How do I Receive VA TDIU for a 70% PTSD Rating?
Combat Veterans have struggled with PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other mental health-related issues for centuries. Records of PTSD-like symptoms date back to the Middle Ages.
The horrors of World War I took PTSD-like symptoms to another level. New weapons meant new brain injuries. For example, in the years leading up to that war, most armies used picric acid in cannon ordinance.
That is basically the same chemical that is in fireworks. Immediately before World War I, most armies switched to TNT. This explosive is much more powerful, especially because it has much more concussive force.
In recent years, PTSD science has developed even further. In 2001, the Canadian Armed Forces began classifying these physical wounds as Operational Stress Injuries. OSI victims are eligible for the Sacrifice Medal, which is the equivalent of a Purple Heart.
Common PTSD Disability Ratings
Here in the United States, most PTSD disability ratings are either 50, 70, or 100%. The 70% rating is usually the magic number as far as Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability claims are concerned.
50% is usually the minimum rating. People with noticeable PTSD symptoms that do not affect their daily lives typically receive a 50% rating. Symptoms related to a 50% rating, may include heightened awareness.
If victims startle easily when they hear loud noises or check their rearview mirrors constantly while driving, those types of symptoms also likely represent a 50% disability rating.
Not many people have a 100% PTSD disability. In this context, 100% disability is essentially bedridden due to your PTSD-related symptoms. Some of the aforementioned World War I “shell shock” victims had these types of symptoms.
In one case, a soldier had an unnatural fear of a French officer’s red beret. In another case, a soldier was in a comatose state unless someone said “bomb.” Then, he would dive under a table.
So, that leaves 70%. Typically, to receive this disability ranking, the PTSD symptoms must be either deep or wide.
The heightened awareness is not just infrequent or barely noticeable. It is constant enough that it interferes with daily interactions, or severe enough that it is almost like a panic attack. Or, heightened awareness can be coupled with other symptoms, such as flashbacks or depression.
Your TDIU Claim
If your PTSD disability exceeds 60%, you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits, even if you do not qualify for other VA benefits.
In this context, total disability does not mean bedridden. It means that the Veteran’s PTSD or other symptoms are severe enough that they make living a normal life impossible.
Many people have good days and bad days. A Veteran may have eight consecutive good days, but one bad day destroys any progress the Veteran made, especially in terms of employment relationships.
Furthermore, TDIU is, well, individual. There is no one-size-fits-all designation. Some Veterans can deal with more PTSD symptoms than others. It does not mean they are weaker or stronger. It just means they are different.
To strengthen TDIU claims, many VA benefits appeals attorneys partner with professional counsellors. These individuals evaluate the Veteran and explain why, based on that veteran’s profile, he or she is unemployable.
Rely on Experienced Attorneys
Disabled, unemployable Veterans may be entitled to substantial monthly benefits. For a free consultation with an experienced Veterans disability lawyer in San Diego, contact Cameron Firm, PC. at 800-861-7262 or fill out the contact box to your right. We are here to represent Veterans nationwide.
This article is for educational and marketing purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship.
