Blog Layout

Mental Disorders and Disability Benefits

Mental Disorders and Disability Benefits

His name is Charles. He fought in Iraq. He had his share of close calls with improvised explosive devices and other types of roadside bombs. He served two tours, and he lost many of his friends during that time. He’s now back in the states, and he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also possible that he may have another type of personal disorder, but his condition is difficult to diagnose.


Charles believes that he has a mental disability, but as a veteran, he is having difficulty dealing with the Veteran’s Administration (VA). He is about to go before a VA panel in connection with his request for disability benefits, but he is unsure whether he will be able to persuade the panel that he is truly disabled, or what his damages really are. Charles needs professional support.


In this article, we are going to discuss how assistance from a veterans disability vocational expert can help veterans like Charles. If, after reading this article, you have additional questions about incorporating vocational experts into your disability case, we invite you to contact us at Occupational Assessment Services, Inc. – OAS. We can provide veterans with disability vocational experts in your case.

 

We are one of the most experienced employability and life care planning firms in the United States. To discuss your case, call us at  1-800-292-1919 , contact us at a location near you, or through our online form.


Mental Health Conditions Present Unique Challenges for Veterans


It is not a stretch to say that the military values strength, toughness, and resilience. Indeed, being solid and unshakable is the image we have of the men and women in uniform. Thus, when a military serviceperson suffers from a mental health condition, be it PTSD, depression, or bipolar disorder it carries a significant stigma in the military (and veteran) culture. Thus, many service people fail to even ask for help when it comes to a mental health condition because of the unfortunate stigma attached to it.


In addition to a veteran even coming to terms with a mental health problem because of the inherent stigma, it is also sometimes rather difficult to prove a mental health condition. Generally speaking, mental health disorders are notoriously hard to diagnose, where even the most experienced physicians might mistake certain symptoms as a sign of other conditions.


Finally, the VA does not recognize personality disorders or certain other mental health conditions as a disability unless there is evidence that the mental health condition was caused by a person’s service in the military.


Veterans Have An Uphill Battle When Seeking Mental Health Disability Benefits


The VA generally will deny disability claims associated with a personality disorder in the initial stage. That means that veterans need to be very careful when building their claims and submitting supporting evidence. The claimant must have solid proof that the mental disorder is connected to their military service in a very real way. 


Proving Damages As a Result of a Mental Disability


Even when a veteran may be able to show the VA that they have a mental condition that is directly connected to their military service, there is yet another hurdle – proving the extent of damages as a result of the disability. That is where a veteran’s disability vocational expert comes into play.


When it comes to damages, you would be well served if you had a veterans disability vocational expert review your case, your medical records, your military experience, and your current ability to work and concentrate on work. A vocational expert’s value is in evaluating the veteran, understanding what limitations the veteran is struggling with, and how the disability has impaired the veteran’s chance of working in certain jobs. 


In short, if you are a veteran and you are looking to show just how much your mental health disorder impacts your daily life, and your ability to work, then you should think about contacting a veteran’s disability vocational expert. 


Let OAS Be the Veterans Disability Vocational Expert for Your Case


Many attorneys fail to realize the importance of properly documenting damages in a case. Sometimes, all emphasis and energies are placed on the initial hurdle of liability, and the impact of wrongful termination on the financial future of a service member and his or her family members is not well established. A good damages preparation may help to strengthen a case once liability has been established. To date, vocational experts have been used in a wide variety of cases. Their expertise can benefit from personal injury, wrongful death,  medical malpractice, product liability,  workers’ compensation, matrimonial, age discrimination, and wrongful termination cases.


The experts at Occupational Assessment Services, Inc. (OAS) have over forty years of experience documenting the income potential and employment capacity of those with wrongful termination cases, as well as with the underemployed, unemployed, and disabled spouses in many types of cases.


OAS specializes in working with the plaintiff or defense attorney to assist in objectively documenting the economics in a case. From the initial referral to the trial testimony, OAS works with the retaining attorney so that the vocational assessment of the case can be objectively and efficiently presented. 


OAS has served as experts on many multi-million-dollar outcomes including a record-setting $102 million verdict in a NY catastrophic injury case. Through objective consulting, analysis, and vocational testing, we specialize in assisting attorneys in documenting damages.


We strongly believe in the importance of a clear and understandable presentation of the facts. OAS is the leading provider of Vocational Expert and Life Care Planning Services for Plaintiff and Defense attorneys. 


The company specializes in assisting attorneys in evaluating earning capacity in divorce cases and documenting the damages in cases where an individual has been severely injured by providing objective findings on how the injuries affect a persons’ ability to work and earn money, as well as the cost of care required in catastrophic injuries.


OAS is your Vocational Expert & Life Care Planner Nationwide, with offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Nevada, and California. 


Occupational Assessment Services, Inc. is one of the most experienced employability and life care planning firms in the United States. To discuss your case, call us at   1-800-292-1919 , contact us at a location near you, or through our online form.

RECENT POSTS

Medicaid Long Term Care Explained
25 Mar, 2024
Medicaid Long Term Care includes various programs that can help financially challenged seniors receive the care they need.
What Is Court Testimony
18 Mar, 2024
The question of what is court testimony can be confusing for those who aren’t legal professionals, primarily due to the fact witnesses fall into two distinct categories.
What Is Demonstrative Evidence In A Personal Injury Case
11 Mar, 2024
Demonstrative evidence can clarify the facts of the case and convince a jury of your claims.
Loss Of Earning Capacity
04 Mar, 2024
Loss of earning capacity can be awarded in a personal injury case and may help you recover financially after suffering an injury.
VA Disability Increase 2024
26 Feb, 2024
The VA disability increase 2024 is a good measure to fight inflation that may not be enough to account for the needs of all veterans.

CONTACT US

Share by: