Treatment and Compensation for Psychiatric Disability

Veteran disability applications can take months.  If the application is for a psychiatric disability, the process can take much longer and include multiple appeals.

Most veterans getting treatment for a psychiatric disorder are getting that treatment for conditions other than PTSD. Many are also eligible for a disability rating and compensation.

Veterans and those helping them to access services and disability compensation should know that treatment is available for a variety of psychiatric conditions including: depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, schizophrenia and others.  Disability compensation can be awarded for psychiatric conditions which are acquired as a result of service or during service.  There does not have to be a direct link between an actual military related event that caused a particular psychiatric symptom or disorder.  One requirement is only that the symptoms began during military service.  Some conditions, such as schizophrenia, may have occurred whether a person served in the military or not.  If a service member is diagnosed or presented with symptoms of schizophrenia (or other conditions) during military service, they may very well be eligible for a disability rating and compensation because the illness began in the service.

Veterans who are suffering from a psychiatric condition can benefit from having their case evaluated for a connection to their service.

Treatment for a psychiatric disability can be hard to find.  Access to psychiatric care varies across the country regardless of veteran status.  Getting treatment for psychiatric symptoms is important for quality of life and overall wellbeing.  Treatment can be life-saving.  It is important to get treatment from the VA or elsewhere even while waiting on a claim.  Veterans may be eligible for treatment in VA healthcare facilities without regard to service connected status.

 A record of continuous treatment for a psychiatric condition provides for continuity of care and provides documentation needed to properly adjudicate a claim.  Don’t hesitate to get treatment for any psychiatric symptoms.

Getting help with a claim for a disability rating for a psychiatric condition can greatly improve your success. Contact us to get expert, professional legal help processing your claim.