For many veterans, the battle doesn’t end after service—it continues with the VA claims process. Mental health claims are often denied, leaving older veterans without the care and financial support they need. In California, high claim volumes lead to rushed evaluations and inconsistent decisions. Many veterans are left wondering:
Why is the VA denying my mental health disability claim?
This article exposes the three biggest excuses the VA uses to deny mental health claims—and how to fight back.
TL;DR
Mental health claims are frequently denied by the VA due to lack of immediate diagnosis, missing service-related evidence, or claims that symptoms are unrelated to military service. Veterans 75 and older face additional challenges as the VA often attributes symptoms to aging rather than service-related trauma. Many denials are overturned on appeal with the right evidence, including medical evaluations, buddy statements, and legal representation. Don’t give up—there are proven strategies to fight back and secure the benefits you deserve.
Why the VA Denies Mental Health Disability Claims in California
The VA system, already slow and complex, is even more overwhelmed in California. Mental health claims, especially for conditions like depression, anxiety, and service-related trauma, are frequently denied due to:
- Outdated diagnostic criteria
- Missing or inconsistent documentation
- Rushed or inaccurate evaluations by VA examiners
Common Reasons for Denial
- Lack of immediate medical documentation – Mental health conditions often develop years after service, but the VA expects immediate proof.
- Long wait times for evaluations – Many veterans struggle to access proper mental health care, leading to gaps in treatment records.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), nearly 50% of mental health claims are initially denied, with many later overturned on appeal. (Source: GAO Report on VA Disability Claims)
The VA’s 3 Biggest Excuses for Denying Mental Health Claims (And How to Overcome Them)
1. “No Official Mental Health Diagnosis”
Why the VA Denies It:
No formal diagnosis recorded.
Symptoms don’t align with VA criteria.
Misdiagnosis or overlooked condition.
How to Overcome It:
Get evaluated by a VA-approved psychiatrist or an independent provider.
Submit a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) from a private doctor.
Appeal with additional medical opinions if necessary.
2. “No Verifiable Service-Connected Event”
Why the VA Denies It:
No official documentation linking the condition to service.
Service records lack proof of trauma or stressors.
How to Overcome It:
Submit buddy statements from fellow service members.
Provide unit records, deployment logs, or personal accounts as evidence.
Use therapist notes or personal journals to strengthen your claim.
3. “No Clear Connection Between Mental Health Condition and Military Service”
Why the VA Denies It:
VA argues that mental health symptoms are unrelated to service.
Symptoms are blamed on pre-existing conditions or age-related issues.
How to Overcome It:
Obtain a nexus letter from a licensed mental health professional.
Show a timeline of symptoms and treatment following service.
Use expert testimony to connect mental health symptoms to military trauma.
Many VA denials are issued in error. Veterans should challenge unfair decisions. (Source: VA OIG Report).
The Appeals Process: Fighting Back Against an Unfair Denial
A denial is not the end of the road—it’s just the beginning. Many veterans wrongly assume they have no options after receiving a rejection. In reality, a large percentage of denials are overturned on appeal.
Steps to Appeal a Mental Health Claim Denial
- File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) – Formally dispute the denial.
- Request a Higher-Level Review – A senior VA adjudicator reevaluates your case.
- Submit a Supplemental Claim – Add new medical evidence or witness statements.
- Present the Case Before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) – If necessary, take the claim to a judge.
According to the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP), veterans with legal representation have significantly higher success rates on appeal. (Source: NVLSP).
Common Mistakes Veterans Make When Filing Mental Health Claims (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Problem: Lack of medical records weakens claims.
Solution: Get evaluated by a professional as soon as symptoms appear.
2. Relying Only on VA Doctors
Problem: VA doctors may downplay symptoms.
Solution: Seek an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) from a private psychiatrist.
3. Not Gathering Enough Supporting Evidence
Problem: The VA won’t approve a claim based on verbal testimony alone.
Solution:
- Obtain buddy statements from fellow service members.
- Gather unit records, incident reports, and expert testimony.
A report by the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at Yale Law School found that well-documented claims have significantly higher approval rates. (Source: Yale Veterans Clinic).
Conclusion
A denied mental health claim is more than just a setback—it can impact financial stability, healthcare access, and overall well-being. Many veterans believe a denial means they are out of options, but that is far from the truth. Most denials can be overturned with the right strategy.
Legal representation, strong medical evidence, and persistence are key to success. If the VA denied your claim, don’t accept it as the final word. There are clear, actionable steps to appeal and win the benefits you deserve.
Your service matters—so do your benefits. Don’t let the VA’s decision define your future. Schedule a free call today to get expert help in overturning your denial and securing the support you’ve earned.