After the traumatic and life-threatening conditions of military combat, some military veterans have reactions ranging from severe nightmares and flashbacks to insomnia and increasing social isolation. If you have these symptoms and they do not go away or if they get worse, you may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In the past, P-T-S-D was called shell shock or battle fatigue.
P-T-S-D is a form of anxiety disorder. But unlike other anxiety disorders, P-T-S-D can occur a long time after the traumatic event has occurred.
New regulations passed in 2010 made it easier for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder to qualify for V-A disability benefits, but there are requirements you must meet.
You must have a P-T-S-D diagnosis. You must be seen by a psychiatrist or psychologist at a V-A medical facility for evaluation of your symptoms.
Your symptoms must be related to a traumatic event and the V-A mental health professional must confirm that a triggering stressor—related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity -- was enough to cause your P-T-S-D.
Finally the V-A must believe that your stressor is one that is likely to have happened in the locations and circumstances of your service. The V-A will consider how severe your P-T-S-D symptoms are, how frequently they occur, the length of your remissions and how much your ability to work and function socially is impaired and will then assign a percentage of disability from zero to one hundred percent. The amount of benefits you are awarded will be proportionate to this disability rating.
You may also be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if your P-T-S-D prevents you from finding or holding a job.
If you have been turned down by V-A for benefits related to your P-T-S-D and you believe the denial was unfair, you have the right to appeal and you have the right to have an attorney represent you. Call us for a free evaluation of your case. At Cuddigan Law you have a dedicated team of professionals in your corner who understand the system and who will fight for your rights.
