ptsd Just Informed New Ptsd Rules Do Not Apply To Me

[IraqVet]

I just got off the phone with the 1-800-827-1000 people as I call to check the status on my appeal for PTSD about every two weeks or so.

I have had my case in the system and this is my second appeal.....my case has been out there in the wind since I first filed back in 2004 when I returned from Iraq.

They have been hold up on my case trying to verify my stressor for AGES...

All of the below they have

Well documented VA file from VA shrinks on my PTSD about 14inches thick

I have multiple Dx of PTSD.

I have mutiple stressor/stressor letters.

Letters from Family and Wife about my PTSD

I have signed letters from guys I served with about my stressors.

I have Hospital visits where I have been admitted for suicide...for all that know what I am talking about.

Gaf scale range 40-50

Submitted pictures of my experiences in Iraq....Graphic

Today a lady from the 1-800 with an attitide told me that Since my file was already in appeal BEFORE the new PTSD Rules July 13th effective date that my case would be held to the old rules and that they would continue to wait for verification of my stressor, or make a decision on my case based on the OLD rules. Are you kiddng me I have had this case out there since 2004!

Is this true??? If it is I doubt I can keep my grasp on reality for much longer

[john999]

As humvee driver did you encounter any IED's? That is your stressor right there.

[Draggin']

My situation is similar to yours, in that my application for PTSD was put in before the new rule came into effect. I have heard of others in similar situations that were unsure if the new rule would help them at all, considering it was already submitted. I've also heard that the new rule does no good for some veterans.

Did the VA happen to mention if they did not have enough evidence to pull your records from JSRRC? In my case the VA informed me that they had no reason to pull my records from JSRRC, despite my MOS, records of being in Iraq and PTSD diagnosis through Va Psych and a C&P exam. It was ridiculous!

I ended up doing an internet search for 4ID Iraq 2003 and rummaged through the info I found. I managed to find newspaper articles mentioning my troop or even my name! Perhaps you can find some by detailing the search for yourself (unit, year, etc). Check the archives from the big newspapers nearest where you were stationed before deployment and also those near your hometown...in my case Dallas Morning News covered Ft. Hood, Tx. and my small Texas hometown. Search for a few words like "soldiers" "Iraq" and the year.

Newspaper articles helped ME a lot as they contained specific dates and full names that i just could NOT remember. I do not know if articles themselves are good pieces of "evidence", but I believe having the dates and full names was beneficial in piecing it all together.

Also you can rewrite your stressor letter to point to the proof you do have..and label the proof, A, B, C, D. This is what I did, it was very easy to figure out and was essentially "idiot proof" for my rater.

Most Importantly Hang in there.

Draggin'

Edited September 29, 2010 by Draggin'

[Gunner30X]

I was approved with a 100% service connection for PTSD back in 2008, now I have moved and am due for my C&P, the new VA that I am supposed to be seen at is Springfield IL and they have to 'record' of me there, but the local service officer does have access to my information! I have just been told by this service officer that I am at risk of loosing my service connection or better yet that I will be bumped down to 40%, mostly because I have not been seen since June! Well I moved in July gave plenty of notice requested my records be transfere and was told that all I needed to do was call the Springfield office and they would set up my first apointment.... The Springfield VA wants me to re-fill out all of the request for medical care paperwork and send in my DD's and award letters all over again because there is no record of me in there system!!! What am I supposed to do! I need to be seen, however they are making it nearly impossible to be seen, trying to navigate between Springfield VA and Marion VA (where I was being seen last and they have all my records) has been more stress than I can handle right now. I need advice and help!

[carlie]

Gunner30X,

Welcome to Hadit.

Please copy and paste your post as a new topic.

Put a topic title in it.

Put it in the Claims/ Benefits Research Forum to get the most eyes on it.

I was going to do it for you but some of my tools are not available right now.