What Mental Illnesses Are Eligible for VA Disability?

What mental health disorders are eligible for a VA disability compensation? Post traumatic stress disorder is commonly known as a mental health condition that is subject to VA disability compensation, but there are several others. In society, we see the problems associated with mental health conditions that veterans are suffering from. We think about homelessness, suicide, inability to maintain a job at work, or even the inability to maintain relationships. Keep in mind that the disabilities range from:

• Amnesia
• Anxiety
• Bipolar
• Depression
• Dissociative
• Eating Disorders
• PTSD
• Schizophrenia
• Substance abuse
• Addictive disorders

All mental health conditions are rated under the same criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association. And those disabilities often result in the veteran’s decreased ability to earn a living. This is why the VA compensates veterans for mental health disabilities.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2.1 million veterans received mental health treatment from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the five year period from 2006 through 2010. However, a study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration revealed that only 50% of returning vets who need veteran mental health treatment will receive these services. This may be due to a number of factors (info from GAO study), not limited to…

• Personal embarrassment about service related mental disabilities
• Long wait times to receive mental health treatment
• Fear of being seen as weak and stigma associated with mental health issues
• A lack of understanding or lack of awareness about mental health problems and treatment options
• Logistical problems, such as long travel distances in order to receive this type of care
• Concerns over the veteran mental health treatment offered by the VA
• Demographic barriers and false perceptions based on these demographics such as age or gender

While some of these factors are out of a law firm’s hands, discussing concerns over treatment with a law office can help a veteran gain a greater understanding of the ratings process and treatment of mental health issues. If you are unsure of what you may be entitled to or whether or not your mental health issue counts, there is no harm in seeing a doctor and submitting a claim to the VA asking for compensation.

Mental health disorders are incredibly important to one’s well being, and as a veteran, you may be entitled to compensation and treatment.