When the Season isn’t Jolly
For many civilians, December is a time of joy. For veterans with PTSD, it can be a gauntlet of hypervigilance, crowded spaces, and fireworks/noises.
If you find yourself isolating, avoiding family gatherings, or experiencing increased irritability this month, it is not just a “bad mood.” It is evidence.
Understanding “Social Impairment”
The VA rates mental health based on “Occupational and Social Impairment.”
- 30% Rating: Occasional decrease in work efficiency.
- 50% Rating: Reduced reliability and productivity.
- 70% Rating: Deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.
Documenting the Struggle
Don’t suffer in silence. If you avoid a family dinner because of anxiety, write it down. If you have a panic attack in a crowded mall, document it.
This evidence helps move a rating from 30% to 70%. The difference in compensation is over $1,000 a month.
You fought for us. Let us fight for you to get the rating that reflects your reality.