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PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is among only a few mental disorders that are triggered by a disturbing outside event, unlike other psychiatric disorders such as depression.

  

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Type II Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body's main source of fuel.

  

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Tinnitus

Tinnitus, is a ringing, swishing, buzzing, or other type of noise that seems to originate in the ear or head. The sound may seem to come from one ear or both, from inside the head, or from a distance. 

 

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Presumptive Disabilities

1. Tinnitus

2. Hearing Loss

3. Limitation of Flexion of the Knee

4. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

5. Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain

6. Scars, General

7. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)

8. Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle

9. Migraines (Headaches)

10. Limitation of Motion of the Arm

11. Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine

12. Sleep Apnea

13. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

14. Major Depressive Disorder

15. Asthma

16. Diabetes Type 2

17. Cancer

18. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

19. Pes Planus (Flat Feet)

20. Radiculopathy

21. Adjustment Disorder

22. Somatic Symptom Disorder (Chronic Pain Syndrome)

23. Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD)

24. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

25. Erectile Dysfunction

2023 Top 50 Veteran Disabilities

26. Plantar Fasciitis

27. Arthritis

28. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

29. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

30. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

31. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

32. Fibromyalgia

33. Eczema

34. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

35. Sinusitis

36. Meniere’s Syndrome

37. Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)

38. Chronic Conjunctivitis

39. Limited Motion of the Jaw (Temporomandibular Disorder)

40. Hiatal Hernia

41. Hemorrhoids

42. Varicose Veins

43. Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)

44. Hypothyroidism

45. Anemia

46. Peripheral Neuropathy

47. Prostate Gland Injuries

48. Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)

49. Vertigo

50. Urinary Incontinence

Secondary Conditions VA May Recognize as Linked to Hypertension

   

Hill & Ponton, a disability law firm that advocates for veterans on VA claims, explains that hypertension (high blood pressure) can lead to a range of secondary conditions the VA may recognize for disability compensation when they are medically linked to a service-connected hypertension diagnosis.

          

   

   

   

   

        

When evidence shows a link, hypertension can be medically connected to these secondary conditions:

    

 -Kidney and Sleep Disorders 

 -Chronic kidney disease. 
 -Sleep apnea. 
 -Cardiovascular Conditions 

 -Coronary artery disease. 
 -Heart failure. 
 -Arrhythmias. 
 -Hypertensive heart disease. 
 -Cardiomyopathy. 
 -Pulmonary hypertension. 
 -Angina. 
 -Stroke (CVA). 
 -Aneurysms. 
 -Atherosclerosis. 
 -Peripheral artery disease (PAD). 
 -Portal hypertension–related liver disease. 
 -Chronic venous insufficiency.

               
Neurological and Cognitive Conditions 

 -Hypertensive encephalopathy. 
 -Peripheral neuropathy (aggravated or contributed to by hypertension). 
 -Cognitive impairment. 
 -Vascular dementia. 

    

Headache and Mental Health Conditions 

 -Chronic headaches. 
 -Depression. 
 -Anxiety. 
 -Adjustment disorders. 
 -Retinopathy. 
 -Choroidopathy. 
 -Optic neuropathy. 
 -Transient vision loss (amaurosis fugax). 

    

Other Conditions 

 -Erectile dysfunction. 
 -Gout. 

      

Each of these conditions has a separate VA rating. You may qualify for compensation if your condition is documented. 

Top Conditions That Commonly Receive the Highest VA Ratings

       

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  

Common ratings: 50%, 70%, & 100%

   

Why they rate high:
Mental health conditions such as PTSD are rated based on functional impairment, not the diagnosis, so symptoms like inability to work, social isolation, panic attacks, or severe cognitive issues can reach 50%, 70% or 100%.

    

Other High-rating conditions:

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Bipolar disorder

      

Note: All mental health conditions fall under one rating schedule, making high ratings more achievable.

   

   

   

   

   

        

Disabilities That Consistently Qualify for a 100% Rating

        

According the disability law firm of Hill & Ponton, the following conditions almost always meet the criteria for a 100% VA disability rating, including: 

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). 
  • Loss of use of both feet. 
  • Loss of use of both hands.
  • Loss of use of one hand and one foot. 
  • Anatomical loss of both eyes or permanent total blindness. 
  • Paraplegia or quadriplegia.

Don't Miss Out On VA TERA Benefits

VA TERA benefits refer to disability compensation and health care benefits that may be available to veterans whose illnesses or conditions are related to a Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA). TERA was established under the PACT Act of 2022 to help veterans who were exposed to hazardous substances during military service.

    

A TERA can include exposure to hazards such as:

  -Burn pits and airborne hazards (smoke, sand, dust, oil well fires)

  -Agent Orange or other herbicides

  -Asbestos

  -Industrial solvents and chemicals

  -Lead and certain military paints

  -Contaminated water

  -Radiation

  -Chemical or biological warfare agents