Frequently Asked Questions about PTSD

VA accredited attorneys provide answers and legal assistance

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a devastating mental health problem affecting people from all walks of life. However, PTSD is of special concern within the veteran community, because exposure to combat and other service-related conditions frequently induces PTSD in service members. The problem often goes untreated because a determined, warrior mindset prevents the veteran from seeking help. The attorneys at Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban want all veterans to receive the care they need for service-related conditions. We urge you to educate yourself about PTSD and, if you suspect you may be suffering, use your VA medical benefits to seek help from a qualified physician. Veterans with PTSD may be eligible for disability benefits through the VA.

We offer this brief list of frequently asked questions, so veterans who visit our site will know they are not alone and can begin to get the care they deserve.

• What are the symptoms of PTSD?
• What can cause PTSD?
• How can I know if I have PTSD?
• Why get treatment for PTSD?
• Am I eligible for VA services for PTSD?
• What should I do if my claim for a VA PTSD disability has been declined?
• Can I work and be rated for PTSD?

Contact our VA accredited attorneys for PTSD disability benefits

Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban fights to help veterans access disability benefits for PTSD. Call us from anywhere in the country at 866-866-VETS and someone will be ready to talk to you, or you can contact us online. Our firm never charges upfront fees, and there are no attorney fees unless we win your claim for benefits.

---

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD affects people differently, but there are four basic clusters of symptoms: Reliving the causal event or trauma through nightmares and flashbacks; avoiding people or situations that remind you of the causal event; negative thoughts, sadness, or numbness; feeling on edge, jittery, and finding it hard or impossible to relax.

Back to top

What can cause PTSD?

PTSD is a reaction to a traumatic event that could include combat; physical or sexual assault; learning about a sudden violent or accidental death or injury to a loved one; a serious car accident; a natural disaster; or a terrorist attack. Intense fear, confusion, helplessness, and/or sorrow can produce PTSD.

Back to top

How can I know if I have PTSD?

When symptoms persist for more than a few months and disrupt your daily life, you should consult a mental health professional who can screen you for PTSD.

Back to top

Why get treatment for PTSD?   

Untreated PTSD can lead to depression, broken relationships, alcohol or drug abuse, and an overall decline in your physical health. Treatment works, and over time can reduce or eliminate your symptoms. Uuntreated PTSD rarely gets better on its own.

Back to top

Am I eligible for VA services for PTSD?

All veterans may be eligible for VA health services as well as disability benefits depending on the severity of the condition.

Back to top

What should I do if my claim for a VA PTSD disability has been declined?           

Contact our office so we can advise you on how to appeal your PTSD denial.

Back to top

Can I work and be rated for PTSD?

You can work with PTSD at a 70% rating or less. A 100% PTSD (or any other mental health rating for that matter) explicitly means TOTAL AND COMPLETE occupational impairment. Essentially, for you to be eligible for 100% for a mental health condition, you have to be totally disabled from that condition and unable to work. It would be extremely difficult to maintain a job and have a 100% mental health rating.

Back to top