What Do I Say to Get 70% PTSD Compensation?

Understanding PTSD Compensation and How to Maximize Your Claim

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to work, maintain relationships, and even complete routine tasks. If you’re seeking disability or personal injury compensation for PTSD, you may be wondering what to say in your claim to secure a 70% PTSD compensation rating. Understanding how claims are evaluated, what evidence is required, and how to communicate your condition effectively can make all the difference in your case.

How PTSD Claims Are Evaluated for Compensation

PTSD compensation is typically determined by the severity of symptoms and how they affect your ability to function. Whether you’re filing a claim through the VA disability system, a workers’ compensation program, or a personal injury lawsuit, the evaluating body will assess:

• Medical records detailing your diagnosis and treatment.
• Statements from mental health professionals regarding the severity of your PTSD.
• Personal testimony explaining how PTSD limits your ability to work and live a normal life.
• Evidence of ongoing impairment, such as difficulties with employment, social interactions, and daily activities.

A 70% PTSD disability rating generally means your symptoms are severe enough to cause significant impairments but not total incapacity. Symptoms at this level often include chronic panic attacks, severe social dysfunction, frequent suicidal thoughts, and an inability to maintain employment or relationships.

What to Say in Your PTSD Claim to Maximize Compensation

1. Clearly Describe the Severity of Your Symptoms

When filing your claim, be honest and specific about how PTSD affects your life. A vague description won’t be enough. Instead, focus on:

• The frequency and intensity of your symptoms (e.g., “I experience panic attacks multiple times a week that make it impossible to leave my home”).
• How PTSD impacts work and relationships (e.g., “I struggle to keep a job because I can’t handle social interactions or unexpected stressors”).
• The daily challenges you face, such as difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, emotional numbness, or social isolation.

Example Statement:
“I suffer from severe panic attacks at least three times a week. When they occur, I am unable to think clearly, breathe properly, or function in any meaningful way. My PTSD causes me to wake up multiple times a night due to night terrors, leaving me exhausted and unable to concentrate the next day. I avoid social interactions entirely, and my personal relationships have suffered because I cannot engage with others without severe anxiety.”

2. Use Medical and Psychological Evidence to Back Up Your Claim

Your personal testimony is crucial, but official medical records and psychiatric evaluations carry significant weight. If you want to receive a 70% PTSD disability rating, you’ll need:

• A formal PTSD diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist.
• Detailed treatment records, including therapy sessions, medications, and psychiatric hospitalizations.
• Expert opinions from mental health professionals stating how PTSD limits your ability to function.
• Statements from family members, coworkers, or friends who have witnessed your struggles.

3. Highlight Specific Functional Impairments

PTSD compensation ratings are largely based on functional impairments—meaning how much the condition affects your ability to live and work independently. When explaining your case, link your symptoms to real-life consequences:

• Work-related difficulties – Can you maintain steady employment, or does PTSD force you to take frequent time off?
• Cognitive impairments – Do you experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or trouble making decisions?
• Social withdrawal – Have you lost friendships or become isolated due to your symptoms?
• Suicidal ideation or self-harm – Have you experienced thoughts of self-harm that require intervention?

Example Statement:
“I have been unable to hold a full-time job for more than six months due to my PTSD. I struggle with concentration, frequently forget important tasks, and suffer from panic attacks at work that force me to leave early. I avoid social gatherings and public spaces due to extreme anxiety and fear. On multiple occasions, I have had suicidal thoughts and have needed emergency intervention.”

4. Be Honest, But Avoid Downplaying or Exaggerating Symptoms

Some claimants make the mistake of downplaying their PTSD symptoms, fearing they might sound weak or incapable. Others may exaggerate their symptoms, which can backfire if inconsistencies appear in medical records. The best approach is to stick to the facts and describe your condition exactly as it is.

If your PTSD causes daily suffering and prevents you from living a normal life, state that clearly. At the same time, if you have moments of relief, you can acknowledge them without undermining your case.

Example Statement:
“Some days are better than others, but even on good days, I struggle with intrusive thoughts and hypervigilance. When I do go outside, I constantly scan my surroundings, fearing something bad will happen. I often avoid leaving my house altogether because my anxiety is too overwhelming.”

How a Lawyer Can Help You Secure 70% PTSD Compensation

Working with a Minneapolis medical malpractice lawyer or a disability attorney can improve your chances of getting the right compensation for PTSD. Here’s how they can help:

• Gathering strong medical evidence to support your claim.
• Ensuring your claim is properly documented and submitted on time.
• Negotiating on your behalf if your initial rating is too low.
• Appealing a denied claim if necessary.

An experienced Minneapolis medical malpractice lawyer like Mark Perron understands the legal system and knows how to fight for the compensation you deserve. If you’re struggling to navigate the claims process, having a lawyer in your corner can make a huge difference.

What to Do If You’re Denied or Receive a Low Rating

If your PTSD claim is denied or you receive less than 70% compensation, you have options:

1. Request a reconsideration – If you believe the rating was too low, you can request a review with additional evidence.
2. Gather more medical documentation – A stronger case often depends on having more medical records or expert testimony.
3. File an appeal – If your claim is still rejected, you can appeal the decision.
4. Consult a lawyer – A Minneapolis medical malpractice lawyer can review your case, find weaknesses, and strengthen your appeal.

Conclusion: Get the Compensation You Deserve

Getting 70% PTSD compensation requires careful documentation, strong medical evidence, and a clear explanation of how PTSD affects your life. Being specific, honest, and detailed in your claim is crucial to proving the severity of your condition. If you need legal guidance, Mark Perron and the Perron Law Office can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you’re looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis, Perron Law Office is the most trusted name in the Twin Cities area. Simply reach out on (651) 317-8133 to schedule your free consultation.