Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be one of the most debilitating disabilities veterans experience. It impacts your daily life and keeps you from being able to live the way you want after leaving the service. Depending on the severity of your PTSD, you may be able to file a disability claim with the VA. Your Ohio veterans disability attorney explains what you need to know to get started.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health or psychological condition that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. For military members, those events are often the result of experiences during service.
PTSD often manifests as persistent and intrusive thoughts about the trauma you experienced, nightmares, flashbacks, and other signs of emotional distress. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re reliving the traumatic event over and over again.
What Are the Common Causes of PTSD in the Military?
The nature of military service puts you in harm’s way in many instances. This can lead to stressful experiences that can impact your mental health in the long run. Some of the most common causes of PTSD in the military include:
- Direct combat exposure: Going into active combat, experiencing enemy fire, or being near or in explosions can trigger PTSD after the event.
- Military sexual trauma (MST): Experiencing sexual assault or harassment during military service, regardless of gender, can trigger PTSD for service members.
- Witnessing death or injury: Seeing fellow service members or civilians killed or severely injured can have a profound psychological impact. This can lead to PTSD both in service and after returning to civilian life.
- Being threatened or attacked: Experiencing or fearing for one’s life during deployment or training can lead to lasting psychological distress and PTSD.
Keep in mind that these are just some of the common causes. You may develop PTSD for many other reasons, and it’s up to you to advocate for yourself with the VA.
How to File a Disability Claim for PTSD With the VA
Filing a PTSD disability claim with the VA can take time, but regardless of the cause of your PTSD, you’ll typically need to follow these steps:
- Submit an intent to file form: Fill out and submit VA Form 21-0966 as soon as you can. Once you do, you’ll establish an effective date for your claim, potentially making you eligible for earlier benefits if your claim is eventually approved.
- Submit your claim: Once you signal your intent, you’ll need to submit a formal application for disability compensation with the VA. This is typically done using VA Form 21-526EZ, which can be completed and submitted online through the VA’s portal or by mail.
- Provide evidence: You’ll need to show that your PTSD is a disability and impacts your life in a major way. You’ll also need to show that the PTSD is the result of your military service. To do so, you’ll need to provide medical records, service records, personal statements, and buddy statements as evidence. The more evidence you can include, the better.
- Attend a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam: You’ll typically need to attend an assessment with a VA psychiatrist or psychologist. Be honest and thorough when discussing your symptoms and experiences during this exam.
- Wait for the VA’s decision: After reviewing your application and supporting evidence, the VA will issue a decision on your claim. You will receive a letter outlining their decision and the reasons for it. If it’s approved, the VA will assign you a disability rating and give you an idea of the compensation you can expect. If it’s denied, they’ll explain why.
- Appeal if needed: If the VA denies your claim or you disagree with your disability rating, you have the right to appeal the VA’s decision. Your Ohio veterans disability attorney can help you file an appeal if needed.
Schedule a Consultation With an Attorney
If you’re experiencing PTSD, don’t try to navigate the VA disability claims process alone. Let an experienced Ohio veterans disability attorney at Veterans Law Attorneys help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.