If you are a veteran who copes with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you likely face many challenges. One of them shouldn’t be figuring out how to get the benefits you have earned through your time in the military. You served your country. Now, the VA is supposed to be there to help you.
Instead, they often make things much harder than they need to be. The VA might even deny your claim or question your rating, reducing your access to compensation and medical care. Our PTSD Veterans Disability lawyers are here to help you get the benefits you deserve.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, disability is all we do. Our team has over 120 years of combined experience serving veterans and other Americans. Call today for a free consultation and learn how our Veterans Affairs Disability benefits claims lawyers can assist you.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
How Do You Qualify for PTSD VA Disability?
You do not need to be a combat veteran to qualify for PTSD VA disability. You must have a PTSD diagnosis that you can trace back to your time in the service. You’ll need to show three things through documentation and evidence:
Current PTSD Diagnosis
You must have a current PTSD diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional, documented according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This diagnosis should reflect your symptoms and how they impact your life.
Proof of In-Service Event
You need documentation of a traumatic event that happened during your military service. Combat, sexual assaults, and training accidents can qualify as traumatic events. Your proof can come from service records, personnel reports, or statements from fellow service members.
Link Between Event and PTSD
You’ll need to show a connection between the in-service event and your PTSD diagnosis. Medical records, treatment notes, and personal statements should show how the trauma directly caused or worsened your symptoms. This is the direct service connection for your VA compensation claim.
For a free legal consultationwith a ptsd veterans disability lawyer serving Nationwide, call (800) 562-9830
What Happens if the VA Denies Your Claim?
If you believe you have a valid PTSD Disability claim and the VA denies you anyway, get in touch with our PTSD Veterans Disability attorneys. We will review your denial letter and determine why your claim was rejected.
We can help you file a Notice of Disagreement, which starts the appeals process. From there, you’ll have several options:
Submit a Supplemental Claim
Sometimes the VA denies claims due to incomplete documentation or insufficient evidence. It’s an easy mistake to make when you are trying to understand the claims process and what you’re supposed to include. A Supplemental Claim allows you to submit new evidence.
Request a Higher Level Review
Even the VA makes mistakes. If you received a denial for VA PTSD Disability, they may have simply gotten it wrong. A Higher-Level Review doesn’t allow you to submit new evidence. The reviewer looks only at the original claim to identify any errors or misinterpretations.
Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
If you request a Board of Veterans’ Appeals review after the VA denies your claim, you will receive a new, independent review by a Veterans Law Judge. You can request that the judge:
- Review existing evidence and make a determination
- Review new evidence
- Schedule a hearing where you can present your case
Our Veterans Disability lawyers for PTSD claims can help you prepare for the judge’s review and represent you during the hearing. The judge may ask questions, review your evidence, and clarify details about your service, symptoms, and how they impact your daily life.
Nationwide PTSD Veterans Disability Lawyer Near Me (800) 562-9830
How Is a VA Disability Rating for PTSD Determined?
Your disability rating is based on how your symptoms affect your life. Ratings range from 0% to 100% in 10% increments. Mild symptoms with minimal impact may receive a lower rating, while severe symptoms that prevent employment or independent living can justify a 100% rating.
To determine your rating, the VA reviews evidence such as medical records and personal statements. The VA will also request a Compensation and Pension exam, where a VA mental health professional evaluates your symptoms and their severity.
If you believe your VA Disability rating for PTSD is incorrect, our attorneys can help you understand the reasoning and appeal the decision.
Get Help From Our PTSD Veterans Disability Lawyers
Post-traumatic stress disorder impacts the lives of countless veterans. If you are experiencing symptoms, don’t wait for your claim to come through before seeking care. The VA has PTSD mental health services that can help. In an emergency, call 911.
You were there when your country needed you. Now, all you’re asking for in return is a little help. Our PTSD Veterans Disability lawyers won’t let the VA forget about you. We will fight to get you the benefits you have earned through your service.
Since 1992, Marc Whitehead & Associates has helped people obtain the benefits they need to improve their lives. Call today for your free consultation and find out how we can help.
