What Benefits and Services Are Available for Veterans with PTSD?
There are several benefits and services available for veterans with PTSD, including:
- Healthcare
- Counseling
- VA disability compensation
Health Care
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers mental health assessment and testing to help veterans determine if they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). VA also offers “medicine proven to work for treating PTSD.” Learn more about medications for PTSD here. VA medical centers also provide outpatient care for veterans with PTSD. To find a VA center near you, click here.
If you require inpatient care, VA will help you find a place near you.
Counseling
VA offers several types of counseling for veterans with PTSD, including psychotherapy (i.e. talk therapy), family therapy, and group therapy.
Certain Veterans Are Entitled to Free Counseling
According to VA, if you served in a combat zone, you are entitled to free private counseling as well as a drug and alcohol assessment at a local Vet center. All VA centers offer counseling as well.
VA also offers helpful tips for finding a PTSD therapist.
PTSD Resources
VA’s Make the Connection also offers videos from veterans with PTSD and resources available in each community. To learn about treatment and hear stories from veterans, family members of veterans, and clinicians who have dealt with PTSD, check out AboutFace.
VA Disability Compensation
You might also be entitled to VA disability benefits for PTSD if you meet specific criteria. For service-connected PTSD, VA will assign one of the following disability ratings depending on the severity of your condition: 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, or 100 percent. Your disability rating will determine the amount of monthly compensation you receive.
As of December 1st, 2020 the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:
- 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
- 10 percent disability rating: $144.14 per month
- 30 percent disability rating: $441.35 per month
- 50 percent disability rating: $905.04 per month
- 70 percent disability rating: $1,444.71 per month
- 100 percent disability rating: $3,146.42 per month
Before VA assigns you a disability rating, it must grant service connection for your diagnosis of PTSD. This means you must show that there is a link between your PTSD diagnosis and your military service.
When you have been fighting for months or even years to get the benefits you deserve, a denial can be extremely frustrating and discouraging. However, you have the right to appeal VA’s denial and our veterans’ advocates at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help.
Call the Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD team today for a free case evaluation: 800-544-9144.
