🎖️ VALOR

How a Vietnam Veteran Won His Battle with the VA

Meet Veteran Frank Chappell, who came back from his tour in Vietnam and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He spent nearly a decade fighting the VA for benefits, almost gave up, but decided because he was “a little hard-headed” that he was going to get some help.

Watch another episode of our Veteran’s Stories series on YouTube and hear how Frank finally conquered his stressful battle with the VA.

Attention: Were You or a Loved One Deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan between 2003-2017?

If you or your family member suffered injuries such as loss of limb, loss of eyesight, required surgeries due to blast impacts, or experienced severe traumatic brain injuries due to sniper, rocket mortar, EFP, or IED attacks, you might be entitled to compensation.

Don't suffer in silence. Our experts are ready to help fight for the justice you deserve.

Call us at (855) 494-1298 to learn more.

⚖️ EXPERTS

VA Disability Benefits for OEF, OIF, and OND Veterans

As a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or Operation New Dawn (OND), you’ve faced unique challenges. These operations have left lasting impacts, including health issues that may emerge long after service.

This week, we shed light on common disabilities associated with your service and the VA benefits designed to support you and your dependents.

Common Disabilities Impacting Veterans

Veterans of OEF, OIF, and OND have been exposed to challenging environments, leading to various health impacts. The VA recognizes these conditions and provides support and compensation. Common disabilities include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Triggered by traumatic events.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Caused by exposure to blasts.

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Affecting bones, joints, and muscles.

• Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Due to exposure to loud noises.

• Respiratory Conditions: Linked to dust, burn pits, and other hazards.

• Skin Disorders: Caused by environmental factors.

• Chemical Exposure Illnesses: From exposure to toxic substances.

• Mental Health Disorders: Including depression and anxiety.

• Infectious Diseases: Contracted during deployment.

Toxic Exposure and Health Risks for OEF Veterans

OEF veterans encountered harmful substances, leading to potential health effects. Understanding these exposures is crucial for recognizing symptoms and pursuing VA benefits. Common exposures include:

• Burn Pit Smoke: Leading to respiratory conditions.

• Toxic-Embedded Fabrics and Explosive Matter: Causing skin and respiratory issues.

• Mefloquine Side Effects: Including nausea, neuropsychiatric symptoms and dizziness.

• Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5): Affecting the lungs.

• Depleted Uranium: Leading to lung and kidney cancers.

• Infectious Diseases: Such as Malaria and Q fever.

Monitoring symptoms and consulting healthcare providers for assessments related to these exposures is essential.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Around 10-20% of Army and Marine Corps service members in OEF and OIF sustained mild TBIs, leading to long-term issues like memory loss and dizziness. Studies show higher mental health problem frequencies among these veterans compared to other deployments.

Common disabilities from TBI include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and physical difficulties.

VA Disability Benefits Available

The VA offers specialized benefits for OEF, OIF, and OND veterans, reflecting their unique needs. These benefits include:

• Priority Health Care Enrollment: Expedited and cost-free care for combat-related conditions.

• Service-Connected Disability Compensation: Monthly compensation for service-related injuries or illnesses.

• PTSD Support: Access to counseling and treatment programs.

• TBI Treatment: Specialized care and rehabilitation.

• Chemical Exposure Treatment: Health services for exposure-related conditions.

• Specialized Rehabilitation Programs: Including prosthetics and vocational rehabilitation.

• Education Benefits: Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other programs.

• Employment Services: Job training and employment opportunities.

• Home Loan Guarantees: Assistance with home loans.

• Insurance: Life insurance for veterans with service-connected disabilities

Do you know some of the most common conditions of Gulf War Syndrome? Check out our video with Attorney Rachel and Attorney Shelly as they discuss what you need to know.

🗺️ TACTICS

VA Disability Benefits Trivia

Each week we ask a trivia question across platforms on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, to test your knowledge on VA disability benefits.

Our question this week has to do with effective dates! Check it out below!

🦅SUPPORT

One Veteran's Success in Winning a VA Disability Claim for PTSD

Note: All identifying info is fictitious to protect the identity of our client.

Summary of Claim

In a recent VA claim, a veteran successfully secured service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The veteran provided detailed service records, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, and lay statements confirming the occurrence of a traumatic event during military service.

The Outcome

The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, acknowledging the psychological impact of their service.

Why Was This Claim Successful?

The veteran supported the claim with compelling evidence, including:

• Service Records: The veteran provided thorough service records documenting their presence during a traumatic event. These records were crucial in establishing the occurrence of the stressor.

• Psychiatric Evaluation: A detailed psychiatric evaluation diagnosed the veteran with PTSD and linked the condition directly to the in-service traumatic event. The evaluation included a thorough description of the symptoms and their impact on the veteran's daily life.

• Lay Statements: Statements from fellow service members and family provided additional corroboration of the veteran's symptoms and the traumatic event, emphasizing the significant change in the veteran's behavior post-service.

Additional Insights

• Timely Reporting and Treatment: The veteran's claim was strengthened by evidence of timely reporting of PTSD symptoms and seeking treatment shortly after service, which demonstrated a clear and consistent link to their military experience.

• Importance of Consistency: The veteran consistently described the traumatic event and its effects across various documents and interviews, which helped solidify the credibility of the claim.

Tips from the Legal Team

Here’s a few thoughts from the team about this case.

Tip #1: Document the Stressor Event Thoroughly

When claiming PTSD, it’s vital to provide detailed accounts and documentation of the traumatic event. Service records or any official documentation that supports the occurrence of the event can be decisive.

Tip #2: Seek Immediate Treatment and Keep Records

Seeking prompt treatment for PTSD symptoms and maintaining detailed records of all medical visits and therapies can strengthen your claim. Early and consistent medical evidence supports the continuity and severity of the condition.

Do you need help filing an appeal? Call us at (855) 494-1298.