Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims
Experienced VA Disability Attorneys Helping Veterans & Their Families Nationwide
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that develops after a person experiences or witnesses a terrifying event. A Veteran with PTSD may suffer from symptoms including trouble sleeping, reliving the event, being overly vigilant, and being excessively irritable for many months or years after such an event. Today, PTSD is one of the most commonly service-connected disabilities.
Veterans can be exposed to many terrifying, life-threatening events that can lead to PTSD. Anything from war zone deployment, training accidents, military sexual trauma, or combat can cause PTSD in veterans. If you have been denied service connection for PTSD, or if the evaluation assigned to your service-connected PTSD is too low, West & Dunn can help with your appeal.
For the legal representation you need and deserve, contact our firm online or call (608) 490-9449 today. We offer free case reviews and are dedicated to offering our clients high-quality, comprehensive legal service.
Symptoms of PTSD
You may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Being jumpy
- Feeling emotionally cutoff or distant from others
- Feeling irritated or suffering from bursts of anger
- Feeling like you have to be constantly on guard
- Feeling numb
- Feeling upset by things that remind you of the traumatic event
- Having trouble concentrating
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy or care about
- Struggling to sleep
- Suffering from nightmares, vivid, memories, or flashbacks of the event (that make you feel like or believe it is happening again)
What Qualifies as PTSD for VA Disability?
To qualify for VA benefits, a veteran must be diagnosed with PTSD and obtain a medical opinion relating the PTSD diagnosis to the claimed stressor. Applicants must also provide a sufficiently detailed statement about the traumatic event or stressor that occurred during their military service.
Is It Easy to Get VA Disability for PTSD?
Claims for PTSD are frequently denied. These claims have an added layer of complexity because of the stressor statement. Applicants must provide a stressor statement, and then, the VA will have to attempt to corroborate your statement with records. The VA’s attempts to corroborate the claimed stressor are often halfhearted and the medical evaluators VA uses for opinions regarding the relationship between the current diagnosis and the claimed stressor often fail to completely review the record or provide a thorough examination. Because PTSD claims can be quite difficult to win, you need to retain the services of a skilled attorney during your appeal. A skilled and zealous advocate can make all the difference.
If you have been denied service connection for PTSD or if your claim has been granted but your evaluation is too low, contact West & Dunn today. Call (608) 490-9449.
If you think you are suffering from PTSD, you should also be mindful of how you react to the symptoms of PTSD. The symptoms may disrupt your life if you:
- Consider hurting yourself or others
- Drink or use substances to numb your feelings
- Pull away from other people or isolate
- Start working all the time or engage in activities that help you occupy your mind and distract yourself
It is important to note that PTSD is treatable as researchers have even more understanding of the mental disorder. Counseling and medication are the most popular and effective forms of treatment. You should work with a doctor to determine the best course of action for you.
Case Review
Call (608) 490-9449 to Schedule a Free Consultation
West & Dunn
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I am grateful they took my case and I highly recommend them.
- Andrew L. -
An outstanding representative for all veterans.
- Dr. R. -
This firm is very knowledgeable in VA Laws and Regulations, understanding that every case is unique to the individual.
- Ray Reid -
The professional skills and commitment Attorney Dunn has consistently shown in each of my appeals is confirmed by her success.
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They were extremely responsive, professional and honest.
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