The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) defines post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a mental health condition that can occur after a traumatic event. It is usually diagnosed in those who have been exposed to a terrifying event or ordeal in which physical harm occurred or was threatened.
VA Disability for PTSD
The VA uses the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine how PTSD is rated for veterans’ disability compensation claims. The DSM-5 classifies PTSD as an anxiety disorder, which causes an individual to experience distressing symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event.
The symptoms include persistent re-experiencing of the event; persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event; negative alterations in cognition and mood; and physiological reactivity upon exposure to reminders of the trauma.
There are several common issues that arise when trying to increase a veteran’s PTSD disability rating. Some issues include:
- Existence of other diagnoses that may also cause impairment
- No evidence of significant functional impairment
- No evidence of combat-related stress.
Increase Your VA Disability Rating For PTSD
Being a veteran is hard enough. But when you’re dealing with PTSD—or suspect that you might be—the process of figuring out what to do, and how to get the compensation and benefits you deserve, can be overwhelming. That’s why Veteran Outreach exists: to help make everything as easy as possible for you.
Veteran Outreach knows exactly how to complete the paperwork correctly and refer you to private medical providers who understand the VA’s claim process and know how to fill out a DBQ accurately. Veteran Outreach also offer free no-risk assessments, so contact us to discuss your options!
