Changes in PTSD compensation claims

PTSD is defined as a condition resulting from exposure to direct or indirect threat of death, serious injury or a physical threat. Currently there is a relaxation with some of the evidence needed to establish a post traumatic stress disorder claim.

A PTSD stressor is defined as being related to a “fear of hostile military or terrorist activity,” and it must be “consistent with the places, types and circumstances of the veteran’s service.”

In the past you needed certain awards (Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, etc.) to establish a PTSD stressor. Now the occurrence of an in-service stressor can be through a veteran’s own testimony, provided that:

1. the veteran is diagnosed with PTSD;

2. a VA psychiatrist or psychologist, or a psychiatrist or psychologist with whom VA has contracted confirms that the claimed stressor is adequate to support a PTSD diagnosis;

3. the veteran’s symptoms are related to the claimed stressor;

4. the claimed stressor is consistent with the places, types and circumstances of the veteran’s service and the record provides no clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

What the above really means is that you no longer need to receive an award for valor to get connected for PTSD.

The next change in the federal regulations is that many Navy veterans who served in the off-shore waters of Vietnam will qualify for the Agent Orange presumptive disease of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma following service in Vietnam. All you need is a current diagnoses and proof of service in Vietnam onboard a U.S. Naval vessel. In every other Agent Orange presumptive disease, you must show boots on ground, inland waterway service or docking — this is not true with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Call me for additional information or to set up an appointment, 541-962-8802.

I am located at the Center for Human Development, 2301 Cove Ave., La Grande.

Byron Whipple is the Union County veterans service officer.