A little info for all the Vets in the States, from my personal experience this is what I have learned.

File for what ever you have as soon as possible with the VA. The whole process takes a while but the good thing is that you get paid from the day you filed not when your claim is resolved. Make sure you go to the VA for care. If you have PTSD make sure you get a diagnosis and that you tell them everything you can. Your percentage will be determined by your ability to work. The higher the percentage the more compensation you will receive. Make sure you dont hold back when talking to your doc, dont worry about anyone finding out, from what I was told this types of records are sealed with the VA so no one can access them. There are also really good support groups for Veterans run by the VA. I hesitated myself to go at first but I am glad I finally did. It is a bit weird listening to someone tell their story which happens to be identical to yours. The guys from the group I go to have helped me more than I could have ever imagined.

If anyone has any questions concerning filling for compensation with the VA or anything related to Vet benefits please ask, If I dont know I will find out.

DD, I don't know if you know anything about this but since you are in the US, can't hurt to ask. Do you know anything about straight up disability claims as far as PTSD. You know my history... Both my docs the psychologist and psychiatrist say PTSD (with the laundry list of crap to add on but is really PTSD symptoms if ya think about it) apparently they must think I am disabled as the ONE thing they agree one is putting me in for and pushing for a service dog. Well not the one thing they agree on both agree PTSD too...

Just wondered if you knew anything about civilians? We have almost drained retirement for therapy and I have not worked in years. And I am not holding my breath on SS as we age.

Veiled, I believe you can. I filed for disability through the state not the military. Its not hard at all, all you need is your doctor to fill out the proper paperwork and send it in and you are set. I know you can only be on disability for a year, after that you start drawing on social security. The ammount you receive during the first year is about 60% of the your highest income earned within the last 16 months. This is all in California, I think every state has different rules on this. Ill see what else I can dig up.