calnight

Its been awhile since I posted but I got my first review from ssd in the mail. It took them 5 years to review. Just would like to know anyone elses exp going through this. No one from ssd called me just sent me out some papers to fill out. You Know, are u working can u work when was the last time I saw my shrink my meds stuff like that. Release form for my medical records. I sent it in about 2 weeks ago no word yet. I sent a copy of my va letter stating I was 100% service connected with no future exams. I got my ssd before I got my 100% so now ssd knows I am 100% from the va now. And anyone been through this how long did it take to get a response from ssd. And will I have to see a ssd shrink agian? Saw one the first time when I applied for ssd. And by the way if any one forgot I am 70% with IU P&T for ptsd. Thanks

Ok I will put my 2 cents on this one. Having IU P&T for ptsd. I have been IU for 3 years now and am only 36. Well to tell the truth I miss working. My wife just left 2 months ago and one factor there were many is that she did not like the fact I did not work. We were married for 13 years and have 2 small children. I live in a town I hate and moved here for her job. I bought a house for my family and now am stuck with the house and the 1800 month house payment. Some times I think it would have been better to stay at 50% and kept working even know it would have ended in disater. I guess my point is really think about what you want yes with the va and ssd and my union pension I make more money than when I was working. Also being young plays a role also I guess if I were in my late 40s or 50s I would look at it different. I had a old good vietnam vet at my old job I was telling him I was going for the IU and he told me not to do it. Said I was to young and what was I going to do with my life. And he was right. My typical day is wake up with the kids when I have them get them off to school come home get ready for the gym. Go to the gym ( I am in better shape than when I was in the corp ) So good the last va appt I had they took me off my high cholerstal and blood pressure meds. I have lost 20 lbs. And gained a but load of muscle. I go to the gym 5 days a week sometimes twice a day. Now this is not something I enjoy But I know If I dont I will turn to the bottle or something else to pass my time. My va shrink tells me to keep doing it and how big I have gotten he knows if I dont keep working out I will turn to something else. Ok now I have heard so many times that I need to find a hobbie find something I enjoy. Well its not that easy I dont know what I like I miss being in the corp miss my friends miss my brothers and dont know what I am going to do with my life. Sometimes I feel worthless and if I did the right thing going for iu. So yes I understand how it feels not to work. And I do miss it. But also know I cant due to my ptsd. It is a struggle every day.

Well its been awhile since I posted. I am going through a divorce partly due to my ptsd. My ex could not handle the fact I could not work. Even though I make more money then her and stayed home with our girls. So at age 36 2 divorces and I think I am done. My va shrink said since the divorce is due to the ptsd I having nothing to worry about if they ever want a rexam. I am 70% with iu p&t.

You can get 15% off your wireless phone bill if you have a military I.D. It says you have to be active duty but the people at the AT&T store dont know the diffrence between A 100% P&T red card and a active duty card. You must go to a AT&T store and tell them that you want a military discount. They will photo copy the I.D. and fax it to AT&T. And thats it. I was told it can take up to 2-3 months to show the discount on my bills. Discount is only good on the first line so if you multiple lines there is no discount on the 2nd or 3rd and so on.

I also just used my ID card to stay at the naval base in Monteray CA. Its a small base but the hotel was really nice and only 70 bucks a night. Real close to all the attractions took the kids and wife to the beach and the aquirium. Naval lodge.com is the navy web site for all there hotels also the army and airforce has hotels.They also have overseas hotels that you can stay at ( with your ID ).

My ID card says DAVPRM/E6. I am 70% with IU P&T. Also the expiration date says INDEF. I also got promoted to a E6 I got out as a E4. I was thinking maybe I should go back in as a SSGT now that I got promoted. YEA RIGHT.

Lowes offers 10% off with a military ID. I used my pink 100% service connected ID. I will no longer shop at home depot they offer nothing for veterans.

If you live in california you already got the tax increase. As of april 1 the sales tax went up 1% and the car tax or registration doubled also. So depending what county you live in california some countys such as LA the sales tax is around 10% were I live it is now 8% and now my car registration is over 600 bucks a year. Lets not forget that california has one of the highest income taxes. And property taxes. I hate california good old arnold the terminator is a idiot. Never move to california unless you like to be taxed to death. The only reason I stay is for my wifes job.

I forgot if this is true this will the first time since 1976 that there has not been a cola increase.

I just read today in the SF cronicle that there wil be no cola for ssd and I believe for VA comp. The article said due to low inflation that there will be no cola for ssd and ss It said nothing about VA comp but guess since there is nothing for ssd then this will be the same for va comp. Also said that there will be no cola for the next 2 years and medicade or medicare will go up to 119.00 a month. Now dont take this for word just what I read today in the SF cronicle.

HEY CAVMAN NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL. I HAVE MY WIFE AND 2 KIDS COMES OUT TO 3007 A MONTH WITH THE 5.8 COLA. STILL ADJUSTING TO NOT WORKING ITS BEEN ROUGH SEEING MY WIFE WORKING AND ME STAYING HOME, I GUESS ITS A EGO THING. BUT BEING THE HOUSEHUSBAND HAS ITS PERKS MY 2 GIRLS 4 AND 9 KEEP ME BUSY. NOT TO MANY MEN GET TO WATCH THERE KIDS GROW UP. TAKE CARE CAVMAN.

This is my opion as being from the younger generation and being rated 100% for ptsd I would not take the purple heart. And after reading many storys of officers getting the bronze star and silver star in OIF for bullshit while E-1 thru E-5 who really deserved the medals were given acheivement awards I think the medal system is screwed up. And like others say once you get out nobody really cares. I will pass my medals on to my family and that will be that. And I dont want to explain to someone why I got the purple heart for ptsd I have trouble telling someone why at 36 I dont work and look healthy to work. I got a perfect example. About 3 months ago I removed my disabled veteran plates from my vehicle. My wife who works in law enforcement was asked why I had disabled veteran plates on our vehicle. ( Now dont get me wrong I believe its none of anybody businness }but being in law enforcement its diffrent. And since most of her coworkers know of me and my vehicle (small town). I said screw it got regular plates mostley for my wife so she doesnt have to go through the 3rd degree. Now I have to pay the registration on the vehicle about 300 a year ( california not cheap ). Just so my wife does not have to put up with super cops. Just imagine having the purple heart for ptsd and putting up with that. Just my opion purple heart should be for combat physical injuires. Not to say ptsd is less severe than a physical injury.But for me its less of a headache and I just dont want to deal with some xxxxxxx who as never been in the military never seen combat looking at me like I am crazy for having a purple heart for ptsd. And if you do have the purple heart I have much respect for your service. But I do not feel Like I deserve one. Besides getting my 3007.00 a month from the VA is a better reward.

I used oakland for my first claim got 50% in 6 months for ptsd. That was befor the war kicked off so I dont know about now. I live in nor cal but now my va is reno. It matters were you live in nor cal. I was living in sacramento at the time and that was oakland then I moved way up in nor cal up by the nevada border so reno is now my va. I thought both reno and oakland were alright compared to the horror stories of others. were to you plan on moving in california and I can tell you if you will got oakland or reno. And why would you want to move to california. The only reason I stay in california is for my wifes job. I have lived in california all my life and cant stand it. california taxes the shit out of you and the cost of living sucks.

IF YOU HAVE WHENT TO THE VOCREHAB SCREENING WERE YOU TAKE ALLTHE TESTS AND SIT DOWN WITH A COUNSELER. PLEASE GET A COPY UNDER THE FOIA. THIS CAN BE VERY GOOD EVIDENCE FOR YOUR CLAIM AND FOR SSD. I USED THIS EVIDENCE FOR MY CLAIM AND I FEEL IT HELPED ALOT. VOCREHAB SAID I WAS UNEMPOLYABLE AND IT WAS NOT FEESABLE FOR ME TO BE IN THE PROGRAM DUE TO MY PTSD. I SENT THIS TO THE VA AND SSD. I BELIEVE IT WAS THIS THAT PUSHED MY CLAIM OVER THE TOP ALONG WITH MY MEDICAL EVIDENCE. IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO AD TO YOUR EVIDENCE AND ARE ELGIBLE FOR VOCREHAB I SUGGEST TO ATLEAST APPLY AND GO THE SCREENING PROCESS. ITS FREE AND THE EVIDENCE CAN BE REALLY GOOD FOR YOUR CLAIM. SUGGEST TO THE COUNSELAR THAT YOU DONT THINK VOCREHAB WILL HELP OR YOU CANNOT FINISH OR START THE PROGRAM DUE TO YOU SC. THE COUNSELAR WILL RIGHT OUT A REPORT AND YOU CAN GET A COPY.

I to am 100% for ptsd and am starting college at AMU this month. I think there is not a problem as long as you do the college work on line and not go to college and sit in a classroom. And dont go telling your shrink about it keep it to yourself. I have to pay out of pocket its 700.00 a class at AMU. But like you its been 2 years since I got IU and I need something to do.

Like Berta I to am about to begin at AMU. It did take them awhile to get all my transcripts from the other colleges I attented. I already have 60 units done and now that I have been on IU for almost 2 years I need something to do. I chose the legal law degree my 60 units are in CJustice but since having ptsd I think being a cop is out of the question. Plus cops scare the shit out of me I am afraid that one going to say something that sets me off and I end up in jail. I do have to pay out of pocket but I also would like to have something on my side just incase the VA kicks me off the payroll. Plus it is done all on line I can imagine what the VA would say if they found out I was attending school at a campus. I dont think I would go to law school but maybe pursue a master degree. So AMU has got all my transcripts and now it takes 4-6 weeks to eval all my units. Your never to old to get your education and nobody can ever take it away from you. I say go for it larry.

Thanks Berta, So from what I have read you must have liver or spleen damage to get a higher rating. At witch I have none. Atleast it is service connected so if I do get the liver or spleen damage it will be taken care of by the VA.

Hello everyone its been awhile, I would like to know if anyone is service connected for maleria more than 0%. I am currently at 0% for maleria. What would it take to get atleast 10% for maleria. Not that I would try to reopen my claim I currently at 70% and IU. Just would like to know just in case. I figure if they the VA trys to reval me for my IU I would then pursue it if there is a chance to do better than 0%. Thanks

WINGS, THE SMOKE IS REALLY BAD IN SUSANVILLE IT FEELS ALL OF CALIFORNIA IS ON FIRE. ITS BEEN ALMOST 2 WEEKS I CANT EVEN SEE THE SUN. I TRY TO KEEP THE KIDS INSIDE. HOPE YOU CAN GO HOME SOON. ROCK HOUND I HEARD ABOUT WHAT THERE DOING IN RENO. WHEN I FIRST STARTED GOING TO RENO IT WAS A ASIAN LADY DR. THEN SHE LEFT AND SHE WAS REPLACED BY A OLD RETIRED NAVY DR. I THINK HE WAS ONLY THERE FOR ABOUT A MONTH. NOW MY SHRINK GOES OVER ALL MY MEDS SINCE THERE IS NO DOCTOR. I HAVE HIGH BP AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL AND HIGH TRIGYLERIDES SO HAVE TO TAKE MEDS FOR ALL THAT TO. I THINK ITS BEEN OVER 6 MONTHS SINCE SINCE THE MENTAL HEALTH DEPT AS HAD A REGULAR DR. ITS TO BAD ABOUT YOUR PHOBIA. BUT IF YOU CAN GET PAST IT DR.VANBIBER IS REALLY GOOD REALLY LAID BACK OLDER GUY HE HAS BEEN DOING IT A LONG TIME. I REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST STARTED SEEING HIM I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF MY APPEAL TO GET IU AND 70% FOR PTSD. I ASKED HIM TO WRIGHT THAT I WAS UNEMPLOYABLE FOR ME AND HE HAD NO PROBLEM DOING IT. AND EVERY TIME I SEE HIM HE TELLS ME THAT IF THE VA REVIEWS ME TO LET HIM KNOW SO HE CAN WRIGHT A STATEMENT FOR ME. WHEN I GO SEE HIM ITS MORE ABOUT MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS THEN ABOUT THE PTSD. I FIGURED IT TO BE THAT HE KNOWS THAT WITH OUT FAMILY AND SUPPORT THAT THE PTSD WOULD BE ALOT WORSE AND ITS TRUE I WOULD BE IN PRISON WITHOUT THEM. THAT HOW I KNOW HE IS A GOOD DR. NOW THAT I HAVE BEEN SEEING HIM FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS HE NEVER ASK ME ABOUT MY NIGHTMARES AND FLASHBACKS YOU KNOW THE TYPICAL BS EVERY SHRINK GOT TO DRILL YOU ON. WITCH JUST PISSES YOU OFF. ITS MORE ABOUT HOW TO LIVE WITH YOUR PTSD AND HAVE THE BEST LIFE YOU CAN. NOT ABOUT A MAGIC PILL THAT WILL CURE YOU. THE OTHER VA SHRINKS WERE LETS GIVE YOU THESE MEDS COMEBACK IN A MONTH OR TO. THEN WHEN YOU COME BACK THEY ASK IF THEY WORK AND IF YOU SAY YES YOUR CURED AND IF YOU SAY NO LETS TRY ANOTHER MED UNTIL YOUR CURED.

HEY JOHN, THIS IS ALIST OF DRUGS THE VA GOT ME ON. I DONT TAKE ANY THING ELSE NOTHING ILLEGALL. MIRTAZAPINE 15MG CLONAZEPAM 1MG QUETIAPINE FUMARATE 100MG CITALOPRAM HYDRBRMIDE 40MG NO GUNS JUST FORKS AND SPOONS

OK. THINGS HAVE BEEN GOING ALRIGHT IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR AND A HALF SINCE GETTING THE IU. THANKS TO EVERYONE HEAR AT HADIT. THE VA HAS LEFT ME ALONE JUST THE ONCE A YEAR LETTER ASKING ME IF I HAD BEEN WORKING. BEEN SEEING MY VA SHINK ABOUT EVERY 3 MONTHS LIKE TO SEE HIM MORE BUT ITS A 160 MILE ROUND TRIP FOR ME. I MADE SURE TO TELL HIM ABOUT THE MCDONALDS INCIDENT I HAD. I LIVE IN VERY SMALL TOWN POP 5000 SO I GO TO THE LOCAL AND ONLY MCDONALDS IN TOWN TO GET THE KIDS THERE FOOD WELL GET HOME OF COURSE THEY FORGOT THE NUGGETS. SO THE PTSD WAS ALREADY INFLAMED THAT DAY SOMEDAYS ARE WORSE THAN OTHERS. LEFT THE KIDS AT HOME DROVE BACK TO THE MCDEES WENT INSIDE AND WENT POSTAL. NOW REMIND YOU ITS LUNCH HOUR ITS PACKED. IT WAS NOT A PRETTY SIGHT. AND OF COURSE THERE WAS SOMEONE TELLING ME TO SHUT UP ANOTHER CUSTOMER. WELL IT WAS ON WE STEPED OUTSIDE AND LETS SAY WHEN IT WAS DONE HE WAS NOT STANDING. THE MANAGER REFUSED TO COME OUTSIDE DONT BLAME HIM. WELL I LEFT BEFORE THE COPS CAME. AND NOW I CANT GO TO THAT MCDONALDS ANY MORE. AND WHEN IT WAS ALL OVER AND I CALMED DOWN I FELT LIKE SHIT ALL OVER NUGGETS. MY WIFE WAS PISSED. ITS HARD TO EXPLAIN BUT ITS LIKE A SWITCH ONCE ITS TURNED ON IT CANNOT BE TURNED OFF. BUT EVERY TIME I HAVE OUTBURST LIKE THIS MOST ARE NOT THIS SEVER AFTER I CALM DOWN I FEEL HORRIBLE. I LOOK BACK AND THINK HOW STUPID THAT WAS AND WHAT A IDIOT I LOOKED LIKE. PTSD SUCKS. NOW I HAVE REALLY GOOD VA SHRINK ANYONE WHO IS ARE IS GOING THE VA MENTAL HEALTH IN RENO LET ME KNOW THIS GUY AS BEEN ON MY SIDE ALL THE WAY. DR. VANBIBER IS HIS NAME. I TELL HIM THIS STORY AT HE STARTS LAUGHING AND TELLS ME NOT TO GO TO ANY MORE MCDONALDS. AND THEN TELLS ME TO STOP WORKING OUT. EVER SINCE I STOPED WORKING I HAVE BEEN WORKING OUT 5 DAYS AWEEK. BENCHING OVER 300LBS. I AM IN BETTER SHAPE NOW THEN WHEN IN THE CORP. ITS MY DRUG OF CHOICE FOR MY PTSD. IT GETS ALOT OF THE ANGER OUT. BUT HAS FAR AS THE MCDONALDS INCIDENT IT MAKES GREAT MEDICAL EVIDENCE JUST IN CASE THEY WANT TO REVIEW ME. THANKS EVERYONE.

I AGREE WITH LUVHIM IF YOU ARE 100% OR IU AND P&T LEAVE IT ALONE. IF YOU ARE GOING TO ASK FOR P&T THEN MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CURRENT MEDICAL EVIDENCE TO BACK IT UP. BE PREPARED FOR A RE-EXAM. IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS NOW I HAVE FOLLOWED THIS BOARD AND IT SEEMS THAT THE VA IS CRACKING DOWN ON MH DISORDERS. AND I DO SEE IN THE FUTURE THAT ANYONE WITH A MH DISORDER WILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH A ANNUAL EXAM TO KEEP THERE BENIFITS. AND ALL YOU DO IS BE READY WITH GOOD UP TO DATE MEDICAL EVIDENCE. FINDING A GOOD SHRINK YOU CAN SOMEWHAT TRUST THAT YOU FEEL WILL HELP YOU IF THE VA DOES WANT TO RE-EXAM YOU. JUST BE READY FOR ANY CRAP THE VA PULLS.

YES YOU CAN BE P&T AND IU. YOU GET ALL THE BENNIES CHAMPVA AND COLLEGE FOR YOUR KIDS. YOU GET PAID THE 100% RATE. SOME ON THE BOARD SAY THERE IS A ADVANTAGE TO BEING IU SINCE IT HAS TO DO WITH THE ABILITY TO WORK. I WOULD ASK THE ELDERS IF IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO FILE FOR IU NOW JUST INCASE THEY SCREW YOU. IF YOU FILE NOW FOR IU IT WILL HAVE TO GO BACK FROM THE ORIGINAL DATE YOU FILLED.

I HAVE A FEELING THIS WILL BE THE NORM UNTIL WE HIT THE 5 YEAR MARK. AND EVEN THEN THEY STILL WILL SPOT CHECK YOU. NOTHING IS SET UNTIL YOU HIT THE GOLDEN 20 YEAR MARK. EVEN IF YOUR P&T THATS MEANS NOTHING. I AM P&T AND EVEN KNOW THE VA IS NOT SUPPOSED TO RE-EXAM ME IT WILL MORE THAN LIKLEY WILL HAPPEN. JUST BE COOL FOR YOUR KIDS I KNOW HAVING 2 THREE AND EIGHT. JUST HAVE THE MINDSET THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE LAST TIME THE VA PULLS THIS CRAP. BE READY WITH MEDICAL EVIDENCE. EVERY TIME YOU SEE YOUR SHRINK OR ANY DOCTOR GET A COPY OF THE REPORT. FILE IT BY DATE. HIGHLITE THE AREAS THAT SHOWS YOUR CONDITION IS THE SAME OR WORSE. SO NEXT TIME THE VA DOES IT AGIAN YOU WILL BE READY. THIS IS NOTHING BUT A GAME THE VA PLAYS AND YOU MUST LEARN HOW TO PLAY OR YOU LOOSE. YOU HAVE MOVED FROM ONE WAR TO ANOTHER WITH THE VA.