Tallahassee Veterans' Disability FAQs:

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a new term for an old problem. Military personnel have always suffered from the horrors they experience during combat. PTSD is a term that originated around 1980 to describe the emotional impact of those incidents on human beings, especially veterans coming home from the Vietnam War, particularly veterans returning from heavy combat.

Unfortunately, it is not an easily detected problem because there are no external signs a person is suffering from PTSD. It’s not like being shot or wounded by a mine. It is a much more subtle problem to detect, but very disabling for many veterans.

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How long does it take to get VA benefits once I apply?

The time varies enormously. It can happen relatively quickly (6 months to a year) or it can take as long as 10 or more years depending on your claim. But typically, if there is a relatively clear case and you have a representative who presents your case effectively, your claim will be decided within 6 to 18 months depending on which Regional Office of the VA you’re dealing with.

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What makes a person eligible for veterans’ disability compensation?

You’re eligibility for veterans’ disability compensation depends on the relationship between your physical or emotional disability and your time in-service. Typically for physical things, it will be an injury while serving. Sometimes an injury doesn’t seem serious at the time, but the injury develops more seriously as you age. Or, it can be a mental or emotional problem that becomes more severe after leaving services.

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What should I do if my veterans’ disability claim is denied?

The very first thing you should do if your veterans’ disability claim is denied is contact the VA immediately and tell them you disagree with the decision by putting it in writing. The VA calls it a “Notice of Disagreement” or NOD. You only have to send a short note or letter saying you disagree with the decision and that you want to appeal. You must say you want to appeal.

You can also hire legal representation to help you with appealing your denial.

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How does the VA determine my level of disability and compensation?

The VA determines the level of disability and compensation using what they call ratings exams. The VA will send you to an evaluation by a physician (or psychologist/psychiatrist for mental health issues) who will give the VA a report on various criteria about the severity of your condition. Depending on the nature of your condition, your rating can be anywhere from as low as 0 percent up to 100 percent. Typically, many claims are rated in the 10 to 30 percent range, but more severe claims may be rated anywhere from 60 to 100 percent.

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