Tampa Lawyer Warns Florida Veterans About Mental Health Claim Pitfalls

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As 2026 begins, Tampa Veterans' Disability Attorney David W. Magann is urging Florida veterans to carefully review their mental health-related VA disability claims, especially because recent VA data show that roughly one-third of disability claims are not granted as filed, leaving many veterans without the full benefits they requested. Magann warned that this reality, combined with Florida's large and aging veteran population, means many former service members could miss out on benefits they are entitled to if their claims are not carefully documented and fully supported.

Why it matters

Florida remains home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, including hundreds of thousands of veterans managing PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Many mental health claims fall short when the record lacks detail, such as an unclear connection to service or a lack of detail about how symptoms affect the veteran's day-to-day life. This can lead to claims being denied, leaving veterans without the full benefits they deserve.

The details

Magann said many Florida veterans assume a mental health claim should be straightforward because their symptoms are apparent to them and their families. Yet, the VA still expects detailed, precise documentation. He noted that examiners lean heavily on what is already in the file, rather than on what a veteran says during a brief appointment. 'If the paperwork is thin, the diagnosis history is muddy, or the link to service is not clearly laid out, the VA can turn a claim down in minutes,' Magann said. 'Most veterans do not find that out until a denial letter shows up months later.' Magann also warned that Florida's large veteran community drives heavy demand for compensation and pension exams, leading to short or rushed evaluations. When an exam does not fully reflect how symptoms affect everyday life, the VA is more likely to assign a low rating or deny the claim.

• As 2026 begins, Tampa Veterans' Disability Attorney David W. Magann is urging Florida veterans to carefully review their mental health-related VA disability claims.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Magann advises veterans to begin 2026 by reviewing any VA decisions they received in 2025, especially if those decisions involved mental health conditions or secondary issues related to mental health. He noted that the Appeals Modernization Act gives most veterans one year from the date of their decision letter to seek review or file a supplemental claim. Early in the year, veterans have a better chance of getting their paperwork in order rather than racing the clock right before a deadline.