When a veteran struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) and Major Depressive Disorder (“MDD”) became unable to work under the weight of his symptoms, we won him Total Disability Individual Unemployability (“TDIU”) benefits so that he could stop worrying about money and start focusing on healing.
Luke’s Life Was Stymied by His PTSD and Depression
Luke has an exceptionally impressive resume. He served on active duty, in Southwest Asia and beyond, for several years, earned a degree from a four-year university, and earned an M.A. However, his success took a downward turn when his PTSD and MDD started to spiral out of control.
He began feeling emotionally numb and apathetic towards the things that once brought him joy. He was unable to maintain his hygiene and medication routines without the prompting of friends and family, and only left the house on rare occasion. Further, he was plagued by intrusive memories and guilt related to his time in service. His symptoms were so debilitating that it became extremely difficult to find and maintain a job.
Our Veterans Law Attorney Helped Luke Secure TDIU Benefits So He Could Get Back on His Feet
Thankfully, we knew what it would take to secure Luke the benefits he deserved. We pursued TDIU benefits, a special type of benefits which provide an automatic 100% rating to veterans who are unable to maintain substantially gainful employment because of their service-connected disabilities. TDIU benefits provide over $2900 a month to those who qualify. There are specific rating requirements for veterans applying for TDIU: a veteran generally must have a service-connected disability rated at 60% or more, or two or more disabilities, one of which is rated at 40% or more, which combine to make a 70% rating or higher, to apply.
To win TDIU benefits for Luke, we had to prove that that Luke was unable to maintain substantially gainful employment because of his MDD and PTSD. We skillfully relied on a VA medical examination which rated Luke’s MDD and PTSD at 70% and confirmed Luke’s “difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or a work-like setting” and “history of unanticipated irritability and anger, which . . . restricted his ability to obtain and maintain a job.”
Luke Won TDIU Benefits for His PTSD and MDD
After considering the evidence presented by our firm, the Board held that Luke was entitled to TDIU benefits.
How To Win Benefits for MDD and PTSD
If you or a loved one are dealing with service-connected PTSD or depression, or if you believe you are eligible for TDIU or disability benefits for another reason, don’t hesitate to contact us. With decades of experience, we are confident we can win you the benefits you deserve. Once you have applied and received an initial benefits decision from the VA, send us a note or call us at (877) 629-1712 to discuss the possibility of an appeal.
Disclaimer: All names and places have been changed to protect confidentiality. All cases are different and results will vary depending on the facts. Call us at (877) 629-1712 to discuss the facts of your case.