
- Activities
- Avoiding talking or even thinking about the event
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or shame
- Memory problems, particularly about the event
- Difficulty maintaining personal relationships
- Feelings of detachment
- Loss of interest in things formerly enjoyed
- Emotional numbness
- Always feeling on guard or jittery
- Behaviors that are self-destructive, such as:
- Reckless driving
- Drinking too much
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Aggressive behavior
- Angry outbursts
Do I Need a VA Disability Attorney?
For many veterans, PTSD is a disability that impairs their ability to lead a normal life. PTSD can also affect veterans’ ability to work. Therefore, veterans suffering from PTSD should be eligible for veterans’ benefits. However, sometimes benefits are either denied or aren’t awarded to the amount that a veteran needs based on the true severity of the disability. If your veterans’ disability benefits have been denied, or if you were awarded benefits, but the rating wasn’t high enough to match how much the PTSD is actually affecting your life, you can appeal. However, the appeals process can be confusing.
Consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the VA appeals process and ensure that you have all the evidence you need to appeal your veterans’ disability claim. Farah and Farah’s team of highly skilled lawyers are experienced in handling veterans’ disability claims and can help ensure that your paperwork is filled out correctly and that you have everything you need to improve your chances of a successful claim. Contact Farah & Farah today for a free consultation.
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