PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Historically referred to as “shell shock” or “combat fatigue,” PTSD is now formally recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a compensable service-connected disability.

Studies show:

• 11% to 20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experience PTSD
• Gulf War veterans report similarly elevated PTSD rates
• Vietnam veterans have among the highest long-term PTSD rates

Common PTSD symptoms in veterans include:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories
• Nightmares
• Hypervigilance
• Panic attacks
• Severe anxiety
• Emotional numbness
• Social withdrawal
• Anger or irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty maintaining employment

For many veterans, PTSD significantly affects occupational functioning, family relationships, and overall quality of life.

To receive VA disability benefits for PTSD, you must establish three elements:

1. A current PTSD diagnosis from a qualified medical professional
2. A verified in-service stressor event
3. A medical nexus linking the PTSD diagnosis to your military service

1. Official PTSD Diagnosis

The VA requires a formal PTSD diagnosis that meets DSM-5 criteria. This diagnosis may come from:

• VA medical providers
• Private psychologists
• Licensed psychiatrists

Without an official diagnosis, your VA PTSD claim will likely be denied.

2. In-Service Stressor

Your PTSD must be connected to a traumatic event that occurred during military service. Qualifying stressors may include:

• Combat exposure
• Hostile military or terrorist activity
• Serious injury
• Sexual assault or Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
• Witnessing death or severe injury
• Life-threatening events

In certain combat or fear-based situations, the VA may concede the stressor without extensive corroboration.

3. Impact on Daily Functioning

The VA requires evidence that PTSD negatively affects:

• Work performance
• Ability to maintain employment
• Social functioning
• Relationships
• Daily living activities

The severity of functional impairment directly impacts your VA disability rating.

The VA assigns disability ratings for PTSD at: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. These ratings are based on the level of occupational and social impairment.

0% Rating

• PTSD diagnosed
• Symptoms present
• No significant impairment in work or daily life
• No monthly compensation

10% or 30% Rating

• Mild to moderate symptoms
• Occasional decrease in work efficiency
• Panic attacks, anxiety, mild memory loss
• Generally functioning satisfactorily

50% Rating

• Reduced reliability and productivity
• Significant occupational impairment
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• More severe panic attacks or mood disturbances

Veterans discharged due to PTSD may receive an automatic temporary 50% rating for six months before re-evaluation.

70% Rating

• Deficiencies in most areas (work, family, thinking, mood)
• Near-continuous panic or depression
• Difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances
• Inability to maintain effective relationships

100% Rating

• Total occupational and social impairment
• Persistent hallucinations or delusions
• Severe memory loss
• Disorientation
• Danger to self or others

Inability to perform daily activities

Yes. If PTSD prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). TDIU pays at the 100% disability rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. Wettermark Keith Veterans Disability Lawyers assist veterans in applying for TDIU when PTSD makes employment impossible.

VA compensation depends on:

• Disability rating percentage
• Dependents
• Spouse or children
• Additional special circumstances

Monthly compensation for a single veteran with no dependents can range from lower tier payments at 10% to the maximum rate at 100%.

Higher ratings result in significantly higher monthly tax-free benefits.

Because VA compensation rates adjust annually, consulting a Veterans Disability Lawyer ensures you understand your potential maximum compensation.

PTSD claims are frequently denied due to:

• Lack of medical nexus
• Insufficient stressor documentation
• Incomplete C&P exams
• Inadequate symptom documentation

If denied, you have three appeal options:

1. Supplemental Claim (new evidence)
2. Higher-Level Review (no new evidence, senior reviewer)
3. Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) appeal

Choosing the correct appeal lane is critical. Filing the wrong appeal can delay your benefits. Wettermark Keith Veterans Disability Lawyers evaluate denied PTSD claims and determine the strongest appeal strategy to maximize compensation and preserve effective dates.

A veteran qualifies if:

• There is a formal PTSD diagnosis
• The stressor occurred during military service
• Medical evidence links the condition to service
• Symptoms impair daily functioning or employment

The VA recognizes four main PTSD symptom categories:

• Intrusive memories
• Avoidance behaviors
• Negative changes in mood or cognition
• Hyperarousal and reactivity

The VA verifies PTSD claims through:

• Service records
• Combat citations
• C&P examinations
• Medical opinions
• Stressor verification
• Lay statements

Immediately review the denial letter and determine:

• Why the claim was denied
• What evidence is missing
• Which appeal lane is most appropriate

Contact a qualified Veterans Disability Attorney to prevent delays or loss of effective dates.

Wettermark Keith Veterans Disability Lawyers specialize in VA disability law and represent veterans in:

• Birmingham
• Montgomery
• Huntsville
• Dothan
• Chattanooga
• Knoxville
• Panama City Beach

Our attorneys help veterans:

• File initial PTSD claims
• Appeal denied PTSD claims
• Increase disability ratings
• Apply for TDIU
• Secure back pay

We operate on a no-fee guarantee. If we do not recover compensation for you, you do not pay.