NVF Begins Campaign to Reactivate Denied PTSD Benefit Claims

LOS ANGELES, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) recent changes to its PTSD disability guidelines, easing access to benefits for military Veterans, the National Veterans Foundation (NVF) will call hundreds of Veterans whose PTSD claims were denied, encouraging them to reactivate their claims.  

The NVF's PTSD claims outreach campaign will connect with Veterans who have previously called into the organization's Lifeline for Vets™ with VA claims problems.  The NVF will encourage Veterans who have been denied PTSD disability ratings, due to an inability to document the traumatic wartime event that caused their post-traumatic stress, to resubmit their disability claims.  

The new rule eliminates the requirement that a Veteran, in addition to being diagnosed by a VA doctor with PTSD, also document the combat or other service-connected incident that caused their traumatic stress.  Due to poor record keeping of these incidents, especially for non-combat troops, and the lack of a shared computer system between Department of Defense and VA, it has been extremely difficult for many Veterans get approval for benefits.  

"This is a big step by the VA to get our Veterans the help they need," said NVF President and Founder Shad Meshad, a pioneer in PTSD diagnosis and treatment.  "This is great in particular for troops who weren't technically in combat roles, but who were thrust into combat situations anyway.  It would have been better if the VA had changed their rules to allow PTSD diagnoses by non-VA doctors as well, and hopefully the VA will make that change in the near future."

The new ruling still prevents Veterans from using diagnoses by civilian doctors to qualify for benefits, which many Veteran advocates believe is another unfair restriction.  Many believe VA doctors are pressured to limit the number of PTSD diagnoses, and that some Veterans are reluctant to see VA doctors.  

NVF will begin PTSD benefit claims campaign calls to Veterans this week.  Any Veteran needing assistance applying or re-applying for benefits are encouraged to call the Lifeline for Vets™ at 888-777-4443.

Lifeline for Vets™ is the nation's only live, toll-free crisis management, information, and referral hotline – for all Veterans and their families.  The NVF is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Visit the NVF online at www.nvf.org or support the organization at www.help-veterans.org.

SOURCE National Veterans Foundation