PTSD & Stress-Related Disability Claims for Veterans

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common service-related conditions affecting veterans. Exposure to combat, military sexual trauma (MST), serious training accidents, or other traumatic events during military service can have long-lasting psychological effects, making it difficult to adjust to civilian life. PTSD can impact daily activities, relationships, and the ability to maintain employment, making VA disability benefits essential for affected veterans.


The VA recognizes PTSD as a compensable disability, but veterans must provide the necessary evidence to establish a service connection and demonstrate the severity of their condition. Martin and Lerda assists veterans in navigating the claims process, gathering medical and service records, and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

A soldier is sitting in a wheelchair in a living room.

Understanding PTSD and VA Disability Benefits

Veterans suffering from PTSD may qualify for VA disability benefits, but the burden of proof often falls on the veteran to establish a service connection and demonstrate the severity of their condition.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as:


The symptoms of PTSD can be debilitating and may include:

  • Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  • Depression, isolation, and withdrawal from loved ones
  • Hypervigilance and difficulty sleeping
  • Difficulty concentrating or maintaining employment
  • Substance abuse and self-medication

How to Establish PTSD as a Service-Connected Disability

To receive VA disability compensation for PTSD, veterans must provide:

  1. A current diagnosis of PTSD from a licensed medical professional.
  2. A verifiable in-service stressor (a traumatic event that occurred during military service).
  3. A medical nexus linking the PTSD diagnosis to the in-service event.


Veterans can establish a service connection for PTSD in the following ways:

  • Direct Service Connection: The veteran submits service records, witness statements, or other documentation proving a traumatic event occurred during military service.
  • Presumptive Service Connection: Some veterans, such as former POWs or those exposed to combat, may automatically qualify for benefits under VA presumptive conditions.
  • Secondary Service Connection: PTSD may be linked to another service-connected condition, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic pain, or physical disabilities.


Properly documenting PTSD symptoms and their impact on daily life is critical to a successful claim. Martin and Lerda ensures that veterans have the necessary medical and service-related evidence to build a strong case.

How Martin and Lerda Helps Veterans with PTSD Claims

Navigating the VA disability claims process can be complex, and proper documentation is essential to ensure that PTSD is recognized as a service-connected condition. Martin and Lerda provides:

  • Assistance in gathering medical records, service records, and witness statements to support a PTSD claim.
  • Legal guidance in submitting a fully developed claim (FDC) to streamline the VA review process.
  • Collaboration with mental health professionals to provide medical evidence of PTSD.
  • Personalized representation to ensure veterans receive the correct disability rating for their condition.

Veterans seeking disability benefits for PTSD should ensure their claim is filed correctly with the right documentation to establish service connection and severity.


Additional Resources for Veterans with PTSD

Take the First Step in Your PTSD Disability Claim

PTSD is a serious and life-altering condition, and veterans who suffer from it deserve fair compensation for their service-related trauma. Martin and Lerda is committed to ensuring that veterans receive the support, advocacy, and legal representation needed to secure the benefits they have earned.


Call (412) 271-6800 today to discuss your PTSD claim and take the next step toward securing your VA disability benefits.