*New Tips for 2021* How to file for Chronic Pain also known as Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)

At the time this video was published, all information was accurate but is subject to change as laws, policies, and regulations change.

- Veterans, are you dealing with chronic pain but struggle to describe exactly what it is? Does the pain from you current service connected disabilities impair your ability to live a "Normal" life? Do you find yourself unable to hold a job or feel comfortable around people? If you answered yes to any of these then you should be considering a VA disability claim for somatic symptom disorder.

Somatic symptom disorder or SSD is considered a mental health rating under 38 CFR Part 4. It is also referred to as a lifestyle impact claim because it affects how you go about your everyday life. No one should have to live their life pushing through their pain and letting it become their new normal.

Join VACI veteran coaches Jesse Martin and Travis Brobst as they dive deep into what constitutes chronic pain, how to file a va disability claim for it and how to get the rating and compensation you deserve!

Are you finally ready to get the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve?

***Video Timestamps & Resources***

⏩ 00:00 VA Claims Insider Introduction
⏩ 00:30 Introducing Veteran Coaches Jesse Martin & Travis Brobst
⏩ 06:15 Somatic Symptom Disorder secondary to back pain
⏩ 08:20 It's never to late to file your claim
⏩ 09:20 Chronic pain, it takes away from your life
⏩ 16:15 Social and Occupational impairment
⏩ 21:10 Chronic pain can affect your sleep
⏩ 27:40 Don't do it on your own, VACI can help
⏩ 36:10 SSD can be rated from 0% - 100%
⏩ 37:15 If you're already rated at PTSD should you file for SSD?
⏩ 46:00 SSD secondary to neck & back pain

* Evidence Requirements: SOMATIC SYMPTOM DISORDER *

In-service stressor(s) – what are they for you?
When did your Somatic Symptom Disorder begin and how is it service-connected?
Is your Somatic Symptom Disorder due to another service-connected disability?
Statement in Support of Claim for Somatic Symptom Disorder – VA Form 21-4138
Buddy letter(s) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
C&P Examiner will complete the DBQ for Other Mental Health Conditions

* Evidence Requirements: Somatic Symptom Disorder INCREASE *

DBQ for Other Mental Health Conditions – completed by a U.S. Board Certified Psychologist
Statement in Support of a Claim – VA Form 21-4138
You’re already service-connected; are your Somatic Symptom Disorder symptoms worse?
Buddy letter(s) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
VA Raters rely heavily on first-hand witness testimony

In 2021, a veteran’s VA rating for SSD can be 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%.

So, let’s take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA disability rating for somatic symptom disorder.

In addition, Anxiety and Depression are common secondary VA disability claims, especially Anxiety and Depression secondary to service-connected physical ailments, such as neck pain, back pain, and knee pain.

If you’re suffering from service-connected physical disabilities, you may qualify for a high-value secondary mental health claim know as Chronic Pain Syndrome with Anxiety and Depression, also known as Somatic Symptom Disorder.

A veteran’s final VA rating for SSD depends upon the frequency and severity of their symptoms, meaning, the more severe your symptoms, the higher rating for anxiety.

Can I work with a 100% VA Rating for Mental health?

Yes, you can! It is a myth that having a mental health condition somehow means you can’t work. In fact, you can work with any anxiety VA rating. Even if you’re rated at 100% for anxiety, there is no requirement or mandate that affects your work.

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#SomaticSymptomDisorder #VAClaim #VAChronicPain

[audwinscott]

20 year retired Army vet. Been sitting at 90% for the last two years as I can't get an increase for my back or knee that I have had constant pain in for years and both are service connected. So this sounds like what I have SSD but didn't know it was a diagnosis for it. Yes I can't enjoy many events or limited on lifting and movement, so of course it makes me depressed and wife and kids are disappointed as I often don't want to participate with them in different events because of my constant pain.

[jimmyhonjo]

And I am still waiting for my secondary conditioning for Migraine Headaches Secondary to Tinnitus. I am in the VA Claims Insider Elite member with a Veteran Coach. I live in Okinawa, Japan and live right outside of the Marine Corps Air Station.

[jasonprice]

How does my pain affect my life? You listed everything I feel that affects the quality of my life. I just learned about this yesterday, and im pissed because I didnt know about this sooner.

[briangreene]

I am already 80% VA disabled, have 70% PTSD, 10% tinnitus, 10% hypertension. I am in constant pain, - neck, arthritis & lower back pain - not diagnosed by VA yet? Have appts with my VA for those issues now. I am an elite member just need the correct pathway - SSD sec to tinnitus or hypertension or ptsd?

[ivanborden]

What about a hip, I can't sit right, or bowl anymore than 1 game before the pain stops me

[brettfarrell]

Im lucky if i get 3 to 4 hours, toss and turn if i can even fall asleep. Cant stop thinking and can negate sleep meds

[richardkiefer]

They diagnosed me with Adjustment disorder

[calebwhite]

Honestly I don't want it... it's blood money... but my wife and kids deserve it... I've been in 2 psychores and 1P TSD and substance abuse rehab program And after 14 years and and multiple friends and family members saying that I need to do it when looking at my kid and my wife I think that is it's time.... I just feel as if I do file I no longer have a right to complain

[jimmyhonjo]

I served in U.S. Army as a Helicopter Medical Evacuation for over 10 years and 6 months and have been diagnosed with PTSD and my VES Doctor in Okinawa, Japan. I served from March of 1979 until 1990 and have been and have non service connected disabilities. But I am currently seeing my Primary Local Doctor who is a Orthopedic Surgeon which he has said that it affects my normal life very much and I do think that my service connected disability with my left knee is getting worse to a point in the future I will have to have surgery and use a cane to walk because you cover your left knee so your my right knee started acting up and plus the same Doctor in the clinic is going having a Doctor who understands my PTSD and Tinnitus. I filed a secondary claim for Migraine Headaches which I keep a diary. But they understand my case. I have days that my feelings PTSD and Migraine Headaches Secondary to