Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may get disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in some situations. Generally, veterans qualify for benefits if they experience PTSD due to an event that they experienced while serving in the military.
A VA Disability claims lawyer can review your situation and help you determine if you qualify for benefits due to PTSD. An attorney can also help you apply for benefits or appeal a VA benefits denial.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Can Veterans Get Disability Benefits for PTSD?
Some veterans will qualify for disability benefits from the VA for PTSD. Veterans can get disability compensation for PTSD if their condition comes from a traumatic event that happened during the course of their military service.
A Veterans Affairs disability benefits claims lawyer can provide more information about qualifying for these benefits.
Do You Need a PTSD Diagnosis to Get Benefits?
A doctor must diagnose you with PTSD before you qualify to receive Veterans Disability benefits. You’ll also need to display symptoms of PTSD to be eligible for these benefits.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
Qualifying for VA Benefits: Traumatic Events
For veterans to get disability benefits for PTSD, they must experience specific traumatic events. According to the VA, these events can include:
Combat Experiences
Many experiences in combat can leave veterans with PTSD. For example, many people experience this condition after engaging in open combat or serving in an area that puts them in imminent danger of an attack.
Sexual Harassment or Assault
Many individuals in the armed forces face sexual assault or harassment, often at the hands of those they serve beside.
Traumatic Personal Interactions
The VA considers events like stalking, battery, robbery, physical assault, mugging, and harassment as traumatic events that could lead to PTSD. Harassment by an intimate partner and domestic abuse also qualify as traumatic events.
Other Traumatic Events
The VA understands that PTSD may have other causes. Veterans may apply for benefits for PTSD caused by events such as:
- Car accidents
- Seeing a threat, injury, or death
- Witnessing friendly fire
- Seeing a natural disaster
An attorney can give you more information about potential causes of PTSD and whether veterans with PTSD can get disability benefits.
How Veterans With PTSD Apply for Disability Benefits
The VA allows veterans with PTSD to file for disability compensation with VA Form 21-526EZ online, though other options are available. You may also choose to submit your application:
- Through the mail
- In person at a regional VA office
- By faxing the application in
You can get help completing the application process from a Veterans Disability claims lawyer. An attorney will explain exactly what paperwork you need to fill out and the supporting documents you need to provide when applying for benefits.
Getting help from an attorney can improve the chances that the VA will approve your initial application. However, even if the VA denies an initial request for benefits, you can appeal their decision.
You Need to File Multiple Forms to Apply for Benefits for PTSD
Along with your application form, you’ll need to complete a Statement in Support of Claimed Mental Health Disorder(s) Due to an In-Service Traumatic Event(s) (VA Form 21-0781) when you apply for benefits.
An attorney can walk you through the process of completing all necessary paperwork and answer any questions you have throughout the application process.
Can You Get Full VA Benefits for PTSD?
Some veterans receive full benefits after developing PTSD due to events in their time in the military. However, the VA will carefully review the forms you submitted and ask you to undergo a C&P exam before determining whether you qualify for benefits and assigning a disability rating.
Depending on the findings of the VA, you may end up with a 100% disability rating. The agency bases these findings on the severity of your symptoms.
Additionally, the VA will consider all mental and physical impairments along with PTSD symptoms. Sometimes, even if a veteran is not 100% disabled by a single condition, all symptoms together may allow them to receive full benefits.
Talk to Us About Getting Disability Benefits for PTSD
So, can veterans with PTSD get disability benefits? In some cases, yes, the VA will award Veterans Disability benefits to individuals who experience PTSD due to events that happened during their service.
You can learn more about qualifying for these benefits and how to apply with our team at Marc Whitehead & Associates. We have over 120 years of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to provide the support and answers you need in this challenging time.
We can assist with your initial application by carefully reviewing your forms and ensuring that you provide the necessary information for the VA to make an informed decision. Our firm can also assist after a denial. We move quickly, because you have limited time to protest the agency’s initial decision. Reach out now so we can take charge.
