Combat-Based PTSD is Not a Recent Phenomenon
In July 2010, VA finalized regulations that liberalize the evidentiary standard for veterans in a war zone claiming service connection for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This regulation will now simplify and streamline the processing of PTSD claims.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is such a frequent condition among soldiers that the Department of Veterans Affairs has created a division devoted specifically to it. The National Center for PTSD explains that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder “can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like combat, assault, or disaster.”
Stress is normal after an emotional or dangerous event. When that stress does not go away, it may mean that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has developed. Soldiers often witness death, injury, combat and/or explosions. Any of these events can lead to PTSD. Sexual assault can also cause this condition.
Conditions For a Veteran to Establish the Occurrence of an In-Service Stressor Through His or Her Own Lay Testimony
- The veteran is diagnosed with PTSD.
- A VA psychiatrist or psychologist, or a psychiatrist or psychologist with whom the VA has contracted, confirms that the claimed stressor is adequate to support a PTSD diagnosis.
- The veteran’s symptoms are related to the stressor.
- The claimed stressor is consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of the veteran’s service, and the record provides no clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.
The hope of this change in regulation is that the claims process will be faster without requiring the VA to search for records and verify stressor accounts and that a veteran will not be penalized for poor record keeping by the Department of Defense (DoD) regarding stressful incidents.
Veteran PTSD Resources
- Minimizing Avoidance Behaviors
- PTSD and Migraines
- 3rd Time is Not the Charm: After Being Denied 3 Times Veteran Finally Receives Justice
Readjustment Counseling
The first step to getting help is admitting you need it. Vet centers are the first stop on the road to self-improvement and a better life. Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to Veterans and families, military sexual trauma counseling, and bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death.
Non-Combat Stressors
Just because you haven't faced direct combat doesn't mean you can't need help or get it. Non-combat stressors can be just as damaging. non-combat PTSD stressors (e.g. serious car accidents, training accidents) must be corroborated to establish service connection. In order to corroborate a stressor, VA will look for credible supporting evidence of the veteran’s account of the in-service stressor. Specifically, VA will require VA form 21-0781.
Don't Let 4 Letters Define You. If You're a Veteran With PTSD, Our VA Benefits Lawyers Can Help
If you feel you are a victim of combat based or non-combat based PTSD, anxiety, depression or something else, you may be eligible for disability benefits as we ll as free health care for all PTSD related issues through the VA. While the process of obtaining PTSD-related benefits should be easy, it is often extremely challenging and having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial. Regardless of where you are in the appeals process, we can help you to get the benefits you deserve. If your case has been denied, please contact us for a free consultation.