Gonna Take The Plunge

[dogface]

I have visited a VSO and she says I need to write a stressor letter for my claim.it doesn't seem like she gives it much hope. Non combat is an uphill climb proving. I can t remember specific dates even to 3 months of the event in a couple of instances. I would like to thank y'all for being here for me, ya all rock!

[Pete53]

Maybe you could tell us more about the stressor and also if you have been dxed by a VA Doc?

Some VSO's don't want to give false hope so they give no hope

[john999]

The main thing you need is the DX of PTSD from the VA nowdays. Do you have any documentation about non combat stressors or PTSD DX?

[hedgey]

Dogface, all I know is that my VSO said that if there was no documentation, it didn't happen. If I'd listened to him, I'd never have filed.

Like John said, the most important thing is that diagnosis from a VA psychiatrist or psychologist. Who told you that it's PTSD? I'm not challenging you, just trying to sort things out. The VA can seem so complicated, but with the strength & wisdom of Hadit, you have a great support system here.

[dogface]

Hi All, I was partially successful in filing a claim with the VA last year, awarded a 10% SC, and so decided to begin healthcare with them. Earlier this year I was screened by the VA medical on my first visit, and sent to their shrink who says I have symptoms of PTSD. Funny thing is there were about three sessions with him,and there were things that I had forgot about until even after the last session. The not so funny thing is that I have had nightmares since remembering, and they are the same ones I had forgot about having years ago. I have also had a few really bad days, really dark moods that are not easily explained. I am gonna struggle with the stressor letter as there are a few events I am unsure of the date range as the time frame was over 30 years ago. The VSO is not using the 526ez that I have seen being advised here as well, but the full form-but I am gonna have a little faith in her she has been at it for 20 years. As far as anyone hurting my feelings by asking questions or even playing devils advocate I appreciate your position and experience, and would encourage you not to hold back. Thanks very much...

[LarryJ]

The VA psychiatrist or board-certified psychologist MUST be the one to make the PTSD diagnosis. An "outside" psychiatrist or psychologist just will not suffice. To be diagnosed with PTSD you MUST have been in fear for your life "due to enemy or terrorist activity/action". That's it, from what I can understand, but, then again, WTF do I know?

[Philip Rogers]

dogface - what is the cause of your non-combat PTSD?? It can be won, depending on what it's from. Combat is somewhat easier, tho. It needn't be combat related. Vehicle accidents, morgue duties, parachute accidents, sexual assault, natural disasters, etc, etc, can be won. The key will be relating it to service, as the VA often tries to relate it to prior service activity. There is usually some type of record, depending on the type of event.

pr