Solving Problems You Cannot See, Only Feel.
Feeling down can be confusing, especially when there is no clear reason for it. You might wake up feeling heavy and find even simple tasks hard to do. You look fine on the outside, but inside, you’re struggling.
You are not alone and it is okay to feel this way. Emotional challenges are real even if they are not visible. We are here to help you understand and tackle these hidden issues so you can live a happier, more fulfilling life.
Let us help you with your mental health nexus letter. Get what your sacrifice deserves.
What is a Mental Health Rating for VA Disability?
A VA mental health disability rating is a determination made by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) based on the severity of a Veteran’s mental health condition. This is a measure of the impact on the Veteran’s overall functioning and quality of life. The VA’s rating scale for mental health is based on a percentage scale where each condition (if decided by the VA) is provided a rating of 0%, 10%, 30%, 70%, and 100%. All mental health conditions fall under one umbrella and are treated the same. This means, PTSD is assessed the same as depression, insomnia, anxiety, or adjustment disorder. You can have one diagnosis or more and the number of diagnoses does not impact your percentage. The VA rates off objective loss in quality of life.
We Are Trusted By More Than 2580 Veterans
About Valor Psychology
We Never Leave a Man Behind
Not in War
Not Here
Valor Psychology for Veterans, PLLC is owned by Dr. Angela Venda (an 11 year enlisted Army Veteran) and is staffed by expert psychologists who are passionate about helping Veterans.
Many of our team are Veteran’s themselves, have worked for the VA, and/or are spouses or children of Veterans. We write quality independent medical opinions (IMOs) that accurately reflect your symptoms to assist you in providing documentation for your mental health claim.
- We know the true needs and expectations of our clients.
- We assist individuals in recovering from crisis & problems.
- All reports for clients are made simple and easy to understand.
What We Offer
Our Psychological Services
One Time Mental Health Assessments
Get a full mental health assessment for VA Disability claims with a same day return on your medical opinion.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy for trauma, stress, and mood issues to help you regain control of your symptoms and quality of life.
Records Review
We will look at your medical records to see if our services are right for you.
Rebuttal Letter
If the VA says 'no,' we can help you write a letter to challenge it. Only for clients who have had a assessment with us in the last year.
Reevaluation
An additional 15 minutes to discuss new and relevent concerns to your claim.
Why Choose Us
The Best Therapy From People Who Lived like You
Contact us to discuss your mental health and see if working with Valor Psychology for Veterans is the best option for you. Our staff is highly trained and have been writing successful independent medical evaluations for Veterans.
Gather your documentation: (examples include but are not limited to: DD214; VA Blue Button Records; Military Medical Records; Military C-File; Therapy Notes; Personal Statements; Buddy Letters). It is important to be accurate and include all relevant documentation, however this does not guarantee a favorable outcome through the VA. The VA is ultimately the final decision maker in your claim request. If you do not have enough documentation, we use peer reviewed research to assist in advocating for your condition.
Prepare for an assessment: Write down some of the things you have been struggling with and how your quality of life has been impacted. You will meet with one of our psychologists over HIPAA compliant telehealth for a 45–60-minute clinical interview. We will ask questions about:
A brief history of your life before, during, and after your military service. If you have experienced trauma, we ask you not to go into too many details. The reason for this is that we do not want to retrigger your symptoms. How your relationships with family and friends have been negatively affected because of your mental health.
How your work environment has negatively been impacted because of your mental health. Things that you used to enjoy or can no longer do because of your mental health or your service-connected disabilities. Your history in regard to: Legal matters, mental health, substance use, and other general behaviors due to your mental health or service-connected disabilities.
Call or Text
- Our team is often with clients. We strive to return calls within 24 hours.
619-576-4020
Best Psychology and Mental Health Counseling
Trust Us To Be There To Help All and Make Things Well Again
Years Of Experience
Psychologists
Successful Cases
Common Mental Health Myths:
I’ll lose my weapons: FALSE – Weapon ownership is not impacted by a mental health diagnosis alone. Weapon ownership is only impacted if you have a felony, are deemed incompetent by the court system, or engage in unsafe behaviors that get you into trouble. Your mental health providers are bound by HIPAA and are not allowed to disclose information without your written consent.
I’ll lose custody of my children: FALSE – A fully functioning adult with a mental health diagnosis does not impact custody. While it is true that occasionally spouses will try to use mental health against a Veteran (and it is allowed in certain states), it is not the mental health diagnosis alone that contributes to the court’s decision. Engaging in behaviors that create and unfit environment or endanger children can. It is not the diagnosis; it is the behaviors that cause the problem. No behavioral issues = no custody issues.
I’ll lose my job or my security clearance: FALSE – Similar to the statement above, it is not a mental health diagnosis that impacts your job. It would be engaging in dangerous/erratic behaviors that would impact your employment. Please note: Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers are held to a different standard due to FAA Regulations and may not have diagnoses of PTSD or depression, however, diagnoses of adjustment disorder or anxiety are acceptable.
I’m “weak” if I ask for help: FALSE – it’s harder to ask for help than it is to shove symptoms down. If it were easy, everyone would do it.
One Time Mental Health Assessments
Get a full mental health check-up and quick paperwork for VA disability claims.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one help for stress, trauma, and mood issues, with coverage from Aetna and Optum in California and Utah.
Records Review
We will look at your medical records to see if our services are right for you. The $100 goes towards your future check-up.
619-576-4020
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See 38 CFR for more details
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