Thanks to better diagnosis and awareness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being recognized more frequently as a service-connected disability for which a veteran can make a claim and receive benefits. However, along with the dramatic rise in PTSD claims there is also increased scrutiny of these claims. Veterans enduring PTSD should be aware of the requirements and roadblocks.
The team at Wolf & Brown Law Offices have prepared this article as a resource to help educate veterans on recent developments surrounding PTSD and military service.
Recognition of PTSD and perspective on VA disability claims
We encourage veterans to read a recent essay from Matthew Brown, Wolf & Brownโs VA-accredited attorney. Mr. Brown expands on the history of PTSD awareness for veterans and the VAโs commitments to recognize and provide due compensation for those enduring service-connected mental health conditions.
Read โFrom โShell Shockโ to PTSD: How Understanding and VA Claims Have Evolved for Veterans
Summary of recent trends in PTSD claims and disability benefits.
First, there is increasing emphasis from the VA on how PTSD impacts a veteranโs daily qualify of life and functioning, especially in work. This means that a diagnosis alone will not necessarily result in a favorable disability rating. Demonstrating evidence of real life impairment is critical.
Second, there are various proposals and shifts in mental health ratings and the PTSD claim review process that could create additional complications for veterans seeking PTSD-connected benefits.
Itโs easy to get confused or deterred by the fast-moving changes in this area of disability benefits. Thatโs why itโs important that veterans affected by PTSD focus on answering a few key questions.
How does PTSD limit your ability to function?
This is the critical question to answer. The VA will evaluate and look for evidence related to:
- Work impairment (e.g. missed work or inability to hold a job)
- Social dysfunction (e.g. isolation or conflict)
- Cognitive issues (e.g. memory or judgment)
- Daily living impact (e.g. hygiene, routines, and safety)
In general, to secure a favorable rating or successful claim, a veteran will need to show how symptoms impair your life. The presence of symptoms is not enough.
Have you met the VAโs criteria for a formal PTSD diagnosis?
The VA uses a DSM-5 criteria for PTSD. A qualified medical provider must provide a formal PTSD diagnosis in accordance with that criteria.
How is your PTSD linked to your military service?
Like all VA disability claims, a strong nexus letter from a qualified medical provider demonstrating a cause and effect of service. The medical provider will need to state that your diagnosis of PTSD is at least as likely as not to be caused by service.
Veterans should also supplement a nexus letter with a personal statement that specifically describes the stressor event(s) during service, your experience at that time, and the impact on your life now.
As with any VA disability claim, the veterans ability to secure a proper PTSD diagnosis, demonstrate service connection, and provide strong and consistent documentation is paramount.
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NJ Vet-Wire is a publication created by Wolf & Brown Law Offices to help educate veterans on the process of obtaining disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans disability compensation is part of a total benefits package to which members of the armed forces may be entitled. In our role as VA accredited attorneys, we help our clients navigate the system to their best advantage. Denied benefits claims are not the end of the road.
Contact us for a free consultation.
Learn more about Attorney Matthew Brown
Related Articles:
UNDERSTANDING AND EVOLUTION OF PTSD AND VA CLAIMS
IMPORTANCE OF HIRING A DISABILITY ATTORNEY (2026)
WHOโS ELIGIBLE FOR VA BENEFITS? (2026)
Resources:
VA Disability FAQs
Disability compensation for PTSD (VA)