SERVING
Those That
SERVED
Veterans Share How They Won
Susan Avila-Smith, Army Veteran
Once I found the "formula" for VA Compensation, I have assisted 2,000+ with their claims
1. A Diagnosis of (PTSD, MST, Anxiety and or Depression, Back
pain, etc.)
2. A Nexus, or link to Service. Example: After reviewing Jerry's
medical records, it is my opinion, more likely than not, that his
PTSD, (or what you are filing for that matches the diagnosis in
number 1) is a direct result of personal trauma that he experienced
while on active duty.
3. A piece of Evidence (such as the loss of a foot) or in
the case of Military Sexual Trauma, creating the list of markers (see below).
4. A Global Assessment of functioning (for pysch claims) under 50.
Add your stressor letter, and you are done. You WIN. This is NOT
rocket science, people.
MARKERS FOR MST/PERSONAL ASSAULT:
> * alternative evidence might still establish an in-service stressful
incident. Behavior changes that occurred at the time of the
incident may indicate the occurrence of an in-service stressor.
> Examples of behavior changes that might indicate a stressor are (but are not limited to):
> (a) Visits to a medical or counseling clinic or dispensary without a specific diagnosis or specific ailment;
> (b) Sudden requests that the veteran's military occupational seriesor duty assignment be changed without other
justification;
> (c) Lay statements indicating increased use or abuse of leave without an apparent reason such as family obligations or family
illness;
> (d) Changes in performance and performance evaluations;
> (e) Lay statements describing episodes of depression, panic attacks or anxiety but no identifiable reasons for the episodes;
> (f) Increased or decreased use of prescription medications;
> (g) Increased use of over-the-counter medications;
> (h) Evidence of substance abuse such as alcohol or drugs;
> (i) Increased disregard for military or civilian authority;
> (j) Obsessive behavior such as overeating or undereating;
> (k) Pregnancy tests around the time of the incident;
> (l) Increased interest in tests for HIV or sexually transmitted diseases;
> (m) Unexplained economic or social behavior changes;
> (n) Treatment for physical injuries around the time of the claimed trauma but not reported as a result of the trauma;
> (o) Breakup of a primary relationship.
In personal assault claims, secondary evidence may need interpretation by a clinician, especially if it involves behavior
changes. Evidence that documents such behavior changes may require interpretation in relationship to the medical diagnosis by a neuropsychiatric physician.
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