PTSD wasn’t even recognized until the 1980’s. Past veterans suffered from shell shock and other similar psychological traumas associated with their time in combat. Today, however, scientists and mental health professionals are more in tune with the psychological traumas faced by veterans. As a result the VA has changed its regulations regarding the proving of PTSD claims in a VA disability claims case.
To understand the VA system regarding PTSD claims it is necessary to be aware of the new requirements under the DSM 5—the new diagnostic manual being used (as of May 2013) for the assessment and evaluation of PTSD. Under the DSM IV, only three clusters were evaluated whereas under the new manual, four are now clusters are used to diagnose PTSD. For the diagnosis of PTSD, the stressor criteria (Criterion A1 in DSM-IV) was modified to some extent, and the requirement for specific subjective emotional reactions (Criterion A2 in DSM-IV) was eliminated because it lacked empirical support for its utility and predictive validity and resulted in certain groups, e.g., military personnel involved in combat, law enforcement officers and other first responders, lacking only the A2 criteria for a PTSD diagnosis because their training prepared them to not react emotionally to traumatic events. As a result of the new DSM 5, the VA has enacted new screening assessments for PTSD. A list and explanation of these screening processes can be found at: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/assessments/list-screening-instruments.asp.
PTSD remains one of the difficulties that veterans face. While a broken arm can be measured easily, it is difficult to measure what happens in one’s mind. That continues to be an elusive disability to many veterans who have difficulty in proving their combat experience or an in service stressor. To gain a better understanding of PTSD from the VA’s perspective visit: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/fslist_ptsd_overview.asp
For these reasons it is important to contact a competent professional to get the justice you deserve. At the Justice Legal Group we are accredited representatives with the VA and licensed before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. To reach us with any questions just call us at 505-880-8737 or email us at info@justicelegalgroup.com.
Until Next Time,
David A. Standridge
After decades it is a pleasure to see some stand up for my fellow service members and try to help these veterans retake control of their own lives after many were destroyed, not only in combat, but when they came home as well. In todays environment the fight is even more difficult due to funding issues. Our county has developed a bad habit of sending our warriors off to war and simply forget about them or what they’ve gone through for our own freedom. It is pleasing to see you stand up for our veterans, past and present and thank you for your efforts Mr. Standridge.
rick stambaugh, U.S. Navy Retired
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