Sempfidoc

Congrats! It's hard to say what they will come up with next? The important thing is to continue to be seen and have any additional docs sent to the VA and your case manager. I think that If the condition persists or doesn't improve over time, they would more than likely put you on TDIU. The thing is that I don't know very much about TDIU? But for IU, it needs to be long lasting and not improving (based on my experience). I was at 90% then had some additional docs I submitted and was approved 100%p&t. I was shocked! But quite relieved.

I have had chronic PTSD. Been on meds (which help) but still suffer from it. I was exposed to a blast in Iraq in 04'. I screened positive on the TBI verbal test. I was given a head CT that came back clean. I spent about 30 minutes with a VA doc that determined that I didn't currently have a TBI. I have headaches daily, forgetfulness, lack of concentration, sleeping problems, mood issues, dizziness, vertigo etc...According to the VA website, I have all but about 2 of the symptoms for TBI. My PCP thinks I have it as well but will not fight Polytrauma. I do have another appt with my PCP so that he can tell me the next course of action for the headaches. I know neurology will not treat headaches. The nurse told me that directly. I do have the backing of the OIF nurse and Military One Source. My question is... What do I have to do for them to take me seriously and diagnose me with MTBI? Has too much time gone by? Do they think it is all of this is PTSD? Personally, I don't think they know enough to make such a judgement. What is the defining thing that makes it a TBI?

Unfortunately, the wait seems to be there for everyone. Besides being disabled and having been in the military, we all share in the wait. I was told by a benefits counselor (former VA employee) that the case load for the primary decision maker was 7 cases a day. It helps if the claim is cut and dry..but how often is that the case? Obviously, the more reputable the VSO is the closer the VA rep will look at the claim. VA has to look at EVERYTHING. But, the relationship between benefits counselors at VA and your VSO is really important for this reason: if the VSO sends in everything (crappy lack of evidence claims-right or wrong) the VA will get sour on that VSO and potentially not give the most expeditious care to the case. The more valid the claim ( & case history) the more credibility formed with that VSRO at VA. I don't know if this helps, but it helped me understand a little bit more about what they go through. It doesn't solve any of our problems but gives insight to what VA does like it or not. Basically, 7 cases a day to process (which would theoretically encourage them to push them through). If it looks good, from a credible source (VSO), it goes on through to the next phase for review. Hopefully this helps.

Sniperpeeps, I'm new to the forum but use it all the time for C&P questions etc. I've been through the process now since 2006. I'm 80% (PTSD and an ortho injury) service connected. Anyway, I too have the symptoms of a mild TBI. A claim was started for me and they found that I didn't have a TBI. Even with evidence of two ER visits related to these symptoms. I don't have long lasting headaches like before. What I AM left with is this vertigo that the VA neurologist called "vestibular neuritis". I don't agree. The treatment for that is valium. As you probably know, you can't do anything on valium. You won't feel your symptoms if you're asleep. So, I carry a cane in the event that I might get dizzy. I look like a fool or like i'm trying to "fake" it since it doesn't stay with me every moment. My primary physician tried again to send me to polytrauma for another eval but they denied me since I was there once before and said I didn't have one. My doctor prescribed me a cane. My Dr. said specifically that my gait and vertigo are from the blast I was a part of....and it wasn't my psych meds. This leaves me more confused. I'm not seeking money. I want to know what the deal is? I was thinking about going to an outside neurologist since I have TRICARE. Possibly he/she can give me a better understanding of what I have/don't have. Anything you can add would be helpful. I appreciate it. ASemp