usmcgirl

well they lied. 62 days in rating now. the 17th has came and passed. gets more depressing by the day.

Papa - I have heard of many cases like that! Talk about a breach in privacy! Ironically the person that was working my claim and gathering the information from the other hospitals left her phone number in there....I should have called her! But I just called the 1800 number and they told me that the raters have that information but they cannot include it in copies of my C-File through the mail due to the nature of my PTSD. I have copies of all of my mental health records. I was worried that the raters would not be able to see that information...ugh! they should have put a note in there that they have my MH records but couldn't send them through the mail the turds!

I just called the 1800 and they told me that the raters have access to see that information but they don't include it in my C-File due to the nature of my PTSD and it going through the mail. I have copies of all of my medical records from the VA MH but I was worried that the raters would not be able to see them but according to the 1800 they do have access. hmmmm....

I can't believe it! All of this time! in my claim i specificaly stated that i was a patient at the CBOC and to obtain those records as well as the hospitals (non VA) - which the non VA hospitals were in my C-file....

I got my C-file in a box yesterday and NONE of my mental health VA notes are in it...there is my SMR, DD 214, past claims and some of my VA primary care notes but no mental health notes.....shouldn't those be in there also?

I got my C-File in a box today. NONE of my mental health records from the VA are in it. things from my primary care are in there from the VA but none from mental health. why is that?

On my weekly call to the 1800 (peggy) I was informed yesterday by a very helpful woman that my claim should be done before the end of the month and that it "appears" that they have all the evidence that they need. She was also very nice and went further to explain that this is my 2nd time being at the rating stage for this claim. So everything is as it should be since 1/17/12 would be the 60 day mark that my claim went into rating. I am keeping my fingers crossed. on a seperate note - I have a meeting with the SSDI lawyers on monday to start that battle of appeals.

you can also check the monday morning report on the VA website to get an idea of the number of inital claims submitted to your RO. Don't get discouraged if you see that your claim goes back a stage for more evidence...when your claim goes to rating it says on eben that national ave is 16 to 28 days....don't count on that. mostly when it is in decision phase it's more around 60 to 67 days and a 6 day mailing. which usually you will get the direct deposit before you get the notification in the mail. but if you call "peggy" (the 1800 number) they will tell you what your average wait time is at your RO.

TDUI claims take the same as most claims. I understand what you are going through as I am also in the same boat. when you filed for your increase they should have awarded you TDUI on that claim - but you can request it at anytime which is what it looks like you did. So now what they have to do is basically re-open your claim and look through everything all over again. I know how frustrating and depressing it is. I sent in my claim in Dec 2010 and am still waiting. I was denied SSDI and am fighting that. If I were you I would go ahead and file for SSDI also. Don't be stressed if you get denied on your first try, just go though the hoops with them also and get what you are entitled to. When you get SSDI you can send that letter in to your TDUI claim and the VA will take it as evidence. You should be able to get both and you will....it's just demoralizing while you have to wait. You are not alone.

the way it was explained to me was that it protects both...the VA and yourself.

I signed the same "long term narcotic" contract for hydrocodone....funny thing is when I asked my Doc what it was for he explained it as "if you ever get pulled over while on hydrocodone - you have this to back you up." Ironically he took me off hydrocodone and refuses to prescibe it now. Every pain med (non narcotic) that he has prescribed has not worked for the last 2 years. I asked to be placed back on it recently but he refused again because of the psych meds, saying "because of your PTSD and depression ect, you are more apt to become an addict." So now I just take my other meds and live with the constant pain.

I agree also that it is probably a mistake. I would get ahold of your VSO that helped you with your claim and ask them or when you check in for your therapy ask the PSA to double check it in their computer also. They (if they are like mine) are really helpful and can also get you the number to call and who you should speak to if they don't just do it on your behalf.

oh yes! people are so ignorant when it comes to that. if they can't see anything physically wrong with you - they ask or assume you are "training" the dog. Fortunately the trainer who trained my pit bull also gave me a slew of lines to tell people. Him, being from NYC, most were sarcasticly humorous but the lines he gave me to combat that aspect work. "yes, i am training it." "it's for seizures", "it's for me and really not any of your business" because if you tell them it's for anxiety or PTSD they want to get into a whole conversation of what it does for you and how it helps. and you will always have the people that want to pet it. i always refuse. even though my pit is the sweetest of the sweet - she is working, not some amusement for passer by's. and they do (the dogs) know the difference when the vest is on - it's work time. when it's off it's play time...But main thing like my trainer told me - do and say what you are comfortable with there is no law that says you have to disclose what it is for, it has a license, a vest, and you are in control of the dog. sounds rude - but it's for a disablity that we have and part of that disablity is not dealing well with people and places out side out "safe spot".

that is OUTSTANDING!!!! Congrats NJ!!!!!

TBird - I am right there with you with the house hanging out! I hole up in my house and peek out the windows. My dog and my kid go everywhere I have to go for the basic necessities which is limited to the gas station, walmart and the VA. if my kid were old enough i would send her in for the things we need. People stop us and ask about my dog and we basically ignore them as rude as it sounds. it's what i have to do to get in and out with out causing a scene or make a spectical of myself. I am excited for you to get your dog! It makes a huge difference in getting out. Only down side I have found is people (as I too am agoraphobic). On the SSA side of the house - I got a lawyer and am going to see what they have to say. the initial chat via phone was hopeful today.

Frankly, I haven't met many people who work at the VA who really know how the system works. Everyone knows the system is bogged down and every Vets case is different. I understand you "wade through so much BS that it takes time to gather facts from fiction." No one is blaming you as an individual. Yes, you may know your job but there are plenty others out there that don't, doing the do just to get by - a signature and on it's merry way and off the desk and on to the next. So as much as it may be the Vets fault for you doing your job to seperate fact from fiction, it's also, apparently, your job to do it. I applaud you maybe you can pass on some info to get the other RO's out there to pop smoke and follow your lead with some integrity and accountablity.

I have tried this tool also. unfortunately it was unsuccessful for me, but i am glad it works for you! it is important to find peace with in yourself if you can. by doing this you have achieved a greater battle with in yourself and i applaud you for that as it is no easy feat!

I agree. the whole thing is a game that SSA plays with you. it's like a 12% initial approval rate. I was prepared for this decision from them but it is still depressing to have to go through the hoops.

well it's a new year. ..the SSA denied my claim for PTSD on 12/31 - way to end 2011. so now on to the fight with them also since they stated in their letter that "while the evidence shows there is work related restrictions but does not prevent you from doing all types of work. your current work restrictions may prevent you from performing any work you may have done in the past. however, when we consider your age, education, and past work experience, we found you are capable of performing a significant number of jobs in the national economy." the appeal is already in the mail stating the following: I understand that the Social Security Administration uses DSM-IV to determine if an applicant has a particular mental disability. I have been diagnosed by the Veterans Administration with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While I understand the SSA is not required to accept the diagnosis of the VA, I have also been diagnosed by several other doctors including your psychiatrist at your consultative exam. I wish to bring the following to your attention: Under CFR 20, Appendix 1 to Subpart P, paragraph 12.06 (List of Impairments) Anxiety Related Disorders (the DSM-IV has PTSD listed under a "Stress Response" category, which comes under their "anxiety disorder" category) the List of Impairments says: "A. Medically documented findings of at least one of the following, referring to items 1 through 5 under "A" Your # 1(d) corresponds directly with item d (4) in section 309.81, "Anxiety Disorders", of DSM-IV. Your # 2 corresponds directly with item c (2) in section 309.81, "Anxiety Disorders", of DSM-IV. Your # 5 corresponds directly with item b (1) in section 309.81, "Anxiety Disorders", of DSM-IV. As you can see PTSD fulfills THREE of the requirements, not just ONE. AND B. Resulting in at lease two of the following: Your # 2 corresponds directly with item c (2) in section 309.81, "Anxiety Disorders", of DSM-IV. Your # 3 corresponds directly with item d (3) in section 309.81, "Anxiety Disorders", of DSM-IV. Your # 4 corresponds directly with item d (2) & d (3) in section 309.81, "Anxiety Disorders", of DSM-IV. PTSD fulfills THREE requirements, not just two. Your attention is invited to 20 CFR 303.1520 (d) which states, "If you have an impairment(s)which meets the duration requirement and is listed in appendix 1 OR is equal to a listed impairment(s), we will find you disabled without considering your age, education, and work experience." The introduction to the List of Impairments says "The listings are so constructed that an individual with an impairment(s) that meets or is equivalent in severity to the criteria of a listing could not reasonably be expected to do any gainful activity" therefore a residual functional capacity (RFC) evaluation should not be required. If you do not agree with the "List of Impairments" data presented above please provide the reason for disagreement." and now the fight with the VA continues. at last checking the average days in decision phase were 67 at my RO. mine has been there since 11/17/11.....when i called peggy i asked them if that encluded weekends too just for giggles. so with the PTSD clinic that my doc is sending me to for 6 to 8 weeks coming up - maybe my claim will be done by the time i am released.

I agree with what what the others already said. the congress people slow your claim. as for your lawyer - why would he want more info about work history if it is alread documented? the VA has a program for homeless if you end up with out a place to live. check with your VA about it. as you have to go to a class and fill out the paperwork. as far as other sources of money to get you through on your bills - I have had to go to local church services for food, vouchers for electric and water and what not - my VA rec'ed them and also "Welcome home troop" local services that will help with rent and what not. Some times they have the funding - some times not but they will be able to help put you in contact with people that can help with that aspect. it's a depressing and kick to the teeth in pride to have to go to these but you got to do what you got to do while waiting with nothing in your pocket or belly.. remember that your day will come too - hopefully soon. keep your head down and know that you are not alone.

Congrats on your fight! Good news!!

My twin brother is also going to be using patriot. He met some guys in Utah when he was in a PTSD clinc there that had dogs from them. I didn't have to wait a year to get my dog. She was already my pet and I had her trained to be a service dog through the organization that i went through - Canine Angels - which services our area locally. It's the same thing though - I had to fill out an application, get references, they did the interview, and came to my house to check it out. The training was the fun part as the master trainer would come to my house with his pack of dogs and would show my dog the lesson and teach me what to do, then I would work on it with my dog. So she is taylored just for me - she is a pit bull, so she was a little hard headed at some of the training but once we got it rolling, she picked it up very fast. I cried when she passed all of her tests. @ Tbird...WOW a year??? that's a long time! Is it just the org? Having a dog certainly helps me get out and about. There is no words that i can use to describe how my dog has helped me and continues to do so every day.

After being on it only 7 days at .5 mgs 3x a day, I ended up in the ER - I thought I was having a heart attack, turns out it increased my blood pressure to stroke zone and all of my symptoms got worse. The anxiety, aggression ect. I thought I was going to kill somebody. The doc's there told me that i was having a reaction from it.

anytime! There are tons of agencies out there that service train dogs or will give a Veteran a free service dog. What ever avenue you take through what ever agency - just make sure it's the right dog for you. meaning that you get to spend time with the dog and the agency may have a choice of dogs for you to choose from. Most of the legit ones are all 501 (3c) charities. so they take on shelter dogs that have the ablitiy to be trained into service animals. - it really does take a special type of dog to adapt and learn all that needs to be learned. also when you get your dog...be prepared....a lot of people will start asking you questions about what kind of dog it is, what's it for, can they pet it, what kind of "tricks" does it do.....it gets really annoying lol

I am being switched to risperidone but haven't started taking it yet. any one have any of the side effects? considering half of my issues are "side effects" listed below - I am pretty skeptical. Common side effects: Anxiety; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headache; increased appetite; increased saliva production; indigestion; lightheadedness; nausea; restlessness; runny nose; stomach pain or upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weight gain. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Risperidone: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); abnormal thoughts; confusion; drooling; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; inability to control urination; increased sweating; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, aggression, agitation, depression, severe anxiety); seizures; severe dizziness; stiff or rigid muscles; suicidal thoughts or attempts; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; unusual weakness); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); unusual bruising; vision changes.