VA Mental Health Claims Beyond PTSD
How to File VA Disability Claims for Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, and Every Other Ratable Mental Health Condition
Your Toolkit Includes
Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide -- download what you need, fill it in, and build your claim package at your own pace.
VA Mental Health Claims Beyond PTSD
FWD Assist Publishing
Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.
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About This Topic
A guide to VA disability claims for mental health conditions other than PTSD, including major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, somatic symptom disorders, and others. Covers service connection pathways, how the VA rates mental health conditions, and the stressor documentation requirements for different diagnoses.
What the Book Covers
Key topics and takeaways from VA Mental Health Claims Beyond PTSD:
Who This Is For
- Veterans with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Veterans who don't have a PTSD diagnosis but are still struggling
- Veterans whose mental health worsened because of service
- Anyone unsure whether their mental health condition qualifies for VA compensation
Download the Entire Toolkit
All 21 files in one zip · 281 KB
Companion Toolkit
21 files for VA Mental Health Claims Beyond PTSD -- Organized by when you need them in the claims process.
Ch 1: Full Spectrum of MH Conditions
2 files
Ch 2: Claims Process / Evidence
7 files
Mental Health Rating Criteria Guide
DOCXReference the diagnostic code rating criteria for your claimed conditions
12 KB
Mental Health Evidence Templates
DOCXEvidence templates for mental health claims including lay statements and treatment logs
10 KB
Nexus Letter Builder
DOCXDraft a nexus letter using the three-element framework VA raters look for
39 KB
Buddy Statement Builder
DOCXGuide a buddy through writing a lay statement that supports your claim
39 KB
Ch 3: Anxiety Disorders
1 file
Ch 4: Moral Injury
1 file
Ch 5: TBI and Mental Health Overlap
1 file
Ch 7: Substance Use Secondaries
1 file
Ch 8: Working the VA MH System
3 files
VA Mental Health Access Guide
DOCXAccess VA mental health services from enrollment through specialty care
11 KB
Mental Health Filing Action Guide
DOCXBuild a personal mental health action plan with VA and civilian resources
9 KB
General / whole book
5 files
VA Forms Quick Reference
DOCXQuick-reference guide to the VA forms used at each stage of a claim
11 KB
C-File Request Guide Tracker
XLSXRequest and track your VA C-File to verify what evidence VA already has
10 KB
Mental Health Filing Master Checklist
DOCXMaster checklist for filing a non-PTSD mental health claim
12 KB
Claims Master Tracker
XLSXTrack every claim, rating, effective date, and status in one master spreadsheet
11 KB
How to Use This Toolkit
Every file is yours to keep. The Word documents (.docx) are your guides, templates, and letter builders. Open them, fill in your information, and use them with your claim. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your trackers and calculators. They include real formulas that do the math for you. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.
Related Topics
Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.