Veterans experiencing the symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) often request several types of assistance, as do
their families. As a research and education organization, the
National Center for PTSD cannot provide this assistance, but we can
refer you to the people who can provide assistance. Here are the
answers to some questions about PTSD and service-connected
disability that are frequently asked by veterans and their
families.
Do I have PTSD?
A natural first question is whether symptoms experienced really
are due to PTSD. Stress and trauma cause symptoms that are normal
reactions and these symptoms may not be indicative of the full
condition of PTSD. Similar symptoms may be due to conditions
created by stressors other than trauma (for example, work or
financial pressures), medical problems (such as heart conditions or
diabetes), or other psychological conditions (such as depression or
anxiety).
Resources
The VA Medical Center system's specialized PTSD clinics and
programs can provide to eligible veterans educational information
and diagnostic evaluations concerning PTSD. The Readjustment Counseling Service's community-based
Vet Centers provide information
and diagnostic evaluations concerning PTSD to any veteran who
served in a war zone or in a military conflict (such as in Panama,
Grenada, or Somalia). There are no co-payments or charges of any
kind for Vet Center confidential services. Please call
1-800-905-4675.
If I have other stress, medical, or psychological problems, do
I also have PTSD?
Veterans with PTSD often have other types of stress, medical, or
psychological problems in addition to PTSD. Sometimes PTSD is
unintentionally overlooked when other problems seem particularly
pressing, and it can be helpful to know if PTSD also needs to be
treated.
Resources
VA Medical Center specialized PTSD programs and VA Readjustment Counseling Service
Vet Centers Please call
1-800-905-4675.
What kinds of education and treatment can help me (or my
veteran family member)?
There are several types of education and treatment for PTSD that
have proven helpful to veterans and their family members. These
include classes on dealing with PTSD symptoms, stress, anger,
sleep, and personal relationships. Individual, group, and family
counseling and selected medications have also been helpful.
Resources
You may wish to begin by reviewing the general information on
PTSD provided on our Web site (see below). For specific options for education and treatment in your local
area, contact the closest VA Medical Center specialized PTSD
program or VA Readjustment Counseling Service
Vet Center 1-800-905-4675.
How can I establish that I am disabled due to PTSD caused by
military service?
A determination of service-connected disability for PTSD is made
by the Compensation and Pension Service, an arm of VA's
Veterans Benefits
Administration. The clinicians who provide care for veterans in
VA's specialized PTSD clinics and Vet Centers do not make this
decision. A formal request (claim) must be filed by the veteran
using forms provided by the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration.
After all the forms are submitted, the veteran must complete
interviews concerning her or his social history (a review of
family, work, and educational experiences before, during, and after
military service) and psychiatric status (a review of past and
current psychological symptoms and of traumatic experiences during
military service). The forms and information about the application
process can be obtained by Benefits Officers at any VA Medical
Center, Outpatient Clinic, or Regional Office.
The process of applying for a VA disability for PTSD can take
several months and can be both complicated and quite stressful. The
Veterans Service
Organizations provide Service Officers at no cost to help
veterans and family members pursue VA disability claims. Service
Officers are familiar with every step in the application and
interview process and can provide both technical guidance and moral
support. In addition, some Service Officers particularly specialize
in assisting veterans with PTSD disability claims. Even if a
veteran has not been a member of a specific Veterans Service
Organization, the veteran still can request the assistance of a
Service Officer working for that organization. In order to get
representation by a qualified and helpful Service Officer, you can
directly contact the local office of any Veterans Service
Organization. You may also wish to ask for recommendations from
other veterans who have applied for VA disability or from a PTSD
specialist at a VA PTSD clinic or a Vet Center.
My claim for a VA PTSD disability has been turned down by the
Benefits Office, but I believe I have PTSD due to military service.
What can I do?
Contact a
Veterans Service
Officer who can explain how to file an appeal and who can help
you gather the information necessary to make a successful appeal.
You may want to contact a Service Officer who has extensive
experience in helping veterans file and appeal claims specifically
for PTSD.
I can't get records from the military that I need for my
disability claim. What can I do?
Veterans Service Officers can help you file the specific
paperwork required to obtain your military records. If your Service
Officer is not able to help you get necessary records, ask him or
her to refer you to another Service Officer who has more experience
in getting records.
