Thank You in advance! (First question after reviewing this book I wrote here should probably be, do i need to separate all of these questions into the different subject forums or is this OK ?) I've been procrastinating now for almost 10 years (mainly because of denial, I volunteered, tough guy, I know guys that seen/did worse and horror stories with the VA) and have just this year decided to attack this VA Claims Process. Putting it off for too long and ready to get the information needed to hopefully (fingers crossed) have a smooth process.
I have not filed for anything, have no medical records or injuries documented while active or since (I have just requested my military records from the right place after all these years, because I assumed the VA would have them and keep them safe, so I didn't need a copy. MISTAKE #1, Naive I know) and have not been to see a private doctor for anything. I medicate with over the counter and always have, but have never been officially diagnosed with anything.
Just last month I made an appointment with advice from an amazing local veteran group with a psychologist outside of the VA and she diagnosed me with PTSD. It was extremely hard to even talk to her, I've never talked to anyone about it just denied it or pushed it back. (I know I'll still need a VA exam). I was also seen by an outside, but VA referred hearing specialist and was diagnosed with tinnitus in the 3k range and hearing loss. 6 months after release from active duty in 2007 I was seen at the local VA for hemorrhoids and treated. I have had issues with roids, constipation, diarrhea etc ever since. This is also the only thing I have ever been seen for at the VA. My wife has also complained for years about sleep apnea and me startling her in the middle of the night when I sleep, should I get an evaluation for sleep apnea. She doesn't remember ifI did it when active or not, but does that matter for service connection ?
I have already made the intent to file as of last month and am wondering how I should proceed from the above mentioned. I have not been seen for IBS, by any professional but it reads like that is a high possibility, so do I need a diagnosis from outside of the VA or should I get one prior to filing?
Should I file IBS, if diagnosed under "presumptive illness" (BALAD IRAQ 2005-2006) ?
Should I get on the Burn Pit or Gulf War Registry (Is there anything I should know prior to going to these registry appts) ?
Should I file for PTSD with just an outside evaluation (How are stressors confirmed, all mine are personal accounts and encounters) ?
Should I file for hearing loss or tinnitus or both I served as a firefighter and have read that as being on some list hearing related jobs ?
And finally, Should I file for all of these now at one time or should I wait and do them individually ?
My main concern is going into this and not being fully prepared, if there is anything you believe would aid in the above filings please let me know. I know there is a long road ahead, but I don't see any point in going alone and appreciate you all. Thanks again!