PayBack

Thanks for the response. If attempted vehicular homicide, terroristic threats to kill me and my family members, threatened involutary psychiatric ward admission (which would've happened if my congressman hadn't intervened), and court martial with 5 to 10 yr sentence if convicted don't qualify as stressors, then I guess I don't have anything. I guess I've spent all those sleepless nights practically going out of my mind because just wasn't mentally tough enough. Administrative actions I could deal with. Getting run into 2 lanes of on coming traffic during rush hour, canvassing the neighborhood for hours because my 8 yr old stopped by a friends house after school ( I received a call the previous day that they were going to kidnap her), being held against my will and drugged on a mental ward, or spending 5 to 10 yrs in Ft. Leavenworth, KS for a crime I didn't commit were all things I couldn't quite wrap my mind around. Migraine headaches that last for days, insomnia that's lasted for years, severe depression, anxiety, 4 distinct reoccuring nightmares are really products of my imagination. I'm prepared to hear it all, that's why I've always kept it to myself. Which is what I'm going to continue to do. Thanks for making my decision to cancel the appt easier.

FYI, According to the directives, it says that a family practioner CAN diagnos and treat PTSD. Check it out and comment, please... http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub...asp?pub_ID=1391 http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/PTSD/G/ptsd-04-2.pdf

Hi Berta, You are truly a blessing. Your generosity will not go unappreciated. I believe I can track down some people if I need to. I'm hoping that the governments own documents will be enough. I have 2 volumes of trial transcripts that detail and verify the entire 2 & 1/2 year ordeal in addition to witness statements etc... I just don't like rehashing everything. I realize it's necessary to get the help I need but even brief disclosure here on line has resulted nightmares and sleepless nights. I'll get by. Thank You!

Good Afternoon, Deeply appreciate all the advice. I'm fully aware that this will be an uphill battle with the VA. My situation is not combat related. However, the devastation of said events impact me every day in my life. People who know my story are amazed that I didn't either hurt someone or blow my brains out in desparation. All I can say is prayer is a wonderful thing and GOD has sustained me throughout. It's a was a daily struggle within not to have done either of those things. I haven't lost my sanity, I just constantly struggle with the ramificaitions of those events. I've always told the truth so I'll continue to do so. Hope is all I have, if I lose it, I'm dead... Tomorrow will come and I can only hope that the gentlemen actually listens... Thanks Again for Your Support!

Congratulations, and GOD Bless!!

Good Afternoon to All, What each has responded is the absolute truth. However, it doesn't change the fact that a change must come. Everytime I see the figures from this recent war continue to climb, I realize how much worse the issue will become if it doesn't change. The benefits provided a dead soldiers family during the war on terror are very minute and the fact that the families of the initial clash in that war (9/11) received $3.15 million each. I feel for them, but to be honest, what's the difference between that and a natural disaster or OK City. I realize that this is strictly financial managment by the federal gov't. They know that they'll eventually have to pay, but they know the longer it takes, the more they'll save. This is simply gross mismanagement of tax dollars. There's money available, we just lent $230 million to Lebanon. We lend money to every 3rd world country on the planet. What I'm saying is stop the madness and pay the people responsible for providing the security you live under on a daily basis. If we all surmise that everyone is aware of the problem, then this is government sanctioned crime, correct? I guarantee that I'm going after everyone involved with my claim. The QTC doctor, original official who review my claim, and the DRO if he doesn't come correct. I'm also very disappointed with AMVETS. I've had zero contact with them since my original appointment. They won't return phone calls or answer email. My case is really simple I've provided enough documentation to easily receive 100% and they return with 40%. I probably wouldn't be half as upset if they at least came close. I feel as if they spit in my face and basically said that my 23 years of service to my country meant nothing to anyone. I'm going to beat every bush until I find some young hot shot attorney who wants to make a REAL difference in the world and I'll provide the avenue. My QTC examiner actually repeatedly told bold faced lies that cost me money. I'm still a young man and I intend on collecting what is owed. I realize it's an uphill battle (if everyone knows veterans were promised cradle to grave healthcare, and gov't officials can actually testify in front of Congress that they weren't), but I'm in it to win it. Anyway, I woke up this morning and the sun was still shining. It's a great day. Take Care

Hi, I realize that you all must be laughing hysterically at this post. Thinking that this guy must be joking or extremely naive. Well, I'm not joking, just disgusted. As I browse the internet seeking assistance about veterans issues, I'm really appalled by the injustices that many of us face in our pursuit of benefits. I've decided that I'm going to dedicate a major portion of my time and limited resources to ensuring that this stops. There is NO reason that this process takes so long. Call it apathy or lethargy, take your pick. I call it an " American Tragedy". Our elected officials have the power to change this and with everbodies help, I think we can get them to change it. As long as THEY are creating more disabled veterans every day, they're accountable. We have so many compelling stories, and it's time we informed the world of this treatment. There is no logical reason that any claim can't be completed with 365 days (including appeals). I've been inside VA buildings, they must work smarter and perhaps harder (limiting breaks, internet browsing, chit chat etc...). If there goal were redefined for them and officials held accountable, perhaps we could affect positive outcome. Imposing real disciplinary action on neglectful officials would be a key component in affecting this change. Something as simple as three strikes and your gone. Do away with REMANDing? It wastes time. Simply overrule the previous findings. If a VA official has an original decision or a DRO has their rulings changed 3 times, they gotta go. This may make the actually read the evidence that's before them. We would simply want those involved in the process "Do the Right Thing". No more, No less. If you want to help let me know. I'm very serious. If I have to do it alone, I'll work it till I die. I heard the stories, but until it happened to me, it never hit home. I apologize to all for not taking up the fight sooner. I swear by all that is sacred to me that I will not rest until this issue is resolved. We have an election coming in 2008, if we organize and work smart, perhaps we could use this to our advantage and affect positive change by then. Media, print, internet, we'll need to pool the resources and get real EXPOSURE. I'm very serious, and I hope you are too. GOD Bless

Good Evening, I'm headed to the doctors office Monday morning seeking an "Independent Medical Opinion". My original diagnosis' came from my family practioner. I know the VA will balk at that so I'm looking to back that up with that of a Board Certified Psychiatrist. Is there a special format that he must follow? I'm being seen for PTSD, depression and anxiety. I've tried to locate protocal, can anyone point me to it.... Thanks!

The individual who initially looked at the claim apparently didn't read everything. I would love to have them point out their reasons for denial. There were items omitted from the claim. The issues at hand now are rating increases. Nearly all were found in my favor , just @ 0%. The way my migraines were rated if just flat wrong. There's more than enough evidence there for a 50% rating but it sits today @ 10 %. The examiner claimed that I told him that I had 1 migraine every 4 days lasting for 2 days. He further states that I'm able to go to work with medication and that I stated there was no functional impairment with only 2 days lost time from work. The last few statements are blatant lies. According to his logic and what he says I should've received 0%. I was awarded 10%. This means that I have prostrating attacks averaging at least 1 in 2 months over the last several months. The verbage used above was taken directly from my "Ratings Decision". How did he arrive at the 10% based on his line of thinking? Regardless I have a documented 200+ days missed from work because of my migraines and since my retirement, my spouse has missed 46 days in 19 months to care for me and our twins during an episode. These are undisputable facts known by myself and others so why would I turn around and tell the VA examiner something different. I know, I really mustn't rapped too tight.... Take Care

Since I've moved, can a meeting with a DRO been done via teleconference or would I have to fly back to Houston. Also, how difficult is it to have an entire case transfered to another region?

I also have sleep apnea. TriCare won't pay for my CPAP though. I had two sleep studys wearing a CPAP and had no problems at all. I have REAL bad insomnia but this works the best for me while minimizing addictive properties common with other "Sleepers". My wife says that when I actually do sleep, it's peaceful. I feel rested when I awaken too. Find a good friend that you could take out to breakfast to sit up and watch you during a 1 night trial. Make sure they've prepared themselves for nightwatchman duty. Good Luck and keep me posted

Okay Guys & Gals, I need some advice on what to do next. My current status is with the DRO since January 06. By chance I was on the phone with a clerk researching another problem with my pay and discovered that somehow they got the idea and was researching whether or not I'd re-entered the military. This is a classic case of someone looking for the "smoking gun". I submitted additional evidence on my claim for carpal / cubital tunnel and the provider listed me as a " RH dominate pharmacy technician working @ Randolph AFB" . That's the only thing that could've got him excited. Problem is that as a registered technician, I have to maintain certifications in order to keep my registry. So to achieve this, I volunteer a few hours a month to get that documented in the event I do get healthy and return to work. However, I can only hope that he was just as studious in combing through the rest of the documentation. Unfortunately, I hoping against all hope there. The question is can I or should I request to go straight to the Board so I could get my hearing and end this once and for all. If I could gain an audience, I know 'I'll succeed. Let me know where to go from here. Thanks!

Deeply appreciate the kind words. It's very difficult to talk to anyone. However, this is about survival. After my extensive reading, I see that I've got no other alternative. Luckily, I had good support throught this ordeal and many jeopardized their own well being to assist me. The became unfortunate victims of my plight. Three of my friends and cow-workers were fired because they provide testimony for me. They took away their livelihood because of me. Two of them were women and mothers of young children with husband away from home due to military committments, and the other was a single father. That takes character. It's tough to exist knowing I caused them all to suffer so much. Sometimes winning is actually losing and it really sucks (sorry). Duty bound to file the complaint, because if I didn't and a audit was performed, I could've been put away for 20 plus years because it was my account that the funds were being used from. I had no choice. Fortunately, I've got transcripts of everything. One of the young ladies fired for supporting me filed an EEO complaint. In an attempt to discredit me as a witness for her, MY OIC told the investigator that I was an alcoholic enrolled in a treatment program. Which I obtained documentation from the Alcohol Treatment Program discrediting that. I don't even drink. I know that it would only make things worse. Again, I'm here because I have to survive. They stole my career, I'm not going to let them steal the rest of my life too. I'll just keep crunching my Prozac & Lunesta and pray.

Patrick / or Anyone else with info, First thank you from the bottom of my heart for you lending your expertise with this forum. My issues are a little different, thus I kept them to myself since 1992. I was retaliated against for whistle blowing by my chain of command. This went on for 2 1/2 years. Throughout that time period, I received threats against the welfare of my family, nearly a dozen admonitions, 4 reprimands, 2 poor performance appraisals (my prior 11 yrs were very good), Article 15 , General Courts-Martial. I was recommended for 1 mental health evaluation (which I declined), then ordered admitted to the psychiatric ward to submit to another (even after my commander received word from the Inspector General that my claims had been substantiated). He used his command influence to get a psychiatrist to author an evaluation w/out ever testing or consulting with me. Luckily my congressman and several civil rights groups eventually intervened and I was reassigned. Damage was already done. I was a mess. When the jury read the verdict at my trial, I passed out. Fortunately, I was found not guilty after a mere 21 minutes of deliberation. I the nights of unmedicated good sleep I've had since that time I can count on my fingers. I have 4 reoccurring nightmares pertaining to these events in my life. Needless to say, I trust no one. I nearly went mad knowing that although I won my case, I lost everything else. The 2 poor performance appraisals ensured that I wasn't promotable for 6 years. I was deeply hurt watching my peers pass me by. I became deeply depressed and sought counseling from my church. It helped me cope with day to day life, but my symptom persist. My network of assistance has disapated over the years and after I retired 19 months ago, my wife finally convinced me to see someone. I chose my family practicioner. I gave him a complete history of documentation relating to the above listed issues and he diagnosed me w/ PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I currently take prozac and it has helped some. Will I need an independent psychiatrist to concurr to rebut anything the VA is going to say? The DRO currently has my package on my ammended claim and I've scheduled an appt. with a psychiatrist for an evaluation. Does anyone have any other advice? I realize my issues are not as violent as others but my lifes a mess just the same. Thanks in advance for any input received.....