Veterans might think a diagnosis of “unspecified mental disorder” won’t count in their fight for PTSD disability benefits. The reality is often the opposite. Diagnoses of unspecified mental disorders can be the spark that ignites your PTSD or other VA disability rating for the full compensation you’ve earned for your service. We want to stress […]
How Adjustment Disorder Can Support a Veteran’s PTSD Ratings
Veterans with PTSD often suffer from another mental health condition known as adjustment disorder. Both PTSD and chronic adjustment disorder can qualify for VA disability ratings. However, according to the VA’s “Avoidance of Pyramiding” rule, you may receive only one VA rating. So, how can veterans benefit from multiple mental health disabilities? If you developed […]
Suicidal Ideation Symptoms Can Boost PTSD Disability Ratings
This post is intended for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who also experience suicidal ideation symptoms. PTSD is prevalent among military personnel who have served our country. Suicidal ideation, also referred to as SI, is a common side effect of PTSD. The VA has developed vast resources for the prevention, care, and treatment of […]
The Role of Alcohol and Drug Use in Veterans’ PTSD Claims
Veterans with PTSD often struggle with alcohol and drug use. What many don’t know is how and why substance abuse can actually support a PTSD claim. In our experience, PTSD claimants – veterans who have engaged in combat, witnessed death, suffered military sexual trauma, or lost a limb to an IED – did not turn […]
If PTSD and OCD Co-occur, Should My VA Benefits Increase?
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often meet the criteria for additional mental health disorders. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of those further diagnoses. The two disorders share many symptoms. VA statistics report that in the general population, nearly 1 in 4 people with PTSD also experience OCD. Co-occurrence among military personnel is even higher. […]
How PTSD with Paranoia Can Increase Your VA Disability Rating
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 […]
Veterans: Is Your Anxiety or Depression a Side Effect of PTSD?
Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are separate disorders that often occur together. However, veterans may not realize their anxiety and depression diagnoses could ultimately prove to be side effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Returning servicemen and women may suffer from major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder so severe that life becomes a series of challenges that […]
PTSD and Insomnia: How Insomnia Can Increase a PTSD Rating
In the U.S. military population, PTSD and insomnia often co-occur, and insomnia is the most commonly reported symptom of PTSD. Veterans disabled by post-traumatic stress disorder are likely to also struggle with insomnia disorder. If this is your experience, it’s essential to understand how an insomnia diagnosis can potentially increase your PTSD rating. Returning veterans […]
Can I Get VA Benefits for PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder?
Two of the most prevalent diagnoses among veterans today are PTSD and alcohol use disorder (AUD). For veterans navigating the challenges of VA disability benefits, one crucial aspect to understand is how alcohol use disorder can often reinforce a veteran’s claim for PTSD. It is common for veterans to develop alcohol addiction secondary to PTSD. […]
New SSA Rule! Past Relevant Work (PRW) Cut from 15 Years to 5
Effective June 8, 2024, the Social Security Administration enacts a new final rule benefitting claimants seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The new final rule defines past relevant work as “work that you have done within the past five years that was substantial gainful activity and that lasted long […]