toothpick

I also have enough iron to build a tank but have been on venaflaxine for 3 years with no problems so far.

Well said; I love this crap! While filing my claim and waiting for different decisions the more they say no the more I find to rebut their answers. I have accepted a difficult mission and FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!

When '79-'87 (peace time) I don't think sitting on a tarmac for 2 days waiting to go to Grenada counts. Where Korea, Germany, 2 stateside units. Injured at NTC (Ft. Erwin, Calif.) in '82

Hi Carlie, Sure, it's all well documented. The date and even time of accident, evac orders to base hospital, 3 days in our MASH, and 21 more days of dazed and confused bed rest (if you can call a cot bed rest!) Just in case it wasn't I had copies made at the time of injury and have kept them safe w/me for almost 30 years. Not that the military would lose or misplace someones records. Between that and the Hadit forums, I hope I have it covered. Thank you Hadit members!!!!

After going thru what I would describe as a very long bad dream I decided to file a claim for TBI. It took nearly 15 years to realize what was wrong, another 5 or 10 believing that it would go away, and obviously it hasn't. I started seeing a VA shrink in the early 90's and have been doing so off and on since for all the symptoms that go with a TBI (anx.,depres.,mood dis., social dis.,) and anything else that goes with it. Meds have been increasing the whole time and are maxed out doses now. At least I hope so, any more and I would be a zombie! After going thru the C&P exams, Neuro and Physc, both were positive for TBI w/ facial nerve damage and Ptsd from the TBI (hope that made sense?), and now it's up to the review board and God, which ever has the higher authority to make a decision. My claim was filed 10 months ago and I'm still standing in line like everyone else. It's hard for a soldier to ask for help, but if anyone knows a young soldier coming back please make sure they get it and don't wait like I did.

I don't know how ya'll are getting nexus letters. Our VAMC health and mental clinics will not produce one, there comment is "the records speak for themselves".

"Bout all I can say is "well said"

Any added medical evidence cannot hurt, and would only add to your claim. Only question is.... do you really think a IMO is needed, and why? Never doubt yourself, its your claim and your evidence on record that will help you.

Why in the world are you still working anyway.

If possible go to the DAV office and wait to see them in person. Those cubicles aren't big enough to hide in.

Applied for.............Severe COPD, Back pain, major depression, anxiety, collapsed lung Denial of................The medical evidence on file indicates you have been evaluated and treated for your conditions. We realize that you experience some pain and discomfort at times. While you are not capable of preforming work you have done in the past , you are not limited to work less demanding. Your age, education and training shows that you are capable of obtaining work in a less demanding area. (again with the less demanding) As you can tell I summarized the denial because of it being way to long to type. When I finally get to see an ALJ in person my belief is that a reversal in my favor will be granted.

My mistake, haven't seen the judge yet. I've been waiting about 3 months now for the chance to "speak my peace" if you catch my drift.

Better check in with us so you won't go ballistic waiting for the mailman. Good luck!

I see I am not the only one with too much education. Waiting for a response now from ALJ for SSD or SSI. Haven't worked in 20 months due to bad health. Here's a thought ...let's sue for discrimination. Too smart !

Thanks Pete53, even though we can file a claim for seeing purple dino's, it's the getting it approved part that scares me.

It's ALL in my records (about 4 inches thick). Been seeing a shrink for about 27 years because of it. It's PTSD on steroids.

The 0% has been taken care of I guess (complete prosthetics, dentures). Application date of 3 mar 11 for the other claims. C%P was last Wednesday with a favorable report I think. TBI with residuals of major depression, anxiety, and all that applies with PTSD from 1992 until now with increasing meds the whole time. Also filed for IU do to Severe COPD. Whether it means anything or not the C&P psychiatrist put quote "Vet meets criteria for PTSD". GAF is 59. As for the VSO, yes. He is a good one too. A new piece of evidence for a claim is immediately sent to rating board. And he actually returns my calls.

First of all I am 0% sc for fracture of lower jaw, roof of mouth and loss of teeth (11 of them at one time). Now here comes the confusing part. Filed a claim for TBI, PTSD, Anxeity, Major Depression, and IU with Severe COPD. Nsc may cover the COPD part, not sure. All of these are documented by MH at local VA. for the past 20 years. In each case meds have been increasing. My C&P exam clearly states "Vet meets criteria for PTSD". I have read Cfr 38 untill my eyes are falling out and the forums here to find out if they all tie together and roughly what % it may be. This all started 27 years ago in a peace time era. One part of 38 says it has to be combat related another says it doesn't matter. Now here's the question, in laymans terms do I stand a snowballs chance of a favorable rating? Any help would be a great comfort to my already shot nerves.