Does PTSD qualify as a combat-related injury?
Does PTSD qualify as a combat-related injury?
First of all, I want to thank you for asking this. Many veterans are shamed for thinking they deserve to be compensated for the ways in which their lives were altered due to combat.
Secondly, yes, yes, and yes. PTSD can qualify for combat-related compensation. As long as you have gotten it during combat or due to combat exposure, you can confidently apply for special compensation.
For better or worse, the process can be slightly complicated. You need to take a mental health assessment where you are rated on the degree of disability caused by your PTSD. I’ve helped over a few hundred veterans get some form of compensation for their combat-related mental health complications, and I have the following advice for you:
- Be confident in your honesty – Avoid lying and be honest throughout the process. You’ll get some compensation. If you lie for higher-tier benefits, you might get rejected altogether.
- Remember that you’re looking for what you deserve – This is not a handout!!! If you walk in with the nervousness of someone seeking charity, you’ll get treated poorly. Go in with your head held high because you’re not asking for anything that you don’t deserve.
- Disinformation is the enemy, not the VA – Yes, the VA system is ill-equipped to take care of all of us (yep, I’m a veteran too). But the system isn’t the enemy. It is just set up poorly, and disinformation is what’s keeping you in the ranks of those who don’t get compensated.
Again, thank you for having the courage to ask this. I wish you the best!
What is life like for a veteran after service?
Veterans, like civilians, lead different types of lives in the USA. There are super successful veterans who build businesses and consult major corporations on strategy and discipline. There are those who make partners after loyally serving businesses that employ them. And then there are ones who struggle to make ends meet, become drug addicts, and are used to further stereotypes against Veterans.

The key to leading a good life post-service is to manage your transition very well. You might have noticed the high school jock who becomes an outcast in college. Or a college superstar who works minimum wage and only ever talks about his quarterback years.
You don’t want to be in the same position as a veteran. As someone who built a business and helped hundreds of veterans, I can humbly suggest the following tips for all veterans:
- Don’t stop seeing yourself as a military man – Most veterans think of civilian life as a new life and try to fit in. It is impossible to change yourself to mimic those who have never seen battle.
- Approach capitalism like it is a battle – Don’t see this game like civilians do. You can get your supplies (money) and conquer new frontiers (open a business, get a better job) to serve and protect those you love (provide for your family).
- Seek employment and stand by your battle-related qualities – Don’t shy away from talking about your ability to follow through, have discipline, and ask no questions. These are very valuable in the employment marketplace!




