Vets can re-apply if past claim was denied

The VA has simplified its procedures for veterans seeking health care and disability compensation for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The biggest change comes in not requiring corroboration of the stressor that the veteran was in fear of his or her life in a combat situation or terrorist attack.

                    In announcing the changes that took effect July 13, Michael Walcoff, acting under secretary for benefits, said 400,000 veterans are already receiving compensation for PTSD and all who have claims pending will fall under the new regulations.  Veterans who have had PTSD claims denied in the past can re-apply.

          “We made them jump through hoops” in seeking records to corroborate the claim, a process that could take months or years, he said.

          Compensation of up to $2,700 a month would be retroactive to the date of diagnosis. The change applies to all veterans and not just those who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a veteran for disabilities that are a result of – or made worse by – injuries to diseases associated with active service.

          Speaking by video-teleconference at a press conference announcing the changes, Rep. John Hall, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance, said, “No longer does one have to prove” and incident took place. “There is no stenographer following you” in combat or during a terrorist attack.

          In his radio address July 10, President Barack Obama said, “I don’t think our troops on the battlefield should have to take notes to keep for a claims application.”

          VA officials said that under the new regulations a veteran’s claim would be approved: if there was a diagnosis of PTSD by a VA psychologist or psychiatrist; the veteran stated he or she feared for his or her life in a military action or a terrorist act; and the veteran’s overall service record was consistent with the claim.

          Bradley Mayes, director of VA Compensation and Pension Service, said, “There are certain thresholds that have to be met” to have the claim approved.  He added the change should particularly benefit women veterans because their service records often do not indicate they served in a combat situation.

          Dr. Robert Petzel, VA under secretary for health, said, with 20,000 mental health care providers in the VA, “We believe we have the capacity to handle the workload.”  Adding, “We do not believe we will be overburdened.”

          Walcoff said the VA did not have a number on how the change in regulation would affect the workload but added the VA is receiving new claims daily as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue and veterans from earlier wars are diagnosed with PTSD.

          As to cost, he said, “We have always paid for this” either through the VA or other agencies.  “We expect eventually costs will be minimally higher.”

          VA Secretary Eric Shinseki said in a prepared statement, “This final regulation goes a long way to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and services they need.”