The emotional and psychological impact of active duty military service can be devastating for a veteran. Many former servicemembers suffer from panic disorders as a result of their time in uniform.
If episodes of panic are negatively impacting your quality of life, you may qualify for disability compensation regardless of whether your condition was brought on by constant stressors or a single traumatic incident during active service.
A diligent lawyer from our team can help you pursue panic disorder claims through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for monetary benefits, including filing an appeal or pursuing a Supplemental Claim or a Higher Level Review if your initial application is denied by the VA.
Pursuing Benefits for Panic Disorders
Panic disorders commonly result from active duty military service. If a veteran can connect their current psychological symptoms to their active duty service, they may qualify for benefits under the VA’s disability compensation program.
The effects of a panic disorder can be severe and debilitating. According to the Mayo Clinic, experiencing a panic attack can place great strain on a person’s psyche. Making matters worse, panic attacks can also cause physical distress. Veterans with panic disorders often believe that they are having a heart attack, losing control, or even experiencing suicidal ideations.
Panic disorder claims typically require extensive medical documentation. Both physicians and therapists must attest to how a former servicemember’s current condition affects their day-to-day activities.
Options after Receiving a Denial
Panic disorder claims can be more difficult to prove than those based on physical conditions, and many applicants are denied benefits by the VA for insufficient proof or lack of in-service connection. As a result, claimants often find that they need to pursue appeals to obtain the benefits they need.
Veterans can file a notice of disagreement through the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and submit new evidence to support their panic disorder claim. This appellate process may also involve an in-person hearing before a judge and can be made easier with the help of a skilled lawyer.
A former servicemember who receives a subsequent denial from the Board may ask the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to examine their case for administrative errors. The Court is responsible for evaluating the process that went into a claimant’s prior denials to determine whether any errors were made.
Ask an Attorney about Panic Disorder Claims
Panic disorders are a significant consequence of active duty military service. Psychologists and therapists recognize that serving in the military can lead to severe and debilitating psychological symptoms. A veteran living with a panic disorder may be entitled to disability benefits from the VA. A VA-accredited attorney can help you to connect your current panic disorder to your time spent on active duty.
VetLaw’s dedicated legal team can assist with investigating specific instances that may have resulted in mental trauma, evaluating service records, and presenting evidence of accumulated psychological stress. Our lawyers can even help you pursue an appeal if the VA has denied your panic disorder claim. Contact our team today to see how we can help you.
