Our office has recently achieved service-connection for multiple veterans based on personal assault and other forms of harassment caused by race-based enmity. Fortunately for the veterans, as they had been fighting the VA sometimes for decades to demonstrate the effect of race and country-of-origin discrimination, they were awarded significant back benefits as part of their awards. Continue reading “VA Benefits Awarded Based on Race-Based Assaults and Harassment”
Tag: PTSD
Veterans’ High Rates of Sleep Apnea Linked to PTSD
Studies of young U.S. veterans show that the probability of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) grew with the increasing severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. OSA is often seen in older Veterans whose long-term PTSD or other service-connected disabilities caused increased weight gain, a common cause and/or aggravating factor of OSA. Continue reading “Veterans’ High Rates of Sleep Apnea Linked to PTSD”
VA “Whole Health” Program To Offer Drug-Free PTSD Healing
The Veterans Yoga Project works in concert with the VA, coordinating yoga and meditation classes across the country. Yoga and mindful resilience training is moving into mainstream mental health treatment programs at the VA, which is rolling out a national “whole health” program for veterans, offering tai chi, yoga and other alternative mental health therapies….Please click the link below to access the full article.
http://www.ktvu.com/news/alameda-nonprofit-provides-yoga-for-veterans-with-ptsd
New Report Slams VA Choice Program
About one-third of VA outpatient medical appointments now take place outside VA facilities, but a new report shows that private referrals still involve lengthy wait times….Please click the link below to access the full article.
Veterans Tip: Applying For PTSD Benefits
Veterans commonly apply for PTSD benefits without specifically identifying additional mental health diagnoses and symptoms. Even if certain symptoms among PTSD, TBI and other mental health conditions overlap, the VA is required to consider the additional mental health diagnoses and symptoms; meaning that a claim for PTSD is rightfully a claim for any mental disability that is supported by a Veteran’s symptoms. Continue reading “Veterans Tip: Applying For PTSD Benefits”
TDIU: Increase Your PTSD Rating to 100%
Veterans suffering from severe PTSD are often assigned a 50 or 70 percent rating, as the criteria for a 100 percent rating is a very high bar. However, if a Veteran is unable to work, or maintain employment due to their service-connected PTSD, the VA must consider entitlement to individual unemployability (TDIU). Where a Veteran is determined to be unemployable (and meets certain ratings thresholds) due to the symptoms of their PTSD or another disabling condition, they will receive VA benefits at the 100 percent rate. If you receive PTSD benefits and cannot hold a job, call (504) 235 4075 to ensure you’re awarded full TDIU benefits.
Recently Discharged Due to a Mental Health Condition?
Under 38 C.F.R. § 4.129, when a Veteran is released from service due to a mental health condition caused by a highly stressful event, the VA is required to assign an evaluation of no less than 50 percent; and the Veteran must be examined within 6 months of discharge. Veterans initially rated under § 4.129 should retain an attorney if they are notified the VA seeks reconsideration, i.e., a reduction/elimination of the rating, as the VA has that ability under certain circumstances.