Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) occurs when someone experiences a traumatic event such as the death of a loved one, assault, or accident. Most people usually have stress reactions after trauma. However, if the reactions don’t go away for long life and hinders the person from living the everyday life they used to live, that’s PTSD.
As a veteran, if you experience PTSD as a result of your service year in the military, VA compensation from the Veteran Affairs Department could be available to you.
When people talk about VA disability ratings, they only talk about the physical injuries attained from service year. They do not consider the mental health of our veterans, as PTSD is not easy to spot like an injury. However, according to a recent VA research:
- Up to 20% of veterans that served in operation Iraqi freedom suffers from PTSD
- 12% of veterans who served in the gulf war suffer from PTSD
- Up to 30% of veterans who served in the Vietnam war suffer from PTSD
- More than 15% of women in the military have said to be sexually abused at some point in their careers.
Symptoms That A Veteran Suffers From PTSD
PTSD can manifest in various ways, but below are some of the most prevalent symptoms;
- Frequently having nightmares about the event.
- Concealing the event and hates talking about it or doesn’t want people to bring it up.
- Always at alert for danger even when they are in a very safe place.
- Detaching themselves from friends and families and acting numb day-to-day.
- Avoiding situations that can remind them of the events by all possible means.
If you’re a veteran that has been showing these symptoms or if you know any veteran that has been showing these symptoms, get them to speak to a mental health expert without wasting time.
Tips For Increasing Your VA Compensation Rating
To determinate the amount of compensation you’ll receive, The Veteran Department will give your PTSD a disability rating between 0 and 100 percent. If you are rated 100 percent, you can receive up to $3,300 per month. There are various ways you can increase your VA rating, and they include:
- Include All Your Mental Medical Records On Your Application
Since PTSD can not be seen, the easiest way to show the VA Department you truly have it is through medical records. This can include private medical records and service treatment records.
The report also has to include medical reports from your active service year, proving that the event happened during your service, and you can’t function as you used to because of the symptoms.
However, most veterans can’t provide this. So statements from your colleagues who were witnesses of the traumatic events, statements from family and friends who know you well can explain how your behavior has changed since the event, and a statement from a psychologist using their expertise and experience to verify the extent of your PSTD will be great at that moment.
- Hire a VA Lawyer
Trying to navigate the VA compensation process on your own can be extremely difficult as various complicated rules are guiding VA compensations. An expert VA lawyer will know what to do with your forms and how to gather the necessary evidence. They can help you get the highest VA disability compensation rating possible and can also help if your application is denied.
By following these steps, you increase your odds of obtaining the maximum benefits you deserve under the law.
Also, to learn about how Gumpslegal can help you as an advocate for VA disability benefits firm, you can request for a free consultation here.