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Karl Truman: Trusted PTSD or Mental Health Claim Lawyer Serving Kentucky and Indiana
Offices in Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN
Post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions arising from military service are legitimate, compensable conditions under VA disability law. They are also among the most frequently denied and most significantly underrated. The VA’s own data shows that mental health claims have higher denial rates than most physical conditions.
Attorney Karl Truman is a VA-accredited attorney and a 28-year Army veteran. He understands military culture, combat stress, and the barriers that prevent veterans from seeking the mental health benefits they have earned. He and his team pursue these claims with the same aggression they bring to every case.
Karl Truman enlisted in 1981, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1983, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2009 after 28 years of military service. He balanced his legal career and military service simultaneously for more than 20 years, serving in roles including Training Operations Officer with Task Force 100 in direct support of Operation Desert Storm. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Commendation Medal, among other decorations.
Karl is VA-accredited, a formal designation granted only to attorneys who have completed veterans law training. He is also a member of NOVA, the National Organization of Veterans Advocates. His veterans disability claims coordinator is also a U.S. Army veteran. This is not a firm that learned veterans law from a textbook. It is a firm run by someone who lived it.
Our legal team handles:
- PTSD claims based on combat exposure, military sexual trauma (MST), or other in-service stressors
- Depression and anxiety claims arising from or aggravated by military service
- Military sexual trauma claims including stressor verification and medical documentation
- Moral injury and adjustment disorder claims
- Secondary mental health claims arising from service-connected physical injuries
No fees unless we win. Available 24/7. Karl Truman is a VA-accredited attorney. As a veteran himself, he takes these cases personally.
Count on the Colonel
Retired Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army
Karl Truman: Trusted PTSD or Mental Health Claim Lawyer Serving Kentucky and Indiana
Understanding PTSD & Mental Health Claims
PTSD is rated by the VA using a General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, based on symptom severity and occupational and social impairment. Ratings range from 0 to 100 percent. A 70 percent rating reflects deficiencies in most areas of life. A 100 percent rating reflects total occupational and social impairment. Many veterans are significantly underrated.
For PTSD claims, the VA requires a confirmed diagnosis, a stressor event during service, and a link between the stressor and the current diagnosis. The stressor requirements differ based on the type of PTSD. Combat PTSD has less stringent verification requirements. PTSD related to military sexual trauma (MST) has its own separate evidentiary standards.
In-service personal assault claims, including MST claims, often lack official documentation because the trauma was never reported. The VA allows alternative evidence in these cases, including statements from people who knew the veteran at the time, behavioral changes documented in service records, and medical records showing treatment for related symptoms during or shortly after service.
Why PTSD or Mental Health Claim Cases Are Different
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MST Claims
Military sexual trauma claims have specific evidentiary pathways that do not require official reporting or documentation of the assault itself. We know how to build these cases with alternative evidence.
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Rating Accuracy
PTSD ratings are frequently too low. The VA's General Rating Formula requires careful analysis of how the veteran's symptoms affect occupational and social functioning. We challenge inadequate ratings.
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Secondary Mental Health
Depression and anxiety caused by service-connected physical injuries may qualify for secondary service connection. We evaluate every client for this opportunity.
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Sensitive Representation
We handle PTSD and MST claims with the sensitivity and discretion they require while pursuing benefits with the same aggression we bring to every case.
How We Handle PTSD or Mental Health Claim Cases
From the moment you call, we take over the legal fight. You focus on recovery. We handle everything else.
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Thorough Investigation
We move immediately to build the strongest possible case: gathering records, securing evidence, consulting experts, and documenting every aspect of your situation before anything is lost or altered.
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Handle All Paperwork
From insurance claims to medical records, legal filings, and demand letters, we manage every detail so you can focus on healing. You will never be left wondering what is happening with your case.
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Fight for What You Deserve
The party on the other side of your claim has professionals working to minimize what they pay you. We deal with them directly and protect you from every tactic designed to undervalue your claim.
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Trial-Ready Representation
While most cases settle, we prepare every case for trial. The other side knows we will not back down, and that gives us the leverage to secure maximum compensation.
Knowledge Center
PTSD or Mental Health Claim Resources
Free educational guides and resources to help you understand your rights, the legal process, and how to protect your claim.
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VA Disability Rating for PTSD: What Veterans Can Expect
For hundreds of thousands of veterans, the stress and trauma they experienced because of their service don’t go away after...Learn More -
Ep 06: Uncovering Benefits That Veterans Deserve and Can Receive
Episode 06 Uncovering benefits that veterans deserve and can receive with Gordon Smith, Veterans Service Officer, City of Indianapolis– The Colonel in Your Corner with Karl TrumanGordon Smith is a Veterans Service Officer, VSO, for the City of Indianapolis and… -
Ep 05: It’s not Mental Health. It’s Just Health
Episode 05 It’s not mental health. It’s just health. Featuring Dr. Jeff Romer, NCPsyA, LMFT, LCAC, Clinical Director at PCS– The Colonel in Your Corner with Karl TrumanDr. Jeff Romer is Clinical Director of Personal Counseling Service in Indiana. Dr.…
Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive answers about personal injury law in Kentucky and Indiana. Find the information you need to make informed decisions about your case.
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Can I get VA disability for PTSD?
Yes. PTSD is a recognized service-connected condition under VA disability law. To qualify, you need a confirmed diagnosis from a mental health professional, evidence of an in-service stressor event, and a medical link between the stressor and your current diagnosis. Combat veterans have simplified stressor verification. MST claims have their own evidentiary pathway.
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What if I never reported the incident that caused my PTSD?
Unreported incidents can still support a PTSD claim. The VA allows alternative evidence including statements from people who knew you during or after the incident, behavioral change documentation in service records, and early medical records showing treatment for related symptoms. We know how to build these cases effectively.
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How is PTSD rated by the VA?
The VA uses a General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. Ratings are assigned at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, or 100 percent based on how severely symptoms affect occupational and social functioning. A 70 percent rating describes deficiencies in most areas including work, school, family relations, and mood. A 100 percent rating describes total impairment. Many veterans are significantly underrated.
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Can depression or anxiety also be service-connected?
Yes. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can be directly service-connected if they arose during or from military service. They can also be secondarily service-connected if they were caused or aggravated by another service-connected condition such as a physical injury or chronic pain.
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What is military sexual trauma and how does the VA handle those claims?
Military sexual trauma refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred during military service. The VA has specific policies for MST claims recognizing that these incidents are frequently unreported. Alternative evidence standards apply. These are sensitive cases that we handle with discretion and full commitment to your rights.
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How much does a PTSD or mental health claim attorney cost?
For initial claims, fees are limited and regulated. For successful appeals, fees are paid from past-due benefits awarded. We explain the full arrangement before beginning work on your case.
Still Have Questions About Your PTSD or Mental Health Claim Case?
Get personalized answers from Colonel Karl Truman and our experienced legal team during your free consultation.
Serving Personal Injury Victims Across Kentucky & Indiana
Karl Truman Injury Law represents clients in Louisville, Jeffersonville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, and throughout Kentucky and Indiana. We handle car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall cases, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, dog bites, premises liability, and all types of personal injury claims. Available 24/7 for free consultations.
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