ptsd Combat Cets With Diagnosis Of Ptsd No Longer Have To File Stressor Letter

[jessejames]

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/02/...dproof_080218w/

PTSD victims no longer need to prove trauma

By Kelly Kennedy - Staff writer

Posted : Monday Feb 18, 2008 16:45:50 EST

The Veterans Affairs Department has dumped a policy requiring combat vets to verify in writing that they have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event before filing a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder, said the chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“This change provides a fairer process for veterans with service-connected PTSD,” Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, said in a written statement. It “leaves claim adjudicators more time to devote to reducing the staggering backlog of veterans’ claims.”

In the past, a veteran has had to provide written verification — a statement from a commander or doctor, or testimony from co-workers — that he or she was involved in a traumatic situation in order to receive disability compensation for PTSD from VA. The Defense Department uses the same rules in evaluating PTSD for disability retirement pay.

In Iraq, troops joke about keeping a pen and paper on hand in case they witness a shooting or explosion or are injured themselves. That way, they can run around and have all their buddies sign a quick statement saying it really happened. The joke loses steam when a Marine has to prove he was involved in a traumatizing event when he had a hand blown off in that event, or when a soldier has to prove he watched his friends die to qualify for benefits.

The rule also slows the process as veterans wait for yet more documentation before their claims may be processed.

Akaka said he asked VA Secretary James Peake if the rule was necessary, and asked that it be removed. Peake agreed.

“I am pleased that the secretary took quick action to reverse this requirement after it was brought to his attention,” Akaka said.

In the future, veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD through a medical examination with no further proof necessary, Akaka said, adding that he’s been told that Peake has already informed VA regional offices of the decision.

VA officials were not immediately available for comment Monday, a federal holiday.

[SeattleShay]

The information that I read, indicates that this is NOT just for combat vets...thank heavens...leaving it open to medical personnel (watching people die on a daily basis an dcaring for the terminally ill) and MST victims.

The VA is the only organization that does not give PTSD recognition to medical personnel...what a joke

For 28 years the VA has told me that I couldn't possibly have PTSD from working in ICU and ER.

[Pete53]

This is fantastic news and finally PTSD Vets are getting treated the same. Hallelujah!!!!

[JoAnn]

Holly Cow! Will this apply to my case that is at the BVA with a 30 day for reponse before the denial letter goes out? Who can I contact to find out?

Jo Ann B)

[Guest tinchord]

does anyone know if this pertains to only new claims or pending information requested on older unanswered claims? I've been waiting for my denial letter because I did not follow through on any referals or THAT letter and actually requested a retraction where i was supposed to write that letter. i could go and talk to someone, but couldn't get past that first step....write that letter.

I wonder if it's too late.

[Berta]

I think it will be good to await for the VA's actual press release on this-

This is clearly only regarding combat vets and mentions the 'future'- so in my opinion this policy will only be for Iraq and Afganistan combat veterans.

IOF/IEF vets have gotten nation-wide attention as to how some of their claims have been handled.

This might be due to that-

and also due to the fact that the VA is readily dishing out PD diagnosis in veteran's who actually have TBI or PTSD-or even both.

I feel anyone with a claim pending who is not a combat veteran-should not believe this will cover them-they will still need proof of stressor.

This is so far- a reporter's report- not dsaying it is inaccurate- just I dont believe anything until the VA puts their official stamp on it and I have received nothing yet from VA Media at all on this.

[john999]

If this is true for all vets this will be a huge change. How does the VA define combat vets? That is also a detail we have to look at. I know there is a definition for "combat with the enemy" but you know every phrase has a different interpretation. If soldiers deployed to a combat zone who display PTSD symptoms are included in this then it will be a victory since so many were exposed to hostile actions but don't have the awards and badges to prove it. This means to me a huge glut of new PTSD claims.