Strengthening Your SSDI Claims As A Veteran With PTSD

PTDS is a relatively common psychological condition in veterans that develops after exposure to traumatic sights, sounds, or experiences. In some cases, veterans with this disorder are only mildly affected, experiencing brief flashbacks or moments of anxiety under stressful or triggering circumstances. For others, however, PTSD can be a debilitating condition that requires months or even years of treatment, and you may not be able to hold down steady employment in the meantime. Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can keep your finances afloat while you recover, but you may need to be prepared to argue your case to receive the compensation you deserve. 

Taking Advantage of Resources for Veterans

As a veteran, you have resources available to you that civilians cannot access, and you should take advantage of those to improve your benefits claim. For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a system in place to evaluate cases of PTSD, providing a percentage rating based on the severity of your symptoms. This rating affects your VA disability payments, but it can also be used as evidence of your disability for Social Security. It may be wise to talk to an attorney, like LeCroy Law Firm, PLLC, who specializes in Social Security Disability Insurance or veterans affairs to handle your case, as well. 

Understanding Your Current Social Security Credits

Social Security is a program designed to be fiscally balanced, meaning it requires an initial investment from each citizen before they can collect. In order to qualify for Social Security payments, you must have paid enough into the system before making your claim to be eligible. Depending on your age, you will most likely need 40 Social Security credits to receive disability benefits; for most people, that translates to about 10 working years' worth of contributions. Your current credit status can be checked through the Social Security Administration. If you are younger, these requirements may be exempted. 

Proving the Extent of Your PTSD

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you must be able to show that the anxiety and other negative side-effects associated with PTSD are severely limiting your employment prospects. Obtaining a high rating using the VA's assessment is a good start, but your medical records should also demonstrate a combination of pronounced anxiety, hypertension, repetitive flashbacks, irrational urges, or panic attacks to bolster your claim. If you do not already have these symptoms on record, speak to your attorney about scheduling a medical exam to have your PTSD formally diagnosed. With the right preparation and the help of a good lawyer, you will be able to maintain your financial independence while you overcome your condition without needing to struggle in the workplace.  


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