VA Disability Ratings for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

This typically happens when one or more drugs are prescribed by a doctor but are used in a way that’s not intended, such as taking more pills than prescribed or taking someone else’s medication. The most commonly abused prescription opioids are hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and tramadol. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that half of all people with a mental illness will eventually develop an addiction. One possible reason is that people self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to cope with symptoms of a mental illness, including PTSD. Alcohol and drug abuse can severely affect the neurological system of the body.

Once detox has been completed and a sober baseline has been established, a Veteran must learn to cope with PTSD symptoms without drinking. This typically involves a number of lifestyle modifications, as well as the use of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and antidepressant medications. Did you know that American Addiction Centers offers a veteran-specific program for those who have served in our armed forces and who are suffering from drug or alcohol addiction? They had an illness or injury before serving in the military that was made worse due to active duty. A VA disability rating for PTSD is based on statutes that outline what symptoms meet which level of disability.

Veterans Law

But before we get into the dynamics of VA disability ratings, let us first understand PTSD as presented in veterans’ claims. Well, for many veterans and even active military service officers who drink alcohol, drinking is their attempt at self-medicating to cope with the trauma they have encountered due to their service. The VA process for evaluating PTSD or other mental disorders is wholly inadequate with VA C&P examinations https://ecosoberhouse.com/ often lasting less than 30 minutes. Because it’s impossible to truly evaluate how PTSD impacts all areas of a veteran’s life in such a short appointment, it’s often necessary to obtain an independent medical exam from a private psychologist. In 2010, VA relaxed the rules regarding verification of claimed stressors. Because of the naturally traumatic experiences that combat provides, many military members suffer from PTSD.

While the symptoms of PTSD may surface shortly after a traumatic event occurs, the disorder can take years to properly diagnose. Veterans who experience combat trauma have to live with that injury for the rest of their lives. Because of this, the VA offers compensation for injuries related to post-traumatic stress disorder .

The Link Between Alcohol Usage and Combat Exposure

In either case, it’s strongly recommended that you present more evidence to bolster your claim and improve your chances of a more favorable decision. Three methods are readily available for veterans whose PTSD is severe enough to warrant a higher rating than what they’ve been awarded. Cases are handled by a lawyer at George Sink, P.A., who primarily practice out of our offices in Greenville at 715 Congaree Rd, Columbia at 1440 Broad River Rd, Myrtle Beach at 400 N. An attorney, investigator, or a representative of the firm may visit you anywhere in SC or GA for initial investigations in many circumstances.

As part of the medical nexus, you must also show that your substance abuse disorder began after your primary service-connected disability. Even if you aren’t given a VA disability rating for substance abuse, help is available to you. We’ve listed all the resources available to veterans at the end of this article.

The Impact Of Heavy Drinking On Veterans

The VA takes special care in determining the benefit amount a veteran receives. After eligibility for benefits is confirmed, the process involves assigning a disability rating to each vet applicant. Your VA disability attorney will use medical and lay evidence to address these issues. Solid medical evidence ptsd alcohol blackout reveals the true nature of the injury. “Buddy statements” and other lay testimony from your friends and family set forth the full extent of your PTSD and how your brain injury affects your daily life. Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation they’re due.

A 2017 Institute of Medicine study found that in one month, veterans were more likely to use alcohol and to partake in heavy alcohol use than the general population. Additional helpful evidence could include service personnel records. These records can provide the VA with information about any incidents that may show the veteran exhibiting intoxicated behavior or other such signs of early-stage alcoholism. Regardless of where you are located, we are able to serve you or a family member nationwide. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs supports aVA disability rating, which is a compensation coverage devised to help get the needed funds to each struggling veteran in need. The rating works by giving each condition you struggle with a percentage on a severity rating scale from 0 to 100%. In many instances, retired and active military personnel do not drink as an act involving conscious wrongdoing.

Post Traumatic Stress

The resulting imbalance explains symptoms you may be experiencing like depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, and flashbacks. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month.