Are you wondering why your PTSD rating is so low? If you are unsatisfied with the VA’s decision, it may be possible to increase your PTSD rating. The VA ratings for PTSD—and all mental health claims—are set at the following percentage increments: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%. But the reality is that far […]
Is PTSD a Disability under VA Compensation and Social Security?
Yes—if you are a veteran diagnosed with PTSD (or are living with symptoms and suspect you have the condition) you may qualify for Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, or both. Each program’s eligibility criteria are different and must be met. Basically, PTSD can be the basis for a successful […]
Understanding Your PTSD Rating
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often rated at a level that fails to reflect your actual disabilities and extent or stage of impairment. These and other issues make it very hard for you to get a handle on your PTSD rating. A prevalent disability among U.S. service members, PTSD claims are hard fought battles for […]
Top 5 Questions about a TDIU Claim – Basics for 2019 IU Benefits
As veterans’ benefits lawyers, we represent TDIU claims on behalf of disabled veterans who cannot work. Many military men and women go overseas with hopes and plans for their futures and careers. Yet too many come home vastly changed. Due to injuries, exposures and diseases sustained during active service, countless veterans return home with no […]
Can You Deduct Attorney Fees and Expenses Incurred to Obtain Your Disability Benefits under the New Trump Tax Plan? Yep!
Common questions disabled claimants have at this time of year are, “Can I deduct my attorney fees and expenses I incurred to get my disability benefits back after the insurance company denied them?” and “Has this changed under the new Trump Tax Plan that has restricted itemized deductions?” Below I will explore this question and […]
What Is a Date Last Insured (DLI)? A Must-Know for SSDI Claimants!
A technicality that surprises many Social Security Disability claimants is a rule called the “date last insured” (DLI). This date is the last date you are eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While there are many factors involved, your DLI generally expires around five years after you stop working. Regardless of your disabling […]
What Does VA Unemployability Mean? TDIU Claims (How to Win Them)
Are you a military veteran who can no longer earn a decent living, specifically because a service-connected disability keeps you from doing so? You may qualify for VA unemployability benefits. These benefits are available under a unique rating where the VA pays 100% of total disability compensation to a veteran who can’t work, and whose […]
What to Know about NFL Line of Duty Disability Policies
Former football players who are not totally and permanently disabled may be entitled to a short term disability benefit known as NFL Line of Duty disability (or LOD) where a player incurs a “substantial disablement arising out of NFL football activities.” Pro football players face all manner of disabilities. Because of the complex nature of […]
White House Wants SSA to Probe Social Media for Disability Claim Fraud
Social Security Disability claimants, take note: the Trump administration is working on a proposal authorizing SSA to use Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms, as an investigative tool to identify fraudulent claims for Social Security disability benefits. The New York Times reports this is part of the current administration’s efforts to “save Medicare, Medicaid […]
Camp Lejeune Presumptive Conditions – VA Water Contamination Claims
With recent changes to the law, here is what you need to know about Camp Lejeune presumptive conditions – from fast track disability decisions to appeals. VA currently offers two separate benefits to all qualifying veterans, and certain family members, who served at Camp Lejeune for no less than 30 days (cumulative) from 1953 through […]