Two Echo

Also, does this justify a worsening of the condition?

Would a VA doctor do?

Need some advice on two subjects; I want to run this past you guys before I fill. I don't want to fill a claim with little chance of winning just to make the backlog even longer. My first question is, can Insomnia be linked to Tinnitus? As soon as I got back from Iraq I couldn't sleep because of my Tinnitus. The Tinnitus was obviously untreatable, but while on active duty I was placed on Ambien. Soon thereafter I came off active duty. I was awarded 10% for the Tinnitus which got me into the VA system. Since I've been treated for the last year at the VA I spent 4 months on Ambien, and have recently switched to Trazadone. I mean even with the fans blowing and the TV on softly I can still hear it, and its driving me crazy, Luckily, because of the medications I'm able to atleast get 4 or 5 hours of sleep before the ringing wakes me up. Does this sound like a valid claim that I have a chance of winning, because I don't want to fish for percentages. All I know is I never had problems sleeping until the Tinnitus came about. I had problems sleeping overseas because of it, and have had it since I came back in 09. ----- Second question is about Hypertension. I was awarded 10%. Back then I had a history of increasing dosages of the same medication, Lisinopril. A year after my rating, I'm on Lisinopril plus Propranolol (perscribed by the VA) to keep things under control. With these medications I'm within normal ranges, but without them my numbers hit the 20% mark. Do I stand a chance to get a 10% increase? ----- Finally, do either of these have a chance, or should I hold off? I don't want to contribute to the backlog for claims that will eventually be denied.

No, no, this is exactly the kind of feedback I need. From 2001 until recently our unit was sending people down range every 6 months like clockwork. They were fairly short deployments, anywhere from 4 to 6 months, but you might pull 4 of these deployments in a three year period. When you got back there was a stigma from putting anything disqualifying on your post-deployment health assessments that might preclude you from deploying again. So we've got troops who didn't report they strained a back or developed high blood pressure, and many people who took indirect fire or experienced other traumatic events who never reported it. Young soldiers just wanting to get back down range and help the fight again; no one wanted the stigma of be disqualified. And now that some of us "young soldiers" are E-6s we see the mistakes we made, and trying to make it better for our troops. As for filing while in the Guard, Yes, if you lose hearing on a deployment, or break a leg you can file and recieve benefits while still in the guard. That's why I'm saddened by some of my peers who didn't report such problems; they were willing to put service before self to get back down range and now have no recourse for a hurt back, or ringing in the ears. I'm on the up & up as far as things go. I never miss a night of sleep, no recurring thoughts or nightmares. It seems the same event can affect two people two completely different ways. Three deployments later the only thing I have to show is some anxiety issues now and again, but I'm certain thats a cumulative effect of working long hours for months without any days off and not related to any particular issue.

PTSD is an automatic 50%? How does an anxiety diagnosis compare with a PTSD? Ie: whats the process involved with getting service connect anxiety? If recognized both would basically provide therapy and help from the VA, correct?

Hey guys; I have a troop under my command who just returned from his third deployment with our Signal Corp National Guard unit. During our deployment together in 2009 we were attached to a JSOC unit and where subjected to several "close calls" from indirect fire. One incident in particular came close enough to hear the incoming & see and feel the explosions. (Within a hundred yards) Well this troop's wife has recently confided in me since our redeployment he's exhibited several symptoms of PTSD to include sleepless nights and massive doubts of anxiety completely uncharacteristic to this individual's personality. After talking with him he's agreed to seek help and I'm currently helping him get his paperwork together & I've got a few questions. His MOS is 25N (Networking Guy) in a reserve Signal Corp unit that never saw combat. I realize getting this claim will be an uphill battle and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get him back on the right track. I just need to be pointed in the right track.Considering his MOS, will witness statements be enough to get the VA to recognize a stressor? I've drafted a witness statement, but I need all the help I can get with it. How will a MH rating affect his retainability in the National Guard? He exhibits signs of sleeplessness, nightmares and anxiety but none of the more debilitating symptoms. Does a PTSD rating (even a lower one?), automatically mean his time is done? (He just reenlisted and hopes to make this a career)Please be honest with me, I can use all the advise I can get. What I have for a witness letter: Sworn Statement of XXXX 1. My name is XXXX and I reside at XXXX 2. From November 2008 until July 2009 I served as the direct supervisor of XXXX who resides at XXXX. 3. XXX was in outstanding health until March 2009. 4. On March 4, 2009 while walking back from the Chow Hall, XXXX and I fell under indirect fire by an estimated dozen and a half rockets. There were no sirens, no shouts of incoming; the only warning was the whistling of the rockets themselves. The vast majority fell directly over our position and several exploded within a hundred yards with one killing a female soldier on our compound. As there were no bunkers within 20 yards of our position, XXXX and I literally ran for our lives, sprinting to our communications bunker surrounded by HESCOs. This was hands down, the most frightening experience of my life. The risk of death was no longer an abstract threat, it was there staring us in the face. 5. From March 2009 until September 2009 XXXX lived under constant fear of mortar attacks, rocket barrages, and suicide bombers. During this time-period XXXX represented the greatest insurgency stronghold in Iraq, witnessing some of the greatest violence against American forces. Even sleeping provided a major source of anxiety as a large majority of the mortar attacks came at night, with several hitting the vicinity of our compound. 6. Since his redeployment to the United States, XXXX's health has worsened considerably. He has personally confided in me nightmares about our time in XXX that occur on a nightly basis. Sleeping during the hours of darkness is a major source of anxiety and dread for XXXX. He rarely gets more than two hours of sleep; any external sound can awaken him. Cars passing by, neighboring dogs, loud music, a TV in another room. I hereby certify that the information I have given is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signed: XXXXX