When seeking a 100% disability rating for PTSD, you must present enough evidence to show the condition significantly impacts your everyday life. It is also necessary to prove that the trauma resulted from a military service-related incident.
After requesting a decision review process, VA will analyze the provided evidence and results of your compensation and pension exam. Then, if you are eligible, they may give you a 100% rating entitling you to more benefits. Following is more information about getting a 100% disability from the VA for PTSD.
How to Increase Your PTSD Rating to 100%
When filing a claim for PTSD from the VA for the first time, they will give a rating based on the evidence you present and the results of your C&P exam. While taking medication and attending therapy sessions may alleviate symptoms, some PTSD cases worsen with time.
If your condition severely affects your occupational and social life, you may be entitled to a higher disability rating. But, first, determine your current health condition by consulting a licensed medical professional. They will perform various tests and ask questions to gauge the PTSD severity.
After that, they will write a comprehensive medical report explaining all the findings. The next step is contacting the VA to request a decision review process and a new ruling.
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Can You Present New Evidence When Seeking a 100% Disability Rating?
Depending on the selected decision review option, you can present new evidence for a PTSD claim. VA gives veterans three choices for requesting a reassessment. These are:
- Board appeal
- Supplemental claim
- Higher-level review.
When selecting the first two options, you can present new evidence to support your PTSD case. For instance, you may send medical records indicating your condition worsened. In addition, include a statement from your therapist proving that you need different medication or treatment procedures.
If you choose a higher-level decision review process, you cannot submit new evidence. Instead, a senior reviewer will analyze your case and determine if you qualify for a 100% disability rating. This option is suitable if you recently got a lower rating and disagree with the decision.
What Does a Compensation and Pension Exam for PTSD Involve?
VA requires all veterans seeking a higher rating for their PTSD disability to undergo a C&P exam. This process evaluates your condition to determine if you qualify for compensation. VA mainly uses their medical professionals for Compensation and Pension exams, but they sometimes contract third parties.
When undergoing a C&P exam for PTSD, the examiner will first review your medical file. This step allows them to analyze all the evidence related to your condition. It also simplifies determining if you developed PTSD due to a service-related event based on various factors.
Such include:
- The nature of your symptoms
- When you first identified the signs
- Common triggers
A VA physician can ask some questions to understand your condition. For example, they may request you to explain your symptoms. They can also inquire how often you receive treatments and the medication taken to alleviate the effects.
Another process the exam may involve is psychological tests. These allow the physician to gauge your condition and confirm all the details included in your medical records.
Once the VA examiner completes the exam, they will write a comprehensive report with all the findings. They then send it to a rating veteran service representative for further analysis.
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How Long Does Veterans Affairs Take to Review Claims?
The time VA takes to review claims submitted when seeking a 100% disability rating for PTSD varies based on various factors. For instance, if you presented new evidence, they may need more time to assess it. On the other hand, if you only requested them to review documents presented during the initial claim, the process may take a shorter time.
Another factor determining the duration you wait for a ruling is the selected procedure. For example, if you file a supplemental claim or use the higher-level decision review, the process will take about 4-5 months. However, you can wait for one year or more when you opt for a board appeal.
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What Benefits Do You Get With a 100% Disability Rating?
A 100% disability rating for PTSD allows you to receive various benefits. These are:
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Monthly compensation
- Education benefits for your kids
- Property tax exemptions
Another benefit you get with a 100% disability rating is free private counseling in a VA facility. You may also undergo other treatments like group and family therapies with no charges.
Call a Veterans Disability Lawyer for Help Pursuing a PTSD Rating
Contact a disability attorney for veterans to learn how to receive a 100% PTSD disability from VA. An attorney will evaluate your claim and current medical records then help you file for a decision review process.
They can also provide legal guidance and explain all the veteran laws applying to your case. Call to schedule a free consultation for your PTSD disability rating.
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