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Ptsd Claim Letter

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Whirly Bird

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Hi all. I'm filing a claim for ptsd and my wife wrote the following letter to submit. Please take a look at it and let me know if I'm missing anything. I have a ptsd diagnosis, verified combat award, and notes from the va psych linking them together. Do I need anything else?

thanks,

To whom it may concern,

I am filing a claim for service connection of PTSD.

I have been diagnosed to have combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by a VA Psychologist, and I am currently undergoing treatment for the disorder at the VA Medical Center. The VA Psychologist has linked my PTSD to my combat related stressors.

I served in combat as a Marine Helicopter Machine Gunner, and was awarded the Combat Aircrew Insignia with 3 bronze stars. I was also awarded the Air Medal with 2 Strike Flight Awards for these missions.

My original DD-214 did not have the Combat Aircrew Insignia listed on it when I was discharged, so I contacted the Navy Personnel Command Retired Records Section and requested that the Combat Aircrew Insignia be added to my DD-214.

I recently received a corrected DD-215 that has the Combat Aircrew Insignia with 3 Bronze Stars added to my record. I have attached a copy of it as evidence for my claim.

I have also attached a copy of M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.D.13.e, which states that my award of the Combat Aircrew Insignia qualifies as proof of my combat experience.

I have also attached a copy of M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.D.13.f, which states that If a Veteran received one of the combat decorations cited in “e”, but does not expressly state the nature of the stressor, the VA should assume that the stressor is combat-related.

I have been having nightmares & panic attacks 3 to 4 times a week for years since returning from the war. I can’t stand to be in crowds of people. Before the war, I was very outgoing and had many friends, but I now have very few, if any “real” friends (besides my buddies that were over there with me), and I stay at home most of the time when I’m not at work and avoid all social events. I have trouble getting along with others at home and at work. I am always on alert, always... I constantly have this weird feeling that something bad is going to happen, even though I know that it isn’t rational to think this way. This disorder has severely affected my social and work life.

Thank you,

xxxx

Edited by Whirly Bird
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“I tried to get my VA Psychologist and my VA Psychiatrist to fill out the DBQ form for me and neither one of them would do it.

Both said that it wasn't their job, and that I would have to wait for a C&P exam.”

Unfortunately, they are correct.

Since they have formally diagnosed you with PTSD, it is the C & P exam results that will warrant the rating percentage.

I think you will definitely do OK here and the C & P exam wont be too difficult for you.... we can give you sort of a pep talk the day before the exam....The blank PTSD C & P exams are here somewhere too, so that you know what to expect. You went to Hell and back already, veteran, ....the C & P will be nothing. Papa however is correct, do not minimize your symptoms or problems.

Besides there are no DBQs for initial PTSD exams:

http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_FAQs.asp

Whirlybird, are you still employed? If not ,have you applied for TDIU?

Good for you! You filed for and obtained a DD 215!

.

I think many many vets should file a DD 149 to see if their awards and decorations were properly listed on their DD 214s.

Nice touch !!!! using the excerpt from M21-1MR. Cool!

I have done that for all of my claims except the initial ones I filed years ago..when I .filed .post internet as we know itnow.

Make sure at the C & P you tell the doctor that you can and do handle your own finances. You might want to start writing and signing the checks if your wife does that now.

As Barry white sang years ago ......

.you have 'Got it together'.!

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Berta and Papa, thank you for the responses and advice. I haven't had a "good" day in a very long time, so it shouldn't be a problem when I go in for the C&P.

The form that I tried to get the docs to fill out was the VA Initial PTSD Diagnosis form VA Form 21-0960P4. This is the same form that the C&P docs use.

Oh well, I'll just have to wait....I did my best to get all of my ducks in a row before filing the claim so hopefully it will go without a hitch.

I'm currently still working, but have been allowed to work from home (computer based work), which has helped allot not having to deal with people directly. It's still been a struggle to try and do my work, even at home, so I dont know how long that will last either.

I just feel like the PTSD has completely taken over me, basically consumed me and there is no "Me" left anymore. I recently finished up 12 weeks of Cognitive Processing Therapy at the VA which I feel was a complete waste of time. Definitely didn't help, and actually made the panic attacks and avoidance issues worse.....still lookin for that magic pill I guess.

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Sorry Whirly Bird... you did use the right form, I didnt realize that at first.

."I did my best to get all of my ducks in a row before filing the claim so hopefully it will go without a hitch."

Those ducks sound well armed with evidence.

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Well Gang. Been gone a while, thought I'd update my thread.

I tried to get my VA Psychologist and my VA Psychiatrist to fill out the DBQ form for me and neither one of them would do it.

Both said that it wasn't their job, and that I would have to wait for a C&P exam.

So much for that I guess.......

Now I'll wait a freakin year or more for an exam that my either of my VA Docs could have done for me in 30 minutes time.

What a CROCK!

Sorry, but this is just getting old and I'm tired...

YES - THAT IS A CROCK OF CRAP !

Do they NOT consider themselves to be VHA clinicians ?

Here's a vba link that specifically states:

Q: Why were DBQs developed?

A: DBQs were developed to streamline the collection of necessary medical evidence for the purpose of processing Veterans' claims. DBQs provide Veterans with an improved means to submit medical evidence to support their claims.

Q: Who is authorized to complete a DBQ?

A: Providers with active medical licenses must sign and attest to a medical condition on completed DBQs. The DBQ can be completed either by:

  • Veterans' private treatment providers, or
  • Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinicians.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/dbq_FAQS.asp

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