🎖️ For Veterans, Service Members & Disability Claimants

VA & Disability Psychiatric Evaluations

Comprehensive, independent psychiatric evaluations for veterans pursuing VA benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, workers' compensation, and other disability claims. Our reports are detailed, DSM-5 based, and written to meet the evidentiary standards of your claim.

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Evaluation Types

Types of Evaluations We Provide

We provide evaluations for a range of claim types — all conducted by Kristin McKnight, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a fully licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner with full practice authority.

VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam

If your VA claim for a mental health condition has been denied, is under appeal, or you need supporting documentation, an independent C&P evaluation with a nexus letter can significantly strengthen your claim. We document the nature, severity, and service-connection of your condition.

Nexus Letters

A nexus letter is a medical opinion that establishes the link ("nexus") between your military service and your current mental health condition. Our nexus letters are detailed, medically sound, and written specifically to address VA rating criteria.

SSDI / SSI Mental Health Evaluations

Our psychiatric evaluations document the functional impact of mental health conditions on your ability to work, meeting the evidentiary standards required by the Social Security Administration. We are familiar with SSA's listing requirements and functional assessment standards.

MST (Military Sexual Trauma) Evaluations

Specialized psychiatric evaluations for veterans claiming service connection for PTSD or other mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma (MST). Conducted with sensitivity and clinical expertise.

Independent Medical Exams (IME)

Independent medical examinations for workers' compensation, personal injury litigation, and insurance claims. Objective, clinically rigorous, and defensible in administrative and legal proceedings.

TBI-Related Psychiatric Assessment

Psychiatric evaluation of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury — a common co-occurring condition in veterans with PTSD or blast exposure.

What's Included

What Every Evaluation Includes

Every psychiatric evaluation conducted at Family1st is comprehensive, clinically thorough, and written specifically to address the evidentiary requirements of your claim type.

Comprehensive clinical interview (60–90 min)
Complete DSM-5 diagnostic formulation
Mental Status Examination (MSE)
Psychiatric and medical history review
Medication review and current treatment assessment
Functional capacity assessment — impact on daily life and work
Military service history review (for VA claims)
Nexus opinion (service connection) when applicable
Severity rating consistent with VA rating criteria
Detailed written report — typically 5–10 pages
Telehealth option available for eligible claim types

Conditions Evaluated

Mental Health Conditions We Evaluate

PTSD

Major Depression

Anxiety Disorders

Bipolar Disorder

OCD

ADHD

Schizophrenia

Panic Disorder

MST-Related PTSD

TBI Psychiatric Sequelae

Substance Use Disorder

Insomnia Disorder

Adjustment Disorder

Somatic Disorders

The VA denied my PTSD claim twice. The evaluation report from Family1st was thorough and clearly explained the service connection. My claim was approved on the first appeal.

D.K., Washington — Veteran, PTSD Disability Claim

Frequently Asked Questions

VA Evaluation FAQs

No. We accept evaluation-only appointments. You do not need to be an established patient at Family1st to receive a psychiatric evaluation for your VA or disability claim.

Telehealth is available for many evaluation types, including SSDI evaluations and some VA nexus letter evaluations. For official VA C&P exams contracted through the VA, in-person may be required. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

The clinical interview typically takes 60–90 minutes. The written report is typically completed and delivered within 5–7 business days. Rush processing may be available — contact us to discuss.

Independent psychiatric evaluations for VA claim support are typically self-pay, as they are requested by the veteran rather than by the VA. SSDI evaluations may be covered by Medicare or Medicaid in some cases. Contact us and we'll verify your coverage before scheduling.

Please bring: your military service records (DD214 if applicable), any previous VA ratings or denial letters, prior mental health records or discharge summaries, a list of current medications, and documentation of any treatments you've received for the condition in question.