How Can I Get VA Disability Benefits for PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that makes it difficult for people to emotionally heal after living through a traumatic event. If you have PTSD that’s connected to your military service, you may be eligible to receive VA disability benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Our VA disability lawyers in Kalamazoo have experience working with veterans just like you and will make sure they do everything to support your case.
We understand that this is a stressful time, which is why our office in is more than happy to help you set up your first appointment with one of our VA disability attorneys. We can help you understand your VA disability rating for PTSD so you get the benefits you need.
What are the signs of PTSD?
- Flashbacks
- Avoiding people, places, and other triggers
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Hypervigilance
- Anxiety
- Emotional detachment
What does the VA consider to be a “stressor” for PTSD?
- Threats of injury, sexual assault, or death OR
- Severe injury, personal or sexual trauma, or sexual violation
Does the VA pay for PTSD?
Yes, the VA can pay for PTSD if the traumatic event (the “stressor”) happened during your military service. You must also be able to prove that your PTSD symptoms prevent you from being able to function and enjoy the quality of life you once had. One of the best ways to validate your PTSD symptoms to the VA is to get an official diagnosis from a doctor. If you’re found eligible for , you can receive compensation, health care, and treatment for PTSD.
Is it hard to get VA disability for PTSD?
Each case is different. For example, it may be more difficult to prove your PTSD is a service connected disability if you have delayed symptoms. We recommend getting an Independent Medical Examination (IME). Unlike the Compensation and Pension Exam, an IME is performed by a doctor with no connection to the VA.
While we understand VA doctors do their best to be impartial, there is still a conflict of interest between doing what is best for patients and what is best for their employer. Likewise, the VA will view an exam from your primary care physician as being biased because your doctor has a personal interest in keeping you as a patient.
An IME doctor doesn’t have this conflict of interest because they don’t work for you or the VA. In fact, an IME doctor is someone who has never treated you before, which means they’ll be able to remain objective when diagnosing .
How do I file a VA claim for PTSD?
One of the first things you should do is hire one of our VA disability lawyers to help you file your claim. We’ll be able to walk you through the process and make sure you don’t make one of the top 5 mistakes when filing for VA disability benefits.
Our VA disability lawyers are ready to help you with your case so you receive the benefits you deserve for PTSD and other types of service connected disability. To meet with one of our Kalamazoo VA disability lawyers and learn more about your VA disability rating for PTSD, call 1-844-VET-LAWS.
