V.A. Eases Eligibility Criteria for PTSD Benefits

The Veterans Administration no longer requires veterans applying for post-traumatic stress disorder benefits to demonstrate that their disorder stems from a specific military-related event. Providing such documentation is generally a formality for those in combat roles. But those in support positions, for example truck drivers, have needed to track down witnesses and provide reports in order to document that they experienced a specific "stressor" incident. Meeting those requirements has been particularly troublesome for many female veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, whose non-combat roles have nonetheless subjected them to constant threats like roadside bombs. The new rules will also apply to those who are currently applying for benefits or appealing a denied claim. However, if someone whose PTSD application was previously denied re-files and gets benefits, those benefits will not be retroactive to the filing date of the original application. More on the new PTSD regulations.  More on Veterans Benefits for elderly and disabled veterans.