Filing a VA disability claim—especially for mental health conditions—isn’t just paperwork. A strong VA disability claim can provide the support you’ve earned through service. It’s a chance to get the support you’ve earned through service. But too often, veterans find themselves stuck in the system or denied benefits because of avoidable mistakes.
Whether you’re filing for PTSD, anxiety, depression, or another service-connected condition, avoiding these five common pitfalls can save you time, frustration, and lost compensation.
1. Assuming You Have PTSD Without a Clinical Diagnosis
This is one of the most common and misunderstood issues veterans face when filing a mental health claim. Many veterans assume that what they’re experiencing must be PTSD. But unless you’ve been formally diagnosed with PTSD by a qualified mental health professional—and your symptoms meet the VA’s criteria—your claim can run into serious problems.
We’ve seen veterans try to file under PTSD even when they’ve been clinically diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or adjustment disorder. The result? The VA often delays, denies, or misrates the claim when it doesn’t align with the actual medical evidence.
Myth Busted: PTSD is not the only recognized mental health condition for VA compensation. Filing under the wrong diagnosis can backfire. Always file based on what’s in your medical records—not assumptions.
2. Failing to Establish a Clear Service Connection
The VA doesn’t just look at your diagnosis—they want to see how it ties back to your military service. This is known as the nexus. If your records don’t clearly show that your condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by your service, your claim will likely be denied.
This is where many veterans fall short. They might have strong symptoms and a valid diagnosis, but no documentation linking their condition to a specific in-service event, trauma, or ongoing duty-related stress.
To bridge that gap, many veterans benefit from an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) or a nexus letter written by a licensed psychologist. This letter explains the direct connection between your diagnosis and your service, in the language the VA understands.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t assume your condition “speaks for itself.” Make the service connection clear with proper documentation and expert support.
3. Submitting Incomplete or Weak Medical Evidence
The VA makes decisions based on documentation—period. The VA may give you an inaccurate rating if your claim lacks treatment records, a current diagnosis, or key details about your symptoms.
Relying solely on the VA’s Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is risky. VA examiners often conduct short, checkbox-driven evaluations that miss the complexity of your mental health challenges.
Consider strengthening your claim with:
Remember: The stronger your evidence, the stronger your claim. Don’t give the VA a reason to guess—give them the facts.
4. Overlooking Secondary Mental Health Conditions
Your service-connected physical condition might be affecting your mental health more than you realize. Chronic pain, mobility limitations, or sleep issues can lead to depression, anxiety, or even substance use. But many veterans fail to file for these as secondary conditions—and that’s a missed opportunity.
For example, if you have a service-connected back injury that’s led to depression or panic attacks, that mental health condition may also be compensable. All you need is a current diagnosis and a medical opinion stating that your mental health condition is caused or worsened by your physical injury.
Tip: Think about the whole picture. If your service-connected conditions are impacting your mental health, document it and talk to a professional who can support your claim.
5. Waiting Too Long or Not Appealing a Denial
Some veterans wait years before filing a claim—assuming they have to “tough it out” or that they don’t qualify. Others give up after a denial, thinking the VA’s word is final. Both decisions can cost you benefits and back pay.
If you’ve been denied, that’s not the end of the road. In fact, many denials are overturned with the right evidence—especially when veterans submit an IMO or new medical records that clarify their case. Time matters. There are strict deadlines for appeals, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Don’t wait. Don’t give up. If you think something’s wrong with your rating or denial, get help and take the next step.
Final Thoughts: Get It Right the First Time
You served your country. You’ve earned the right to mental health care and fair compensation. But the VA system can be hard to navigate—especially if you’re going it alone or relying on incomplete information.
At VMHA, we help veterans like you file accurate, well-supported claims backed by trusted medical evaluations. Our team of licensed psychologists provides Independent Medical Opinions, full diagnostic interviews, and the clear, evidence-based reports the VA needs to approve your claim.
Let’s make sure your VA disability claim reflects your reality—and gives you the best chance at the compensation you’ve earned.