Critter Corner: Are There Monetary Benefits for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Dear Commander Bun Bun,

I write to you because I too was a Commander (in the U.S. Navy). I suffer from PTSD, and often have severe nightmares and flashbacks. I have been going to therapy for years, and even tried biofeedback, but it is becoming quite costly. Do you know of any benefits available to veteran’s with PTSD, like myself?

Mil O’Terry

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Dear Mil,

Thank you for your service to our country.

Due to the severity of emotional problems that PTSD can cause, the Veteran’s Administration (VA) enacted regulations that classify PTSD as an injury, enabling veterans to receive monetary benefits – but only in limited cases.

VA services are provided to all veterans who have completed active military service and those who were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.  A veteran must file a formal claim using forms provided by the VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration.  Although many vets won’t qualify for monetary compensation, they are eligible for PTSD support, provided by PTSD treatment programs nationwide that offer mental health assessments and testing, psychotherapy, family therapy, and group therapy.

Additionally, the VA offers Specialized Intensive PTSD Programs, which provide treatment in a “therapeutic community,” many in a live-in residence. The VA has nearly 200 PTSD treatment programs. A referral is usually needed to access the specialty programs. Learn more and find resources on The National Center for PTSD section of the VA Website.

Did you know that a benefit that you may be eligible for is Veteran’s Aid and Attendance? Nearly 182,000 veterans and their spouses take advantage of the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance benefit, but VA officials say that many more are eligible. I urge you to make an appointment for a no-cost consultation with Mr. Farr, who is an Accredited Attorney with the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, to learn more.

Sincerely,

Commander Bun Bun