What do I do to get on the right path to get PTSD evaluation?

2021-02-14T10:15:19-05:00

I have suffered depression and what I believe is PTSD for 38 years. I did not go through VA and just recently started applying for VA help. What do I do to get on the right path to get PTSD evaluation?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Feb 14 at 2021 1:10 PM

2021-02-14T13:10:21-05:00

Sounds like you are pretty early in the process. I would recommend getting an advocate to help you. Whether that is a Service Officer through a non-profit, someone from your State Commission or a third party through another org you need to get someone to help you get evaluated. Basically it will be submitting claims to service connected issues. good luck

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Feb 14 at 2021 2:25 PM

2021-02-14T14:25:04-05:00

Many counties have a Veteran's Rep, as do American Legions, VFW's and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Feb 16 at 2021 7:00 PM

2021-02-16T19:00:15-05:00

You have to file a claim with the va this can be done in two ways with a va rep, or an attorney who does va claims I had an attorney once your claim is filed you will be notified by mail you will have to interview with a va specialist note this is all they do interview people for PTSD you will be rated on the answers you give to the questions you are asked you might want a attorney who does va claims, keep going to the va for help do not stop join a group talk about it with other veterans it will never go away but talking about it helps the mind rest. Good luck my brother

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 17 at 2021 11:51 PM

2021-02-17T23:51:06-05:00

A lot of states have veteran's service centers where you can find resources such as counseling and group therapy that help. If nothing else, in group therapy you get to really see that having PTSD doesn't mean you are alone and that living with it is possible. It helped me. I felt alone and somehow flawed before I got help. It meant the difference in being able to reach retirement and live a somewhat normal life.