Here at The Cozy Couch Counseling, we offer VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam reviews for PTSD rating increases. The C&P exam is given by a psychologist or psychiatrist originally to diagnose PTSD in veterans. The exam establishes a link from PTSD to the military and assesses how much PTSD interferes with the veteran’s life. While we do not do an initial evaluation, we are able to review an evaluation and assess for an increase in rating.
An increase in your C&P rating can help you receive new benefits. It is essentially a review of the exam that assesses for new levels of PTSD. It does not require you to prove that your military experience was the cause of your PTSD, but rather seeks to move the percentage of your PTSD up via an increase claim.
You may need an increase if one of the following is occurring (this list isn’t extensive, only an example of what may occur):
You are having trouble in the workplace, missing work, or generally struggling with work due to PTSD symptoms.
You are increasingly feeling isolated and isolating yourself because of an increase in PTSD symptoms.
You are experiencing an increase in nightmares and stress.
You are experiencing an increase in depression
You are experiencing an increase in hypervigilance that’s affecting your life and becoming hard to manage.
An increase in your C&P rating can help you receive a higher monthly payout. There’s a massive difference in the payment between a 50% rating and a 100% rating, for example. Your healthcare may also change, reducing copays, and increasing “extra” healthcare like dental benefits. There’s also an increase in educational benefits for your family members, as well as a reduction in property taxes. There may be more benefits available to you than we have outlined here. We suggest you go to your local VA to discuss the different benefit levels depending on rating for a full picture.
Some of the criteria used to determine each level of rating are as follows:
VA Rating
General Criteria for Mental Health / PTSD
30%
Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency or intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. Symptoms are generally controlled by medication.
50%
Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. Symptoms include flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, and difficulty understanding complex commands.
70%
Occupational and social impairment in most areas (work, school, family, relations). Symptoms include suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression, obsessive rituals, and inability to establish relationships.
100%
Total occupational and social impairment. Symptoms include gross impairment in communication, disorientation to time or place, persistent delusions, or immediate danger of hurting self or others.
This is not an exhaustive list, and you can visit: https://www.veteransbenefitskb.com/ratingsindex to view a comprehensive list of criteria for rating to see if you qualify.
If you think it’s time to explore an increase in rating, please schedule an assessment with one of our qualified LCSWs, Steph, or Brianna. We fully support you and want to help you advocate for the right level of care that you deserve. Thank you for your service!
