Noteboom The Law Firm

Class Action Settlement Approved for Iraq War Veterans with PTSD

On December 22, 2011, Judge George W. Miller of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims approved a class action lawsuit representing thousands of disabled veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan War. The lawsuit claimed that the plaintiffs, veterans who were medically released due to suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) between 2003 and 2008, were denied their rightful benefits regarding their disability.

Judge Miller’s decision requires that the U.S. military now owe lifetime disability retirement benefits to the 1,029 veterans mentioned in the class action. An extra 66 veterans may also receive the settlement if they file their veterans’ disability claim for PTSD with the VA and obtain a 30% or higher disability rating.

Another impact of the settlement was the increase of disability rating for another 1,066 OIF/OEF veterans who were given partial benefits upon release but were found to have been qualified for a 50% or greater rating.

Disability ratings are the major factor used to determine eligibility and the amount of compensation for veterans disability benefits. If you are having difficulty obtaining a disability rating or if your claim was denied due to your rating, a veterans’ disability attorney can help you file your appeal.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.