Can You Get Disability Benefits for PTSD?

Can You Get Disability Benefits for PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by stressors such as personal assault, military combat, or a military sexual trauma. If you’ve suffered PTSD as a result of your service, VA disability compensation may be available, and an experienced Chicago veterans benefits attorney is standing by to help guide you effectively and efficiently through the process. 

PTSD

Most people who experience PTSD suffer from significant symptoms, impacting their day-to-day lives. Some of the most common symptoms and indicators of PTSD, according to the Mayo Clinic, include the following:

• Intrusive and recurrent memories of the precipitating event 
• Terrifying flashbacks of the precipitating event
• Disturbing nightmares that focus on the precipitating event and other sleep disturbances
• Severe emotional reactions to situations that are reminiscent of the precipitating event
• Attempts at avoiding people, places, or activities that remind the sufferer of the precipitating event
• Memory loss
• Relationship problems
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Intrusive negative thoughts 
• Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable pastimes 
• Emotional numbness
• Increased irritability or aggression
• Difficulty concentrating

While there are a variety of techniques that can help people manage serious PTSD and some treatment options, PTSD is often a lifelong struggle. 

In Order to Obtain VA Disability Benefits

In order to obtain VA disability benefits for PTSD, three elements must apply, including:

• You’ve been diagnosed with PTSD by a medical professional who is qualified to do so. 
• Your PTSD symptoms interfere with your ability to function the way you did prior to your service. 
• You acquired PTSD during your service. 

Those traumatic events that the VA considers qualifying occurrences fall into the following categories:

• You suffered a serious injury. 
• You endured a personal or sexual trauma. 
• You were sexually violated. 
• You were credibly threatened with death, personal injury, or sexual assault.

Applying for Veterans Disability Benefits Based on Your PTSD

The disability benefits claims process is arduous, stressful, and protracted, which can exacerbate the stress reactions that are closely associated with PTSD. In order for your claim to be successful, you’ll need to prove that your PTSD is service related, and you’ll need to receive a disability rating, which can range from 10 percent to 100 percent – for very serious cases. It’s important to note that many veterans suffer from PTSD along with other disabilities. 

An Experienced Chicago Veterans Benefits Attorney Is in Your Corner

A serious case of PTSD can be life-altering and can lead to lifelong consequences, and veterans are especially vulnerable to the disorder’s damaging effects. If you or someone you care about is suffering from PTSD as a result of your service to your country, James R. Comerford at The Comerford Law Office – is a distinguished veteran benefits attorney who dedicates his long-standing and impressive practice to helping veterans like you obtain the benefits you deserve.

We’re here to help you, so please don’t put off reaching out and contacting us for more information today.