Veterans Access Extended Mental Health Benefits

Mental health is difficult to maintain for many veterans, especially those who have seen live fire and experienced other hardships while in service. But Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) VSOs are there to help. 

Earlier this year, a Massachusetts VSO helped a veteran reapply for an increase to his benefits related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The veteran’s claim had been rejected twice in the last five years, but supported by a succinct 21-0781 statement, reapplication increased the veteran’s rating to 70%, backdated to August 2023. 

In another case, the VSO helped a Gulf War veteran seek an increase to his PTSD benefits. Again, despite previous denials, the veteran saw his benefits rating go from 30% to 100%, with benefits backdated to September 2023. 

For assistance with a benefits claim, veterans can locate a Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Veteran Service Officer here, or search for a VSO from another organization through the VA’s website where VVA doesn’t have VSOs. Enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you’ll see which VSOs serve your area.