Va Disability For Ptsd And Bipolar

Currently there are four types of bipolar disorder that the medical community.

Va disability for ptsd and bipolar. What is Bipolar Disorder. Not all veterans have PTSD and many veterans suffer from other mental illnesses. Feb 02 2014 2 Yes the symptoms of Bipolar disorder would be considered in addition to those of your PTSD and the disability rating would be done considering ALL of your symptoms. Veterans with bipolar disorder can experience a range of symptoms including noticeable swings in energy mood or hours of sleep needed.

Veterans that are applying for a schizoaffective disorder VA disability rating for veterans benefits are often also bipolar. That is IF you can get your Bipolar disorder considered to be Service Connected. According to the National Institute of Mental Health bipolar disorder previously referred to as manic depression or manic depressive illness is a mental health condition characterized by abnormal shifts in mood energy activity and concentration. PTSD is PTSD whether the stressor occurred in the military or in civilian life.

Representation by a lawyer who presents lay testimony and organized evidence can help boost your VA disability rating and your compensation. For psychiatric or mental disabilities the VA uses a General Rating Formula For Mental Disorders. The VA rating for PTSD and depression is based on the rating schedule for mental health conditions. How the VA Rates Mental Illness.

So whether your disability is PTSD Bipolar Disorder Anxiety or Depression the VA rates all of these disabilities on the same rating schedule looking at the same range of symptoms. Bipolar disorder involves distinct periods of unusually elevated high energy lasting for at least several days manic or hypomanic episodes often accompanied by an overly good mood. While the VA has different diagnostic codes for different mental illnesses such as 9411 for PTSD and 9434 for depression all mental health conditions are rated under the same criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV published by the American Psychiatric Association. Lots of veterans have both conditions and receive a VA disability rating for both.

In our screening process well focus on getting a full understanding of your PTSD to help determine your eligibility for disability benefits. However obtaining these benefits involves a difficult process and it may be necessary to appeal your claim to receive full payment. If you were diagnosed with bipolar disorder during or after your time in uniform you may qualify for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs VA disability compensation program. However the public does not usually associate veterans with bipolar disorder - usually veterans are known for developing other mental illnesses such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD as well as traumatic brain injuries or TBIs.

These conditions may include depression PTSD eating disorders anxiety disorders bipolar disorder and more. Download VA Form 21-0781a PDF Note. If the diagnosis continues to be bipolar you might have to consider the possibility that you dont qualify for a diagnosis of PTSD. Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder have many of the same characteristics.

A Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Secondary to Personal Assault VA Form 21-0781a. If your bipolar disorder prevents you from working you may be eligible to receive Total Disability Individual Unemployability TDIU benefits from the Veterans Administration.