Loose Cannon

I was wondering if you put in a specific claim for depression or if that was something that came out as a result of your C&P exam for your back condition? I have a severe case of PTSD and have a C&P exam for an increased rating for it it in three days. I have a lot of documentation from my VA doctors in my VA treatment/med records for depression, secondary to my PTSD. Just wondering if there's any possible way they will put 2+2 together and possibly award a rating for the depression at the same time they decide they finally decide if an increased rating for PTSD is warranted...Any help or past experiences from you or anyone else would be welcomed.

Yeah...My SMR has pleanty of stuff about the fall but unfortunately it all deals with the finger being dislocated. No mention of a possible concussion...until testing for it at the VA Hospital 4 years after USMC retirement and diagnosis. Hope the TDIU claim gets the serious "look" I believe it deserves by the VA rater...fingers crossed! Loose Cannon

That is true I suppose. One of the C&P exams I have this week is for the TBI...Guess I'll bring the post-deployment checklist from my unit's medical department with me to the exam. It's the only in-service documentation I have that specifically mentions I was present and within 100 yds of daily explosions while in Iraq. Great advice...Thank you for your reply! Loose Cannon

Yes...Applied for SSDI back in February of this year...Still haven't heard anything yet from them. Going to send off a signed copy of my Doctor's letter to them first thing Monday...It can only help, right? I haven't been able to work since February so I know they have a 6 month time period before I'd be eligible...August 2nd I hit that "magic" 6 month mark so should hear something soon I imagine. Yes. I have a claim in for an increased rating for PTSD based on individual unemployment (been rated at 30% SC PTSD and 60% SC overall since 2005). Also, after reviewing my VA medical records and going through the VA testing (entire day of testing!), I was diagnosed with TBI...so...I put in a claim to be service connected for that as well. I have 3 C&P exams scheduled for THIS month. The TBI is from a fall aboard ship inside my helicopter back in late 2003. Had an open dislocation of my finger during that fall and spent the night in ICU on the ship. Problem I'm having is that although I told them I hit my head, my finger was so messed up that that's where all the focus was. Therefore, no head x-rays were taken (that I can remember at least). Doesn't seem to be any "paper trail" in my service records either. I retired very soon after that deployment...How the hell do I go about making a good case that this WAS in fact a service related injury??? I have a post-deployment checklist that says I was subject to daily explosions, etc. from being in Mosul, Iraq but I don't want to lie and say that's how I suffered the TBI...Any suggestions??

Had another appointment today with my VA mental health doctor. I asked for a letter/statement in support of my claim for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU (currently 30% SC for PTSD and 60% SC overall). I would greatly welcome anyone's opinion who has been down this road before as to how beneficial this statement will be in my claim. I have already submitted similar letters from my last employer and have a C&P exam scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13th. I am very anxious/nervous about the exam for fear I will forget to mention something or write something I shouldn't on the paperwork they gave me to complete and bring to the exam. Again, any advice from my fellow vets would be greatly appreciated. Anyways...here's what my doctors statement says: XXXX XXXXXX has been undergoing treatment at the Durham VA Raleigh II Clinic since February 2011. He has the diagnosis of PTSD. Alcohol/substance abuse is in early remission. This veteran has not been able to work full or part time since February 2011 after being fired from his job as XXXXXXXXX. In Feb 2011 he indicated he’d not been able to work for fear he’d “blow up” at people; he has a history of over reacting to things people say and he is easily annoyed and impatient. He is at times rude and has had complaints about his negative behaviors and angry outbursts by former co-workers. He avoids leaving his home as much as possible due to his emotional liability, paranoia, phobias, inability to tolerate people for any period of time, becoming easily irritated and manage conflict. His level of distress is elevated to the point of his experiencing memory impairment as well as an inability to focus or concentrate often resulting in the inability to safely complete tasks once he starts them. Mr. XXXXXX has chronic violent thoughts, and is working diligently in group and individual therapy to address these issues and practice good coping skills. The severe symptoms he experiences solely as a result of his combat-related service connected PTSD condition make any level of substantially gainful employment very unlikely at this time. I hereby certify that the information I have given is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I need advice...and I'll try to keep this short. I was recently fired from my job after a meeting with my employer where I made him aware that I was suffering from PTSD. I am a 20-year honorably discharged retired Marine- retired in 2004, VA diagnosed with PTSD in 2005. A few days ago, I received a "severence package" in the mail. Basically, they are offering me about $2800 to keep my mouth shut (no speaking to the press, other employees, etc.) regarding my termination. They put all this in writing and gave me 3 weeks to accept it. The problem is that if I sign and return it I will also be waiving my legal right to sue. Fact is they knew I was receiving treatment for PTSD and fired me anyways...Isn't this illegal? Do I need to see a lawyer, show him their "proposed" severence package, and sue them or am I wasting my time. I really could use some good advice here. Can anyone relate or help?