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souldeliverer

Second Class Petty Officers
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About souldeliverer

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  • Location
    still in the desert...
  • Interests
    goats

Previous Fields

  • Service Connected Disability
    TDIU
  • Branch of Service
    Army

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  1. Thanks all for the advice. John, I am only 33 yo. I cannot handle the idea that I will be sitting around at the mercy of the VA sending me letters and proposals to reduce every couple of years. I fully understand the risks attempting to start a business. I wish I could talk my wife into getting her license so she could make all the money while I work, but she is too busy homeschooling the kids. Do I simply call the 800 #? I do not yet know if I am well enough to work, but am willing to die trying. If I don't make it, hopefully the VA will help me out. Thanks again. Joe
  2. Hey, ya'll. I've had it. First off, I'm going to try and start a business (real estate). I am currently 90% plus TDIU, SSDI, and FERS retirement. Please advise. DO NOT advise me not to do this! I am looking for the procedure to follow. I read about SSD ticket to work program. Does the VA have anything similar? Second, if you pray to Jesus, please pray for me. I have been down and out since 2006, but want to give it a go before throwing in the towel for life. Pray I succeed, and can have meaning to life. It may start out as not substantial employment, but will hopefully one day transition into making a living to support my family. Finally, you may ask why? For a couple reasons. For those of you who will never have the opportunity to work again. For my children (6,2), so they can learn that Daddy has to work for a living. Finally, for me. I must give it one last shot. Again, please don't respond with all the usual, "You worked so hard to get IU, why throw it away." I just want to know if there is a procedure for this, or a ticket to work program. Any sort of grace period? Thank you for your time and prayers.
  3. Thanks, guys. I am not P&T YET. I filed for that in Jan 2011 and am still waiting... If they would just decide to give me that, I would be fine. I have been either 100% or 90%+TDIU since April, 2006. I thought P&T would be a gimme by now!
  4. Also, in regard to the VA loan, you CAN use it again as long as the prior one has been paid off. I used mine once before, but sold the house, and am going to use it again. How do I get into ebenefits?
  5. Just to clarify, this is a VA loan through USAA for which I was conditionally approved, but with the crazy stipulation that I provide proof of continuance for 3 years.
  6. Thanks for the suggestions! I will start with the bank, asking for a waiver, as that would be the easiest. I will move forward from there. Thank you!
  7. Hey all. I wasn't sure where to post this question, so I thought I'd post it here. I am trying to buy a real cheap house with my VA loan. Credit is great. Income is sufficient. Debt ratio is fine. USAA is requesting "proof of continuance for at least 36 months'!!!!! I was 100% schedular for a few years, and have been 90% +TDIU for a few years, but am not yet P&T. They want this same proof for my SSDI as well. Anyone know what I should do? We are staying in a friends' house while they are out of the country, but it is cramped. We need s house. In FL it is FAR cheaper to buy than rent. Thank you for your help!
  8. I AM COMPLETELY UNABLE TO HANDLE MY VA PAPERWORK. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I CANNOT GET MY CRAP TOGETHER. I NEED TO FILE STUFF, AND CANT ORGANISE MY THOUGHTS ENOUGH TO GET STUFF IN LINE. WHAT CAN I DO???
  9. Are you able to choose the size of the implant?
  10. I want to thank you all once again for your continued support on this matter, and for all of your efforts. Here is the latest... I recieved a call yesterday from the VA RO lady who told me they have recieved my application for TDIU. They went ahead and approved me!!! This is terrific news, as I no longer have to worry about where my family will live in a couple months. She said I will be considered 90% TDIU. This will go down to I think 70% TDIU if they decide to reduce my migraines to 10% from the current 30% rating, which they have proposed. She also told me that I am scheduled for a future exam in May, where I fear I will have to go through this all over again. I do not want to deal with this crap every year. It is way too stressfull for me to deal with on top of my PTSD. Questions: 1.) Should I bend over and take this and leave it alone for now, and file for an increase after I produce more evidence? or 2.) Should I continue my pursuit to be rated 100%? with or without TDIU? or 3.) Should I go ahead and get an IMO? How long does it take to recieve an IMO? Do I have a year during which I can submit evidence, or is it 60 days? Thanks again to all!!!
  11. I don't know how to spell most of these things I was exposed to, but here are a few...that I am aware of. Depleted Uranium, lead, permetherin, DEET, blood and guts of Americans and Haji's, high concentrations of bleach in our drinking water, smoke from burning trash every day for 18 months (nobody had the sense to burn the trash downwind of the barracks on our FOB), anthrax vaccine, small pox vaccine, typhoid, yellow fever, and many many other unnecessary vaccinations (14 in one day!). These are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I am sure one day I will die of an unknown disease and the army will deny it's existance. I love you all and thank you for your service to our country and to veterans!!!
  12. Thank you all so much for your help. I am working on all this stuff, but am feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment. As soon as I get something more put together, I will post it for critique. Thanks again.
  13. This is the cover letter I submitted at my hearing on May 1, 2008. Do I need to resubmit this information??? They never addressed any of this in the letter they sent me denying me, and saying they are going to go ahead with their proposal to reduce. Will this information ever be reconsidered, or am I battling their most recent letter? COVER LETTER The following is a listing of all the evidence being presented in the case for Me. This evidence is proof that my condition has not improved; therefore it is unlawful for my compensation level for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to be reduced from 100 percent disabling. I will also provide concrete medical evidence that my condition should be considered permanently and totally disabling. Evidence EXHIBIT A: A1: SOC dated March 26, 2008; proposal to reduce A2: NOD dated April 02, 2008 A3: SOC dated December 01, 2006; award for 100 percent compensation EXHIBIT B: B: My rebuttal of Exhibit A1, citing a plethora of medical evidence as well as VA rules and regulations proving my condition has not improved EXHIBIT C: Medical evidence from January 17, 2007 to April 15, 2008 C1: Progress Note by Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated January 17, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note points out my nightmares, rage, flashbacks, panic attacks and homicidal thoughts. C2: Progress Note by Dr. ______, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated February 26, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note highlights my self-isolation, inability to work, panic attacks, increased startle reflex, and auditory hallucinations. C3: Progress Note by Dr. _______, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated March 15, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my auditory hallucinations, where I hear a woman talking to me and sometimes screaming. Dr. ___ also states that I am unable to work due to increased anxiety and poor frustration tolerance. C4: Progress Note by Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated May 22, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note states that I am explosive and easily provoked, fantasize about killing people, and have violent dreams. C5: Progress Note by Dr. ____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated July 24, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note states that I have panic attacks due to combat related triggers, nightmares, flashbacks from loud noises, irritability, poor frustration tolerance, anger problems, a strained marriage due to my PTSD symptoms, feelings of worthlessness, and fear of the future. C6: Progress Note by _____LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated September 14, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my dissociative episodes which is grossly impaired thought process, intrusive thoughts of combat, anxiety, social avoidance, numbness, depression, sleeping problems, and difficulty creating and maintaining interpersonal relationships. It also mentions how since returning from Iraq, I am unable to express emotion, which negatively impacts my marriage, as well as homicidal and suicidal thoughts, physically assaultive behavior, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Dr ___ Ph.D. then added an addendum to this note giving the results of some phych testing, stating I suffer from chronic and severe PTSD. C7: Progress Note by ________, Nurse Practitioner, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated September 14, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note discusses my previous suicide attempt, my suicidal thoughts and plan, and mentions my flashbacks, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts. C8: Progress Note by Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated September 28, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note mentions my increase in anger and rage, as well as panic attacks. C9: Progress Note by Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated October 01, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note shows the severity of my symptoms as Dr. _____ has resorted to offering ECT treatments to help. C10: Progress Note by _____ LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated October 19, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my heightened anxiety in public settings, my night terrors and flashbacks, and my inability to feel and express emotions. C11: Progress Note by _____, LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated October 22, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note states that I have grown tired of hallucinations, dissociations, and guilty feelings about the war. A day doesn't go by that I don't think about these memories. C12: Progress Note by Dr. ______, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated October 24, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note describes one of my dissociative episodes, where I blacked out while driving in Nashville and was stopped by a police officer, and again mentions my persistent auditory hallucinations. C13: Progress Note by Dr. _____Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, VAMC Nashville dated November 07, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note states that after the 6 week inpatient PTSD program in Nashville, my depression has increased, and my PTSD remaines unchanged. It also mentions my suicidal thoughts. C14: Progress Note by Dr. ______, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated November 30, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my strained marriage, and my anger outbursts. C15: Progress Note by Dr. _____MD, PCP, VAMC Nashville, Firm A dated December 03, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note is about one of my persistent dissociative episodes. C16: Progress Note by _____, LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated December 04, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note describes one of my dissociative episodes, where I blacked out while driving after a man on I-24 to kill him, C17: Progress Note by _____, Psychology Intern, VAMC Nashville dated December 12, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note discusses my strained marriage due to my PTSD symptoms, my depression, panic attacks related to identifiable triggers related to my trauma, my prior suicide attempt, and my suicidal thoughts. The author of this note also links my depression to my "severe PTSD." C18: Progress Note by Dr. ______, Ph.D. LCSW, Team Leader, Nashville Vet Center dated March 25, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my emotional numbness, and hopelessness. It also says I am very unstable and I have a moderate to high risk for self-harm. C19: Progress Note by Dr. _____, Ph.D. LCSW, Team Leader, Nashville Vet Center dated April 01, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note again discusses my persistent hallucinations and delusions as well as my paranoia. My thinking and judgment are impaired. C20: Progress Note by Dr. _____ MD, PCP, VAMC Nashville, Firm A dated April 07, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note mentions my frequent flashbacks, panic attacks, nightmares, and Dr. ___ wrote that he is "concerned my PTSD may be getting worse." C21: Progress Note by _____, LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated April 07, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note mentions my predominant emotions of fear, anxiety and numbness. My flashbacks of children being killed have increased since having a baby, and goes into detail on some of my delusions, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. C22: Progress Note by Dr. _____, Ph.D. LCSW, Team Leader, Nashville Vet Center dated April 09, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my constant marital conflict since my return from Iraq, mentions how I ended up in restraints and seclusion last time I was an inpatient in Nashville, my paranoia and delusions, my hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. The author stated I have a "very high level of risk," and that I "refuses to credibly contract for safety," and am displaying intermittent psychotic thinking. C23: Progress Note by _____, LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated April 15, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note again talks about my persistent delusions and hallucinations, intrusive war zone memories, guilt, and the prospect of my wife leaving again. C24: Progress Note by Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated April 15, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note discusses my "paranoid ideations," my panic attacks, and mood swings and the author stated I "endorses poor executive functioning, and decision making." C25: C&P examination by Dr. ____ PsyD., Clinical Psychologist, VAMC Nashville, dated November 16, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note describes a strained marriage, lack of social support, history of suicide attempt, history of violence, sleep impairment, panic attacks, suicidal and homicidal thoughts, poor impulse control, inability to maintain personal hygiene, severly impaired memory, flashbacks, and dissociative episodes. EXHIBIT D: Letters in support of claim by medical professionals D1: Letter from Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated November 01, 2006. This letter address my inability to work and states, "His symptoms of PTSD, which are directly combat related, are of a degree of severity high enough to have impacted major areas of life functioning." D2: Letter from Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated August 20, 2007. This letter talks about some of my symptoms which ended my career, and states the "condition is considered chronic and long-term." D3: Letter from Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated April 17, 2008. This letter also mentions some of my persistent symptoms, and states, "given his current symptoms, it is unlikely that he will be able to maintain productive employment on an ongoing basis." D4: Letter from by Dr. _____, Ph.D. LCSW, Team Leader, Nashville Vet Center dated April 11, 2008. This letter describes my symptoms in detail, and the author wrote, "It is this provider's opinion that the severity of veterans symptoms falls in the highest 2-5% of the clients seen in the Vet Center. He does not appear at this time to be capable of functioning in any work environment due to the disorganizing effects of his illness." EXHIBIT E: Social Security Disability Award letter. EXHIBIT F: Federal Employees Retirement System disability retirement award. EXHIBIT G: Lay statement from my wife stating my condition has not improved. Considering all the above evidence, I believe it is quite obvious that my condition has not improved, and I still meet the criteria for 100 percent compensation for post traumatic stress disorder. I also feel I have provided enough evidence to make that 100 percent rating permanent and total, as I previously requested.
  14. Here is the NOD I sent the VA Notice of Disagreement This is a notice of disagreement (NOD) to the VA letter dated June 11, 2008. I disagree with all the adjudicative determinations mentioned in the above referenced VA letter and any enclosure thereto, except for those, if any, that I specifically state here that I do not want to appeal. Therefore, my notice of disagreement specifically covers all the determinations made by the regional office unless specifically excluded. I also disagree with the RO’s failure to adjudicate issues and claims it was required to adjudicate. I am specifically referring to issues that I may not have discussed but which were reasonably raised by the evidence in my VA claims file or in the VA’s possession that should have been inferred by the regional office. I request a local hearing, and I am hereby formally requesting a “de novo” review by a Decision Review Officer. My condition has not improved. If this appeal is not resolved favorably, please send me a Statement of the Case so that I may appeal this decision to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. What should I send next???
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