New Rules on PTSD Benefits Ease Burden of Proof for Vets

Press Release

This week, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs announced the Department would ease the burden of proof for noncombat veterans claiming post-traumatic stress disorder compensation benefits. Under current rules, VA claims adjudicators must confirm that a noncombat veteran diagnosed with PTSD experienced hostilities. The change will permit compensation if a VA doctor confirms that a veteran's stressful experience supports a PTSD diagnosis.

Congressman Murphy, who serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Service Corps and works with wounded warriors with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at the National Naval Medical Center, applauded the new ruling.

"Nearly 20 percent of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, report symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder or major depression and each deserves the benefits and care available," said Rep. Murphy. "PTSD can be caused by a number of stressful situations a soldier might encounter while deployed in a war zone. The new rules rightfully remove the burden of proof from the veteran, and recognize the science behind the causes of PTSD."

PTSD is a medically-diagnosed anxiety disorder that comes from experiencing an event involving actual or threatened death or serious injury. A person with PTSD feels intense fear, helplessness or horror. More than 400,000 veterans currently receive compensation benefits for PTSD. For additional information call Congressman Murphy's office at 412-344-5583, go to www.va.gov, or call VA's toll free benefits number at 1-800-827-1000.

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