Military veterans suffer more than just physical disabilities. Recent research shows that 41% of veterans are in need of mental health care programs every year. Moreover, 38% of veterans had a code on their medical record for a common mental health disorder.
Veterans are most vulnerable in the first three months following military separation, but the risk of severe mental episodes can remain elevated for years after. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes a wide range of mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Veterans can seek compensation for many common mental health conditions, however, the filing process can be complex and difficult to understand. Let’s take a closer look.
Mental Health Disorders that Qualify for VA Benefits
VA disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments to veterans who suffer from service-connected illnesses or injuries. Veterans can get disability benefits for the following mental health conditions:
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by sudden feelings of intense fear and terror. Common symptoms include feeling restless, increased heart rate, hyperventilation, trembling, and difficulty controlling worry. Anxiety disorders can impair a person’s social, occupational, and personal functions.
PTSD
Veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing traumatic events during their service. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event. Veterans might also get easily startled or experience difficulty sleeping or heightened irritability.
Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment disorders are characterized by exaggerated emotional and/or behavioral reactions to a sudden stressful event or life changes. A veteran might experience adjustment disorder after returning to civilian life.
Cognitive Disorders
These disorders affect cognitive abilities, such as memory, problem-solving, learning, and perception. A veteran might also experience dementia or amnesia due to cognitive disorders. They can hinder a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, maintain relationships, and participate in social events.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders involve symptoms such as auditory or visual hallucinations and delusions.
Research shows that 2.1% of veterans receiving care through the VA suffer from schizophrenia. Moreover, veterans with schizophrenia face higher rates of adverse social outcomes, such as unemployment and incarceration.
Somatoform Disorders
Somatoform disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions characterized by physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained. Individuals with such disorders experience excessive negative thoughts and significant distress.
Remember that the VA will not cover illnesses that are genetic or defined as developmental defects. Common examples include:
- Personality disorders
- Substance use disorder
- Impulse control disorders
- Cognitive delays
- Developmental disabilities present since birth
The list of mental conditions covered under VA benefits can vary from one U.S. state to another. If you’re living in Georgia, you can look into Georgia veterans disability benefit resources to get further clarification about your case.
How Does the VA Evaluate Disability
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) performs several tests to assess the extent of mental conditions before assigning a rating. Key factors in VA mental health disability ratings include:
Diagnosis and Medical Evidence
The first step is getting a formal diagnosis from a medical professional, such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist. The medical examiner will evaluate the veteran’s medical records, private treatment records, and prescription history. The diagnosis must meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The VA examiner will also ask the veteran about the frequency and severity of their condition.
Occupational and Social Functioning
The VA also assesses how a mental condition has affected the veteran’s ability to perform daily tasks, hold relationships, and participate in social events. Optimal occupational and social functioning is crucial for a fulfilling life.
Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam
The VA may also conduct a compensation & pension (C&P) exam to determine if the disability is service-connected and what is the severity. The VA-psychologist may ask a veteran about their work history, social interactions, mood, memory, and ability to perform daily tasks.
Disability Rating
Once the medical evidence is analyzed and a diagnosis has been made, the VA will assign a disability rating. Here’s a brief breakdown:
0% – Diagnosis with symptoms that don’t interfere with the veteran’s occupational and social functioning.
10% – Diagnosis made with mild symptoms that can be controlled with medication or therapy.
30% – Diagnosis made with mild to moderate level of symptoms. The veteran could experience occasional work and social impairment
50% – Diagnosis with reduced reliability and productivity. A veteran might suffer from frequent panic attacks and have trouble maintaining work and personal relationships.
70% – Diagnosis with severe impairment in most areas. Veterans might experience severe panic, depression, or PTSD. Veterans with this rating might also have suicidal ideations.
100% – Maximum rating given for complete social and occupational impairment. Symptoms can include hallucinations, suicidal ideation, and inability to perform all tasks.
Remember that these are just rating guidelines. A veteran can exhibit symptoms from more than just one category.
How to File a VA Claim for Mental Health Conditions
Filing a veteran disability claim for mental conditions involves multiple steps. Here’s a brief overview:
Check Eligibility
The first thing you should do is check the eligibility criteria on the official website of the Department of Veterans Affairs. You’re eligible if:
- You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
- You have a current disability related to your military service.
- You have an injury or illness that appeared after the service ended.
Make sure your mental conditions or symptoms are covered under VA mental disability benefits.
Gather Supporting Documentation
If you meet the above-mentioned eligibility criteria, start collecting evidence and necessary documentation.
You should gather:
- Military medical records
- Psychiatric evaluation reports
- Private or VA medical records
- Service incident reports
- Written statements from fellow service members, who witnessed your condition first-hand
Many VA experts recommend submitting a personal statement in support of the claim. It is a brief narrative explaining your current symptoms and how they are connected to your military service.
Choose How to File
Once you’ve gathered the necessary documentation, complete the VA Form 21-5263Z. You can apply online through the VA’s official website, send your application via mail, or visit the VA regional office to submit the appeal in person. Remember that the means of applying doesn’t affect your compensation value.
Cooperate and Stay Informed
A Veterans Service Representative (VSR) will analyze your claim and reach out for additional evidence. During this time, you should reach out for updates and wait for the VA decision letter. If you think the compensation is not fair, you can file for an appeal, submit additional evidence, and request a new analysis.
Suffering from a service-connected mental condition isn’t the end of the road. With VA compensation, you can get back to life and ensure productivity.