Everything you Need to Know about Non-Combat PTSD Claimssubmitted on 11 January 2021
Are you planning to file a PTSD claim? Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are qualified to receive veterans’ disability benefits as compensation for the traumatic events experienced throughout their military service.
Nevertheless, non-combat PTSD claims are more challenging to win due to the lack of reliable evidence. Hiring legal assistance is crucial for having any chance of winning the case.
Here is everything you need to know about post-traumatic stress disorder, types of stressors, and required evidence for taking legal action.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is often experienced by veterans who have gone through traumatic events in the course of their military service. Even though PTSD symptoms differ in individuals, most of them experience horrific nightmares and flashbacks, reminding them of the traumatic event.
Additionally, these people tend to avoid locations, activities, and individuals related to their distressing experiences. They often suffer from insomnia, concentration deficiency, jumpiness, sudden irritation, etc. Make sure you visit this page for further guidance on the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The distressing event triggering such symptoms in veterans is referred to as a stressor, which can be combat or non-combat. Veterans are entitled to receiving VA disability benefits in case of experiencing any of these symptoms as a result of the traumas suffered during military service. Nevertheless, they need to provide proof of direct service connection to be considered eligible.
Unfortunately, a large number of veterans seek no medical treatment for this mental condition due to dishonor or denial. Hence, the chances of winning a PTSD claim for these individuals are much lower than those having medical records, proving their diagnosis.
Combat vs. non-combat stressors
Combat stressors, as the name suggests, originate from the period veterans have spent in combat. In such cases, VA only requires veterans to make a confirmation statement, which is later going to be verified. Combat stressors don’t necessarily refer to sustaining an injury on the battlefield but witnessing the death of another soldier or an explosion.
Non-combat stressors, on the other hand, require evidence provided by claimants in order for them to win the claim. These stressors aren’t related to combat, which makes them more difficult to prove, including car accidents, plane crashes, natural catastrophes, etc.
After providing a statement including the geographic location, month and year, assignment unit, and other details of the event, veterans are expected to gather enough evidence. The following link, https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-for-Veterans-Disability-Benefits, includes some useful tips about applying for veterans’ disability benefits.
Required evidence
When filing a non-combat PTSD claim, individuals are required to submit various forms of evidence to prove their involvement in a traumatic event. It’s the only way for the VA to verify the statement of the claimant. These professionals accept both primary and secondary evidence, but the former is considered more trustworthy.
Therefore, veterans are advised to start collecting primary evidence, available in numerous formats. For example, the VA considers medical records, service records, military performance records, and pay records incredibly valuable. Military performance records are particularly useful, as these include any disciplinary issues, drinking problems, change of duty, and other details indicating PTSD.
Moreover, staff journals, radio logs, deck logs, war diaries, military occupation evidence, and monthly reports are also considered forms of primary evidence. The more proof one collects, the better the likelihood of winning the claim.
Secondary evidence is less valuable but still helpful in the process of filing a claim. Nowadays, there are numerous veteran law firms specializing in non-combat PTSD claims, providing support to clients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Such evidence includes newspaper archives, help program records, civilian reports, as well as buddy statements. Providing a document that proves your membership in a support group or another program for this purpose is beneficial, along with any police reports of the incident.
Buddy statements are known to be the most relevant piece of secondary evidence. These refer to the statements provided by a friend, relative, or another soldier describing the event. Having no buddy statement can be detrimental to the success of the claim.
Bottom line
A legal representative is essential in an attempt to win a PTSD claim.
Don’t go through the journey alone!
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