🎖️ VALOR

Getting Through It Together: A Spouse’s Role in Securing VA Benefits for PTSD

In this heartfelt video, Jayne shares the emotional journey she and her husband Gary—a Vietnam War Air Force veteran—endured as he battled PTSD and navigated the VA system. 

 Though Gary began showing symptoms after retiring in 2007, it wasn’t until 2012 that they began seeking help—facing years of setbacks, rejections, and bureaucratic delays. Their breakthrough came after partnering with Hill & Ponton, where attorneys Sarah Hill and Melanie Williams helped secure a 70% disability rating and TDIU for Gary by 2024, greatly improving their financial and emotional stability. 

With Hill & Ponton’s help, Gary and Jayne were able to secure in two years what they had been working hard to get for eight years.  

Jayne emphasizes the critical role that spouses play—not just in supporting their partners, but in participating in counseling, advocating through the process, and holding on to hope. She encourages other families facing similar challenges to seek out resources, get involved in therapy, and remember that they don’t have to go through it alone.

⚖️ EXPERTS

PTSD Treatments for Veterans: Traditional Approaches and Promising New Therapies

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has long affected veterans, but it wasn’t formally recognized as a medical diagnosis until 1980. Since then, treatment options have evolved significantly. Today, veterans have access to a wide range of therapies—from proven traditional methods to innovative new approaches—that offer real hope for recovery. 

What Causes PTSD in Veterans? 

PTSD develops in response to life-threatening or traumatic experiences, especially those involving combat, serious injury, or witnessing death. Common symptoms include intrusive memories (like flashbacks or nightmares), emotional numbness, avoidance of triggers, adverse changes in mood, and hypervigilance. These symptoms can disrupt daily life and relationships, but recognizing them is the first step toward healing. 

Traditional PTSD Treatments That Work 

Many veterans start with traditional evidence-based therapies, which remain the foundation of PTSD treatment: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps veterans identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. CBT often includes coping strategies and structured homework to encourage long-term change. 

• Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Involves gradually confronting trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations. This can reduce fear and avoidance over time. Sessions typically span 8 to 15 weeks. 

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Eye movements or other stimuli help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Weekly sessions over a few months can significantly reduce symptoms. 

• Stress Inoculation Training (SIT): A variation of CBT that focuses on building resilience through relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and positive self-talk. 

While effective, these treatments may not work for everyone. Some veterans drop out early or don’t respond as hoped—prompting interest in alternative or complementary options. 

Innovative PTSD Treatments on the Rise 

New therapies are expanding what’s possible for veterans living with PTSD: 

• Virtual Reality Therapy: Offers immersive simulations that help veterans safely revisit and process traumatic experiences. It’s shown similar effectiveness to traditional exposure therapy, particularly for combat PTSD. 

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive brain stimulation treatment that can improve symptoms without medication. About half of veterans who undergo TMS report noticeable improvements. 

• Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Therapies using MDMA or psilocybin are showing groundbreaking results. MDMA-assisted therapy has helped eliminate PTSD symptoms in up to 67% of clinical trial participants. These treatments are still under research but hold incredible promise. 

• Yoga and Mindfulness: Mind-body practices like yoga and meditation have been linked to reduced anxiety and depression in veterans. They encourage emotional regulation and a sense of calm. 

• Neurofeedback: A form of biofeedback that helps veterans gain awareness of their brainwave patterns and learn how to self-regulate. It can reduce symptoms like hyperarousal and intrusive thoughts. 

• Nature-Based Therapy: Activities such as gardening, hiking, or spending time outdoors have proven therapeutic effects. They reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being through a connection with nature. 

The Bottom Line 

Veterans no longer have to feel stuck with PTSD. With traditional therapies and cutting-edge treatments available, recovery is more achievable than ever. The key is finding the right combination that works for each individual. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, don’t wait. The VA and other organizations offer support, and staying informed about your treatment and benefit options is a decisive first step.

To learn more about the causes of PTSD, proven traditional treatments, and emerging therapies that are reshaping hope for veterans, visit our full article and discover the path to recovery that might work for you.

If you’re facing challenges with your claim and need assistance, reach out for a free case evaluation.

🦅SUPPORT

Attention: Join us today at 1400 hours EST for a new Livestream with our legal team!

Join us to get your questions about VA disability law and the claims process answered by our legal team. Comments open 30 minutes prior to the Livestream starting, so get there early to get your question in. We try to answer as many as we can!

Were You Exposed to “Forever Chemicals” in Your Water Supply?

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic substances widely used in firefighting foams, water-resistant products, and industrial applications. These chemicals have been found in dangerously high concentrations in some water supplies, including on or near military bases. Learn if your military base was impacted using our Toxic Exposure Map.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to severe health conditions, such as:

• Testicular Cancer

• Kidney Cancer

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Liver Cancer

If you or a loved one lived or worked in areas with PFAS contamination and have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you may qualify for compensation.

Act now. Contact us today at (855) 494-1298 to learn more about your options or to begin your claim. You’ve served your country; let us serve you.

🗺️ TACTICS

Understanding PTSD Claims: What All Veterans Need to Know About VA Service Connection

In this video, Hill & Ponton senior VA disability attorney Shannon Brewer explains how veterans can establish service connections for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a special focus on combat-related claims. Many veterans mistakenly believe PTSD benefits are only available to those who served in direct combat—Attorney Brewer clears up that misconception.   

She breaks down the three essential elements required for a successful PTSD claim: a traumatic incident during service, a current PTSD diagnosis, and a clear link—or “nexus”—between the two. For combat veterans, the VA has eased the burden of proof. If a veteran can show they were in a combat zone or directly engaged in combat, their statement alone may be enough to establish the stressor—no extra documentation required.   

Attorney Brewer also discusses how combat service can be proven through service records, awards like the Purple Heart, or statements from fellow service members. She emphasizes that being stationed in a combat zone—even without direct combat experience—can still qualify as a valid stressor under VA guidelines.   

She further clarifies what the VA considers hostile military or terrorist activity, helping veterans understand what kinds of traumatic events may count.   

To strengthen a claim, Attorney Brewer recommends getting a psychological evaluation that ties the PTSD diagnosis directly to service. And for veterans struggling to navigate the VA system, she encourages them to seek help and understand their rights.   

Her goal? To make sure every veteran—combat or not—knows they have a path to support and benefits when it comes to PTSD.

Need Help with an Appeal? Hill & Ponton is Here for You

At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in helping veterans navigate the VA appeals process to secure the benefits they rightfully deserve. Whether you're facing a denied claim, an appeal for a higher rating, or need assistance gathering critical evidence, our team is ready to advocate for you.

Use our VA Disability Calculator to see if your current rating aligns with your level of disability and explore potential increases based on any secondary conditions you may have. Calculate Your VA Disability Rating Now!