Veterans often leave the armed forces with mental health conditions that impact their ability to function socially or at work. Whether resulting from exposure to combat, sexual violence, or some other condition or event, the impact of service on veterans’ mental health is indisputable.

Veterans’ disability benefits support veterans whose mental health issues impact their lives after service. As is the case with benefits for physical injuries, benefits for mental health depend on proving the condition is service-related and demonstrating its negative impact on a veteran’s life. A mental health disorder does not need to prevent you from working or having a fulfilling life. If it significantly affects your life, you deserve benefits.

A dedicated attorney could help you apply for disability benefits if your mental health suffered because of your service. The legal team at our firm has significant experience with veterans’ mental health claims in Beckley, so reach out to us today for guidance.

Any Service-Related Mental or Psychological Condition Could Qualify

Any condition listed in the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders could qualify for veterans’ disability if the veteran can prove the condition arose during or worsened because of his or her service. Veterans must demonstrate a nexus between an illness, event, or condition they experienced during their service and their current mental health issues.

Many veterans receive benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, various other mental health conditions could be service-related and entitle the veteran to disability benefits. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depressive disorders
  • Neurocognitive disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Schizophrenia

A veteran seeking disability benefits will need to provide medical records or a report from a physician with a mental health diagnosis. The physician must confirm that it is as likely as not that the condition arose during or because of the veteran’s service. A Beckley veterans’ attorney could ensure an application contains the required supporting documentation to establish a mental health condition.

Disability Rating Determines Amount of Payment

If the VA accepts a veteran’s proof that the condition is related to his or her service, the VA will assign a disability rating. The disability rating is expressed as a percentage and indicates the extent of the veteran’s social and occupational impairment.

When establishing a disability rating, the VA considers the frequency, duration, and intensity of the veteran’s symptoms. It also considers the length of remissions and the veteran’s capacity for unimpaired functioning during remissions. A zero percent disability rating means the VA accepts the veteran has a service-related mental health condition but does not believe the condition impairs the veteran’s functioning in a meaningful or consistent way or requires medication to manage.

Disability ratings of ten percent or higher entitle veterans to disability benefits. A 100 percent disability rating means the veteran suffers total social or occupational impairment. Suppose a veteran receives approval for benefits but feels the disability rating is too low. In that case, a Beckley mental health claims attorney can assist in preparing an appeal for a higher rating.

Rely on a Beckley Attorney When Seeking Mental Health Veterans’ Benefits

If serving your country harmed your mental health, you are not alone. Thousands of veterans receive mental health disability benefits for conditions relating to their service.

If you plan to submit a veteran’s mental health claim in Beckley, consult a seasoned attorney. A legal professional who works with disabled veterans can help ensure your claim is approved with the highest appropriate disability rating. Call today to discuss your situation with a dedicated lawyer.

Fight 4 Vets
N/a