Veterans suffering from paranoia may actually be dealing with a broader health condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unrecognized PTSD with paranoia can have devastating, far-reaching consequences on a veteran’s life.
The VA does not view paranoia as a diagnosed medical condition. Instead, paranoia occurs as a symptom or side effect of other mental health conditions.
What is essential to know is that whatever your diagnosis, it is the severity of your symptoms on your ability to function that will determine your VA disability rating.
In this post, we clarify confusing issues surrounding veterans and their families who are struggling to obtain VA disability benefits for a PTSD diagnosis that has become complicated by paranoia or paranoid delusions.
What Is PTSD?
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition caused by an intensely fearful situation. [↑Link to the new PTSD Main Landing Page (check final URL)]
What sets PTSD apart from other disabilities is its classification as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder. All conditions in this category require exposure to a traumatic event as a diagnostic criterion.
VA defines an in-service stressor as a psychologically traumatic event that a veteran experiences or witnesses that entails actual or threatened death or serious harm to themselves or others.
- Types of PTSD stressors include:
- combat
- noncombat
- military sexual trauma
- fear of hostile military or terrorist activity
- prisoner of war
- personal assault
PTSD is a common disability for veterans who have experienced one or more of the many traumas that can occur while serving, such as in a combat zone, on or off base, as well as physical or sexual assault, vehicular accidents, or even hearing details or viewing images of horrific events during military service.
Importantly, if PTSD is one of your diagnoses, you become eligible for leading VA PTSD healthcare services and specialized VA PTSD treatment programs across the country.
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What Is Paranoia?
Paranoid feelings can range from mild to disabling and can be quite different for each individual. The main characteristic of paranoia is the unwarranted mistrust and suspiciousness of others. Paranoid persons are stuck in a rigid and dysfunctional pattern of thinking, feeling, and behavior. The person is convinced that others are “out to get them.”
Paranoid individuals become fearful, hypervigilant, and extremely alert to anything suggesting they are being victimized. Someone experiencing PTSD with paranoia will misinterpret the motivations of others towards them. They may think someone is always listening to or following them.
Chronic paranoia means the person lives in a “paranoid state.” Living in a paranoid state damages relationships and affects one’s ability to function in daily life. Victims see their surroundings as a threat, resulting in feelings of being in constant danger, causing them to withdraw socially and become isolated.
The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes different types of paranoia including:
- Paranoid schizophrenia
- Delusional disorder
- Any psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent delusions
Disability Ratings for Paranoia Fall under the Umbrella of “Mental Disorders.”
For all mental conditions, the VA follows the diagnostic criteria in the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Depending on your symptoms, the VA will assign a disability rating of 10, 30, 50, 70 and 100%.
Ratings are based on the severity of your service-connected condition. For PTSD and all mental disorders, one comprehensive rating percentage is assigned, with few exceptions. The more diverse side effects and symptoms you have, the higher the ratings and the more compensation you may be able to receive.
It should be noted, however, that mental disorders often have similar, overlapping symptoms. The VA will avoid rating the same symptom more than once, even if two different disabilities cause it.
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Is Paranoia a Symptom of PTSD?
According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), paranoia is not considered a symptom of PTSD. However, paranoia may be made worse by other PTSD symptoms.
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Can Paranoia Occur as a Side Effect of PTSD?
Research shows that paranoid thoughts and delusions can manifest as side effects from the extreme stress, anxiety, and other distressed feelings caused by trauma – such as a PTSD stressor – experienced during combat or a veteran’s military service generally.
In this way, veterans stand an above-average chance of experiencing paranoia, especially in the form of hypervigilance of the mind and body.
Is PTSD with Paranoia a Recognized Veteran’s Disability?
Past cases under the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) recognize that reported psychiatric impairment, such as hallucinations and paranoia, may be attributed to a veteran’s service-connected PTSD.
However, confusion exists in part because the VA follows DSM-5 criteria for PTSD. For example, “paranoia” or “paranoid delusions” are not included on the list of symptoms you can check off on the VA’s PTSD Review Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ.
Your paranoia and paranoid delusions should be addressed under the PTSD DBQ’s Item 6, “Other Symptoms: Does the veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other mental disorders) that are not listed above?”
In our work to secure maximum VA disability benefits for our clients, we ensure the severity and impact of PTSD side effects, including paranoia, receive the appropriate attention and are fully documented.
Will Your Paranoia and PTSD Qualify for TDIU?
If you have a VA rating of 70%, you may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This benefit is based on the severity of your unique disability case and its impact on your ability to stay gainfully employed.
TDIU provides the same level of compensation and additional benefits as a veteran who has received a total 100% rating, as follows:
- If your disability is rated less than a total 100% evaluation, but you are unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, the VA allows you to apply for TDIU.
- Generally, you must have a single disability rated at 60% or a combined evaluation of 70% percent to be eligible for TDIU.
For example, if current paranoia is determined to be a side effect of PTSD, and your PTSD gains service connection, the severity of your combined disabilities may enable you to reach a 70% VA rating. If you can demonstrate you cannot obtain and keep gainful employment, you may apply and qualify for TDIU.
The VA will consider your service-connected disabilities, employment history, education, work history, and job training. Certain veterans who are still working may qualify, and veterans over 65 years old will qualify for this significant benefit.
Marc Whitehead & Associates represents veterans in their TDIU cases across the U.S. and would be proud to assist you.
VA Disability for PTSD with Paranoia – Get the Benefits You Deserve
Experiencing PTSD with paranoia can make it challenging to seek legal counsel or talk about your situation. Let us help you understand your options at no cost. Our experienced, compassionate veterans’ attorneys will review your case to determine whether your paranoia could prove to be a side effect of PTSD.
- If you are currently diagnosed with PTSD and are now experiencing signs of paranoia, we may be able to improve your VA rating by showing the VA that your disorder has worsened over time, and a higher disability rating is warranted.
- You may be suffering from paranoia without realizing that it is a PTSD side effect. A proper medical examination may diagnose that you are dealing with PTSD, and the presence of paranoia can help you prove a PTSD claim.
Reach Out to Our Dedicated Team
Don’t go through this battle alone. Our nationally recognized veteran disability attorneys can assist you at any stage of your VA PTSD claim.
Even if you are not sure but think you or a loved one shows symptoms of paranoia or PTSD, it is well worth giving us a call. Call today at (866) 477-2533 or contact us online. We would be honored to help.
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