One common question for Canadian veterans is whether they are eligible for PTSD disability benefits. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, has long been recognized among veterans; however, there has been a recent increase in diagnosis.
In fact, a recent BBC study estimates that the diagnosis of PTSD increased by 50% from 2004 to 2014. It should be no surprise that benefit claims for PTSD have increased in recent years as well. But what PTSD disability benefits are available to veterans in Canada?
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological disorder that you may develop after experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD is discussed most often as it relates to warfare or combat, but it can develop after any traumatic event. Other events that have caused PTSD include sexual assault and serious car accidents.
There are a number of symptoms associated with PTSD. The most common symptoms include disturbing thoughts and emotions. These can occur during your waking hours and while you sleep. Often these thoughts relive the trauma that brought about the PTSD.
Another common symptom is an increase in the fight-or-flight response. The fight-or-flight response is a psychological reaction to a perceived threat; in other words, a situation where you feel as though your only option for survival is either fighting your way out of it or fleeing the situation. This response is far more common among those suffering from PTSD.
The first signs of PTSD typically manifest within three months of the traumatic event, but there are no hard and fast rules on how the disorder might affect you.
For some people, the symptoms of PTSD may not become evident for months or even years.
PTSD Disability Benefits for Veterans
The good news is that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans is covered through disability benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada. To determine what disabilities are covered by Veterans Affairs Canada, you can review the official Table of Disabilities.
The process for obtaining disability benefits for PTSD is fairly straightforward. Upon completing an application, Veterans Affairs Canada will:
- Review your service records;
- Review your application, including attached medical records; and
- Request additional information as needed.
The application will be reviewed by specially trained adjudicators. During the review process, the adjudicator will attempt to answer the following questions:
- Does your condition qualify as a disability?
- If yes, is the disability related to your military service in any way?
- How extensive is the disability and what are its effects on your everyday life?
For more information on PTSD in veterans: Click Here.
What’s Next?
If the adjudicator determines that you are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and that the disorder stems from your service, the final step will be to determine the severity of your disability. When making this determination, the adjudicator will consider how the disorder affects your day-to-day life physically and psychologically.
Once the determination regarding your PTSD disability benefits is made, you will receive a letter from Veterans Affairs Canada notifying you of the outcome of your application. If you don’t receive the outcome you had hoped for, there is an appeal process available to you. Contacting a disability lawyer can help you through this process.
