HOW WE HELP VETERANS WITH PTSD WE WANT TO HELP VETERANS RECEIVE THE BENEFITS THEY DESERVE
According to the United States Census Bureau, of the total number of veterans residing in the state of Georgia, 1,443 are homeless and 7.6 percent are unemployed. Because these heroic men and women arduously worked and sacrificed so much to preserve the freedoms and rights of their fellow countrymen, most people understand that their homeless or jobless state did not stem from their lack of effort. There are many factors that influence a veteran post-service. For example, many soldiers who serve in the military have traumatic experiences, which can have a profound effect on their lives, manifesting in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms associated with this condition can severely affect their ability to maintain a steady job. Over the past several decades, the military has begun to formally recognize how debilitating the symptoms of PTSD can be. However, simply being diagnosed with PTSD does not automatically guarantee a veteran will be granted disability benefits. In fact, these claims are frequently denied. When a veteran applies for disability benefits, they are asked to submit medical records. These records detail the ways in which their symptoms affect them daily. If the record doesn’t properly articulate the severity of the veteran’s PTSD, then Veterans Affairs (VA) will assign them a low rating, meaning
that their symptoms aren’t severe enough to interfere with their social, occupational, and daily living. Our attorneys here at Obiorah Fields, LLC, often find that veterans frequently underreport their symptoms and are subsequently denied the benefits they not only need, but truly deserve. Appealing the VA’s decision is a long and complex process, so our attorneys will work to document the veteran’s condition in a way that explains how their symptoms prevent them from having a job. For veterans who are homeless or are in danger of becoming homeless, we may be able to expedite the process. If you know someone who is being ignored by the systems they worked so hard to protect, please encourage them to call our office today for a free consultation.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CLAYTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Obiorah Fields has partnered with the Clayton County Public School system to support the Teacher and Student of the Month programs. We will be selecting students and teachers from the Jonesboro area every month in recognition of their hard work and providing them with gifts and monetary prizes. Our firm has worked with Dr. Anthony W. Smith, Deputy
Superintendent, to establish this program. We are so excited to be working with CCPS and look forward to helping achieve the goal of being “committed to high performance.” If you know a deserving student or teacher at one of the Jonesboro schools, please nominate him or her for the teacher or student of the month programs.
Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. VA Workshops and Claims Clinic at Riverdale Town Center. Call our office for more information. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Clayton County Chamber of Commerce Veterans Day Lunch. Free to Veterans. Riverdale Town Center 11:30 a.m.
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