Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that is the result of a traumatic event – like a combat injury or event – and can significantly impact a veteran’s life after years of service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes the mental and physical effects of PTSD and offers disability…
The transition from military service to civilian life is challenging – and sometimes, the invisible wounds of war manifest later in life and may lead to disability. If you’re a veteran with a service-connected injury, illness, or medical condition, navigating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims process can feel daunting – but you…
Many veterans with less-than-honorable discharges face challenges accessing the VA benefits they earned through their service. While the process of obtaining a discharge upgrade can be complex and requires dedication, it is not impossible. Understanding the factors at play and seeking guidance can significantly increase your chances of success. Factors Affecting Difficulty Several factors influence…
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that severely impact daily life. Veterans who developed OCD as a result of their military service may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Understanding OCD OCD can manifest in many ways, but common symptoms include: How Does OCD…
Servicemembers can develop anxiety as the result of traumatic or stressful situations such as combat or other circumstances where their lives are in danger. This anxiety may not go away even though the event has passed or the person has left the military altogether. For some, the transition out of the service and into civilian…
You might not think of a scar you get from a service-connected injury to be a disability, but the VA does. Depending on the size and appearance of the scar, the VA could award you disability benefits for such scarring along with benefits for the injury that led to the scarring. Even if the injury…
The character of your military service matters greatly when you leave the military. Your ability to access benefits, including VA disability benefits, depends on the nature of your service. If you received a dishonorable discharge, for example, you can find that most veterans benefits will be inaccessible to you. Some veterans earn a less-than-honorable discharge…
You may think that it is a horrible idea to allow the VA to unilaterally suspend VA disability payments to a servicemember without a prior opportunity for a hearing. Yet this is precisely what a new rule that went into effect earlier this month does. The rule amends U.S. law and allows, in certain circumstances,…
Every person and their personal experience is unique. Thus, it is unsurprising when two veterans suffering from the same condition or injury have two different experiences. One may find themselves only slightly or moderately impacted by the condition, while the other might not be able to engage in any meaningful work whatsoever. Just as no…
You likely know that you are entitled to seek VA disability benefits for a service-connected injury or illness that impairs your ability to work. What you might not realize is that you do not have to wait until you have been discharged before starting your claim. With the VA’s Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, …