When people think about the disabilities suffered by veterans, they tend to focus on physical disabilities: hearing loss, limb loss, paralysis, and so on. However, the psychological issues they suffer can be just as debilitating as any physical injury, and critically, it can qualify them for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). But how exactly can a psychological disability qualify you for VA benefits?
What is a Psychological Disability?
In simple terms, a psychological disability is any kind of mental or emotional issue that substantially affects your ability to handle day-to-day life. It may affect your ability to hold down a job, for example, or even impact your ability to handle basic chores like cooking or cleaning. Ordinarily, to qualify as a disability, it must be severe enough that it causes substantial impairment even when you are being treated for your condition through therapy or medication.
What Sorts of Issues Count as Psychological Disabilities?
There are a variety of psychological disabilities that may qualify you for VA benefits. These include, but are not limited to:
- Major depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Dissociative identity disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders
When Might Your Psychological Disability Qualify You For VA Benefits?
Typically, to qualify for VA benefits with a psychological disability, your condition must be somehow related to your military service. This means that it must have been demonstrably caused by your service, or you must already have had the disorder and your service made it worse. Either way, you need evidence demonstrating the connection between your condition and your service.
What Should You Do?
If you are struggling to obtain VA benefits due to a service-related psychological disability, you may need the assistance of an experienced lawyer, such as those at Sullivan and Kehoe. They can review the circumstances of your case and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your situation. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work for you.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
