Although the VA does not have a diagnostic code for ADHD, veterans looking for ADHD VA disability benefits might have success if they look for ratings on similar conditions.
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Do you find that you often have trouble paying attention to one task at a time at work? Do you experience strong mood swings that you can’t explain and damage your relationships? Are you unable to multitask, and will the smallest stressors send you into a tailspin that leaves you feeling out of control and unable to cope?
If any of this sounds familiar, you may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and if you served in the military, you may be wondering if you can get ADHD VA disability benefits. Read on to learn more about this condition and how you could get compensation from the VA for your condition.
“If you were injured while serving this country and are reading this review, I encourage you to contact Woods and Woods right away. They are always standing ready to assist veterans in need.”
J.B., a Navy veteran in Virginia
In this article about ADHD VA disability:
What is ADHD?
Before we dive into VA coverage of ADHD, let’s talk about what ADHD is. Attention deficit hyperactive disorder is a condition in which a person has difficulty paying attention or controlling impulses. They may also experience periods of hyperactivity that can have a negative impact on their relationships and their life.
ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in children, though it can continue into adulthood. This condition can make it hard for a person to keep up at work or even maintain a normal job. Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy, and treatment for any coexisting conditions a person may have.
Just because you have ADHD doesn’t mean you can’t have a normal life or a successful career in the armed forces. However, if something aggravated your condition and made your symptoms worse while you served, you might want to look into VA disability benefits.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person, and they can range in severity. Many adults with ADHD may not even realize they have it; they may just think they have a hard time managing everyday tasks. They may miss deadlines, forget meetings, get impatient while sitting in traffic, or experience strong mood swings on a regular basis.
Some additional symptoms can include impulsiveness, disorganization, and poor time management. They may have trouble focusing on one task, have trouble planning or multitasking, have a high temper, and have trouble coping with stress. While we all experience these problems from time to time, you should talk to your doctor if they begin to have a negative impact on your life.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD are similar to the symptoms of PTSD. If you talk to your doctor, also explain that you are a veteran and try to figure out if you may be showing mild symptoms of PTSD.
Risk factors of adult ADHD
There are a few things that can raise your risk of developing attention deficit hyperactive disorder. First and foremost, as we mentioned, having a blood relative who has ADHD can increase your risk of developing the condition. Exposure to environmental toxins in your home when you were a child may also increase your risk.
Your mother’s habits during her pregnancy can also impact whether you develop ADHD later in life. If she smoked, drank alcohol, or used drugs while she was pregnant, you might be at higher risk. You could also stand a greater chance of developing ADHD if you were born prematurely.
Complications for veterans with ADHD
Although veterans with ADHD may not have significant physical complications, it can have severe complications in your life. For one thing, you may have a hard time performing well at your job. You might even find it hard to keep a job for more than a few months or years.
Bouncing around jobs can lead to financial challenges or even trouble with the law. People with ADHD might be at higher risk of substance abuse disorders, as well as car accidents. You might have trouble staying in good physical health, your relationships may be unstable, and you may begin to struggle with poor self-esteem.
Why the VA doesn’t cover ADHD
As you may have noticed, ADHD is a condition that develops in childhood, even if it isn’t diagnosed until adulthood. “They’re not denying that it’s a real diagnosis but they do not look at it as something that occurs as a result of service,” says VA disability benefits lawyer Lori Underwood.
So why are we telling you about ADHD if you can’t get compensated for it?
You may be able to get VA disability compensation for conditions related to your ADHD. While this won’t be a direct compensation, you can still get payments for some of your resulting symptoms, including if you have ADHD secondary to PTSD by VA standards. You’ll need to talk to your doctor about getting diagnoses for these additional conditions in order to get VA disability.
ADHD coexisting conditions
There are a number of conditions that are often found alongside ADHD that can be service-connected and compensated for. Some of the most common are mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Repeated frustrations untreated ADHD can cause can also lead to or worsen depression.
Untreated ADHD can also cause anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or even obsessive-compulsive disorder. You may also be at higher risk of personality disorders, intermittent explosive disorder, or other psychiatric disorders. People with ADHD also commonly have learning disabilities that make it hard to succeed in school or do well on tests.
Getting a diagnosis for a coexisting service-connected condition related to your ADHD can be a path to still receiving the VA disability benefits you deserve.
“From the day we contacted [Woods and Woods], they made us feel so comfortable. They treated us like we mattered and we were not just clients but family.”
L.B., a Navy veteran and wife in Florida
What if my application for ADHD VA disability is denied?
If your VA disability application is denied, don’t worry – you can always appeal this decision. You can also appeal ratings that you feel are unfairly low. If needed, you can even send your case all the way up to the BVA in Washington, D.C.
If you plan to appeal your case, it may be a good idea to hire a lawyer who specializes in veteran affairs. For one thing, we can help you navigate the confusing world of deadlines, evidence submission, and more. But we can also give you tips to make sure your application or appeal is successful the first time.
How our VA accredited attorneys can help
ADHD is a challenging condition that can have a huge impact on your life. And while the VA may not compensate for this condition, they will cover other conditions that can be related to ADHD. Talk to your doctor today about which coexisting conditions you may be living with and how you can get the compensation you’re entitled to.
If you’d like help getting ADHD VA disability benefits, get in touch with us at Woods and Woods, The Veteran’s Firm. We fight for veterans every day, and you don’t pay unless we win. Contact us today and start getting the compensation you deserve.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
While the VA does not have a rating for ADHD, your ADHD could be related to other service-connected mental health conditions the VA does rate.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
