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mountain tyme
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Posts posted by mountain tyme
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Hello..
I could use some insight into this matter. I am helping a fellow vet with his claim for S/C Gerds.
After reviewing his Service Medical Records I found these noted in his military medical records.
He is a 22 year Veteran retired Military 1994
Chronological record of Medical Care
10 Dec. 93 509th Medical Group, Whiteman AFB
Occupational Health Physical Examination
See Question H: Stomach pains; change in bowel habits? Yes
7H: He has a lot of acid Ind. Use's a lot of tums.
14Dec93: Pt in for follow-up on occupational PE
c/o reflux sis esp. when lying down supine
A-probable GER
Feb 22, 1994 509th Medical Group Whiteman AFB, MO.
*C/O acid indigestion and reflux
A-(2) Reflux/ GER
continue taking anacids.
retired in July 94
after retirement he continued using antiacids until it became intolable around 96 VA started treating him for GERDS with prescription medication.
He filed for GERDS in Mar 07 though the VA.
He will be having his c/p tomorrow...
question will the entries in his Service Medical records be enough to show the condition existed while in the military?
Thanks
MT
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100% P/T
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Good Morning
goofycow you wrote: Lately my shrink has been pushing a program called compensated work therapy
Are you 100% T/P for PTSD? or perhaps another Mental impairment? if so I would be very carefull...if T/P was awarded for a Mental disability unlike a physical one...the VA would most likely re-evaluate you and you would have a more then likely aspect of losing your T/P.
Unfortunally individuals who are awarded T/P due to a Mental disorder are not suppose to work at all...even though I know that if you are granted T/P and it is based on a physical disability that you can work .... as unfair as that may be the VA view's Mental disorders differently due to the critera that needed to be met in order to recieve T/P to begin with.
I may be wrong on this...so do your research.
MT
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Good Morning...
Allen wrote:
allan Posted Yesterday, 04:12 AM
Hello Mountain tyme,
thank you for the reply.
I understand if PTSD is due to emotional trauma stresser letter is needed defining the event.
But, if the PTSD is due to physical trauma, than what.
Allan
I don't know If I am understanding your question...are you asking do you need to write a stressor letter if your PTSD is caused due to a physical trauma...if that is the question...yes you would still need to supply a stressor letter outlining what caused your Trauma...for example: if you were injured due to a fire which caused disfiguration the source of the trauma would have been the fire..the result of the trauma would be the disfigureation.
the defination of a pyscial trauma is the following...
"Physical trauma refers to a physical injury. A trauma patient is someone who has suffered serious and life-threatening physical injury potentially resulting in secondary complications such as shock, respiratory failure and death"
one needs to understand that PTSD is the medical term to describe the serverity of a conditon that was caused by an event so earth shaking in one's life that there mind could no longer process it.
As
Sledge stated earlier...""PTSD is a rewired brain, a mental aberration, a mental and physical disease"
Veterans who have been involved in accidents or incurred a physical trauma due to a conflict of war and substained a physical trauma which cused disfigurement regardless of the cause, have experienced a series of assaults on the mind as well as on the body that present extraordinary challenges to human resilience
The “trauma” for the survivor is complex. The injurious event is traumatic, but there is also trauma stemming from treatment that can be excruciatingly painful, likened by many to torture. The physical changes in the survivor’s body are permanent reminders of the fear, sadness and pain they have endured. The reactions of others to their changed bodies presents survivors with the additional trauma of feeling rejected, isolated, unworthy and humiliated.
Persons who have been physically “normal” and rendered disfigured by traumatic insult, no matter how young or old, must recreate themselves. They must discover new ways of moving their changed bodies in order to accomplish tasks that once they completed easily. They must find new identities to fit new body images. Whether for young children or for adults, this process is complex and arduous.
I hope this answered your question...I get confused sometimes...but then again what is normal!!!
God Speed
MT
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When I filed my claim the the State VSO where I live...I was told that all he can do for me is file the papers I bring in, that he did not have time to work a claim so I was on my own. Needless to say I made some mistakes along the way...then a wonderful VSO officer I met by pure luck gave me this web site and told me to go in and ask questions...with the help of this site and two great guys Sixthsence and Vike17 with there advice and encouragement I didn't give up.
I believe sites like this are meant not only for information but also encouragement just knowing that there are those who are compassionate enough to spend time giving advice and precious knowledge can make the journey seem less lonely.
I am not saying that there are not some really good VSO officers are there...for I know there are...but not everyone is so fortunate to be near offices like the DVA, or AMVETs...to the Men and Women these organization help...they are unsung hero's esp those who go beyond what is expected...as far as donating money...well I know some of the organizations you have to be a memeber and you pay dues...and I know that State VSO officers would not be able to accept money for there service...I think that if a Vet wants to donate something it should be there time...there experiance...to these offices helping others that is the greatest payback of all.
MT
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Hello
Allan wrote:
Non Combat PTSD?
For Veterans who suffer from PTSD symptoms due to toxic or physical trauma, would submitting scientific evidence supporting the nexus, along with history of treatment for PTSD and exposures to toxins/trauma, be the same as a stressor letter?
Thanks for any replies.
Allan
Hello Allan...
A stressor letter....should contain in detail what event or exposure caused the emotional trauma in your life, that was life altering to you. Which would include "would submitting scientific evidence supporting the nexus, along with history of treatment for PTSD and exposures to toxins/trauma" in your letter. For example...a very good friend of mine that I was stationed with while in the AF worked for CE as a plumber...he use to have to work around toxic chemicals that were used as coolant for missles...at the time PPE, OSHA, MSDS were not implemented at that time now we are talking early 70's...to make a long story short some of his coworkers developed liver cancer which caused great stress to him due to his exposure...he became paranoid to even go near any of the chemical's...so yes your stressor letter can point out that being exposed to toxic chemicals and the result of your friends or commrades dying from that expose she can cause PTSD exp. if it was not treated early on...PTS is stress and aniexty and if not treated early on it will develop into PTSD (d as in disorder). Personnal Truma in a stressor letter involving Personnal Truma it could be based on sexual harrasement, emotional trauma from working in a protential dangerous area...you could be a dental hygenist and have the task of identifying bodies through dental records...everyone has a threshold of what there individual emotional level can handle...based on there life experiance or beliefs...it is not uncommon for non-combat vets to develop PTSD...no matter what war or conflict one has been exposed to...not knowing what the outcome will be...the feeling of impending doom triggers something in the mind...that can not process that nagging feeling..
So if you are going to file for PTSD as S/C...you need to write a letter explaining the events of exposure that has caused emotional harm to you.
Even in non combat situlations buddy statements is a plus because then can support the general feeling at that time...what they observed...they can attest to how YOU handled everyday events...if you were anixious...weepy...uptight...arugmentive...they can bring out that you changed...
keep in mind...as the VET you have to piece it together like a time line...so the VA can understand who, where, what, and when this was all going on.
hope this helps
MT
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Dear Yoggie2...here are the steps to filing for PTSD hope this helps...
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
RECEIVING DISABILITY FOR PTSD
There are two basic steps to receive a disability from the Veterans Administration for PTSD. The first step is filing a claim with the VA for PTSD. The second, and most Important, is submitting a stressor letter. Most combat veterans do not trust the government or the VA. This is understandable considering the treatment most veterans received during and after the Vietnam War. But the VA has improved in most places, and the benefits are there for the combat veterans. The VA does not go looking for the combat veteran with PTSD. You mush push aside any bad feelings and make the effort to receive the earned benefits.
FILING A CLAIM
As ridiculous at It may seem, ail combat veterans must not only prove that they were In combat, they must also prove that they were In the military. This process screens out the phony combat veterans. It is surprising how many combat veterans have surfaced who were on top secret missions, and of course, there is no record of their even being in the military because their missions were so secret.
You can file a claim on your own, but there are several veteran’s organizations who will represent you on a disability claim. The best of these is probably the American Veterans (AMVETS), since their primary purpose Is helping the veterans file claims for disability. It you do not have an AMVETS office in your area where you can meet with a service officer, you can call the nearest AMVETS office and tell them you want to file a claim for disability. The AMVETS, will send you a power of attorney. You sign this paper and send it back through the mail. This gives the AMVETS your permission to represent you in your claim. The AMVETS opens your claim and forwards it to the VA regional office in your area. Opening the claim is actually a simple process.
THE STRESSOR LETTER
This is the single most important factor In obtaining disability for the combat veteran. After your claim has been filed, usually within 30 to 60 days, you will receive a letter from the VA stating that they have received your claim for PTSD. Then you will be asked to submit a stressor letter. This is a written record of combat experiences which you felt were life threatening or have caused you to display symptoms of PTSD. They will also note that they understand how difficult this can be for some veterans (thinking about war experiences and writing them down). And for many this is difficult. Some can't write well. Some are to terrified to think in detail about their war experience.
Chances are the average veteran cannot write a stressor letter that will pass the rating board. Once a stressor letter has been rejected by the rating board, the process to receive disability can be long and discouraging. Many veterans give up and never receive the disability they deserve. The VA will tell-you how to write the letter or what details to include. If the letter is rejected, many combat veterans will give up before appealing the rating board decision. So a veteran must submit a solid stressor letter to pass the rating board. This is my area of expertise. I know what to put in the letter and how to present it so that the rating board will grant any where from 10% to 50% disability just from your stressor letter without rejection and VA appeal hearings. It will be impossible to receive a 100% rating from a stressor letter, but once the VA agrees you are disabled, you can appeal for a higher percentage.
PTSD IS A RECOGNIZED DISORDER WHICH DOES NOT GO AWAY. THE REACTIONS TO COMBAT STRESS OFTEN BECOMES A PERMANENT PART OF THE VETERAN'S PERSONALITY.
WHAT COMES NEXT: THE COMP EXAM
At some point after you file for disability, either before or after you have submitted your stressor letter, you will receive a letter asking you to come to the nearest VA Hospital in your area for a Compensation Examination. This just means that you are going to speak to a VA psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will ask you many questions about your background (including your childhood and current social life) and your war service. The meeting with the doctor will probably last anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. The VA will also reimburse you with a small travel allowance for coming.
You must show up for this comp exam. If for some reason you can't make it, then call the VA and they will schedule you again. Most of all, relax. This psychiatrist is not your enemy, and ft is his or her job to send a report to the VA regional office as to whether you show symptoms of PTSD. The psychiatrist Is Impartial. If you show symptoms of PTSD, it will be reported without any favor toward the VA. So relax and answer questions to the best of your knowledge. Always stress the negative side of your life...never the positive. Just like at the close of the stressor letter. You can do this and still tell the truth just by avoiding the positive. Here are some things not to say at a Comp Exam.
1. My life is okay. Ifs not or you wouldn't be there.
2. I sometimes hear voices. Hearing voices can lead to a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and your PTSD claim may be rejected.
3. I am happily married. It has often been decided that having PTSD automatically means an unhappy marriage. It can but not always.
4. I love my job. I have been there twenty years. If you have managed to keep one job, it may be determined that you interact normally and do not have PTSD. You can have one job and still be miserable. It's a matter of survival.
5. I have lots of friends. Never admit you have lots of friends. Chances are you don't anyway. At least, not like the friends you made in combat situations who you can trust with your life.
6. Don't threaten the doctor. Some veterans scream, yell, and threaten to kill the doctor in an attempt to show symptoms of PTSD. 99% of the time this is an act and won't help your claim.
The main thing is to stress the negative side of your life, just as in the end of the stressor letter. If you have had a substance abuse problem since before your war service, it would be best not to mention it. Stress the fact that you are depressed and have nightmares and feel that the war has altered your life1. Just remember to stress the negative instead of anything positive in your life.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A STRESSOR LETTER
1. Name, Rank. Service Number, Dates of Time in War Zone:
Make sure your current correct address and claim number are at the top of your stressor letter. Begin by re-stating your name, rank, and service number. Then begin with your war service. Do not mention time spent in the United Slates. Many veterans ramble on about stateside service, and this has nothing to do with combat stress, if your MOS or specialty was something other than combat related (supply, motor transport, ate.) but you did not serve in your MOS or specialty, mention it here because the VA will turn you down unless you prove you were in combat If you were in Special Forces or Recon, etc., don't go into any detail about stateside training.
2. Were you wounded?:
If you were wounded Include dates, If possible, and number of times wounded. This refers only to wounds which ware treated by medics, corpsmen, or doctors for which you received a purple heart and are a matter of record. If you have malaria or any type malaria fever and were treated for it, mention it also, if you believe it may be in your records.
3. If you killed the enemy:
Include the times you actually saw the enemy and killed them. Be specific if possible. Don't say something like (my outfit killed 53 NVA in the fire fight). This is too general. State what you were doing when the enemy was killed and how it affected you. (I kept firing and I could see them falling as they ran toward us).
4. If you saw Americans die:
Most combat vets lost close friends in combat. For some vets remembering names is difficult, but this will definitely help your claim if you can remember the approximate date and names of men in your outfit killed while you were there. If someone killed was your best friend, mention it and how it affected you. The names will be checked by the VA against KIA lists. If friends were wounded bad enough to be shipped home, you may mention this and include their names if possible. (This is all verification that you were in combat. Try to use real names instead of nicknames at all times).
5. If you saw civilian dead:
In villages, the jungle, or other places. This was traumatic to many combat troops, especially if they had to handle the bodies. Seeing dead children often has long range effects on combat vets, particularly if the children or civilians were killed during fire fights or mistaken for the enemy.
6. If you were on body detail:
Or if you otherwise handled the bodies of dead Americans, either in the field or in the rear where the bodies were stripped for shipment home. This often causes extreme trauma to those who handled the bodies.
7. Times you did not think you would survive:
Incidents when you thought you would not be alive the next day help with a PTSD claim. When you had given up hope and thought for sure you would be killed with no chance of survival. (Describe in detail).
8. All incidents of combat:
Small arms fire, fire fights, mortar and rocket attacks, booby traps, mines, artillery, etc. Each time you were in a life threatening situation whether you were able to return fire or not. (Walking through mine fields, walking point, etc.)
9. Names of operations or search and destroy:
Remembering names of specific field operations and sweeps can often be helpful because the military often left much Information out of service records. Some combat troops have very complete service records. Others have had their records lost or destroyed, or Information was never entered. Any Information you can remember about field operations Is verification of combat role.
10. How your life has changed because of the war:
State your problems today because of your war service. Divorce, substance abuse, nightmares, paranoia, trouble holding jobs, lack of feeling, etc. If you have been in therapy or other treatment, mention this. Stress the negative side of your life. Mention nothing good that has happened to you. Don’t say you get along great with people and you are happy most of the lime. Stress that life is a constant struggle due to your combat service, (You used to love fireworks but now when you hear them you hit the ground. You used to love to go to sporting events but now you can't cope with being in crowds, etc.)
NOTE: These ten points will help you write a stressor letter which will have a good chance of passing the VA rating board. When writing about combat, write how it affected you personally. Don't write stuff like…(We sat around and ate dinner and then the sergeant told us a story about his wife and then Joe tried to steal my bean and wieners). Too many vets go in to detail which Is not important. Begin each segment of combat with the combat and how it affected you. (You were scared. You thought you were going to die, etc.). Many veterans are afraid to mention certain situations when they killed people for fear of charges being brought against them. This will not happen. Killings during combat are for survival. The government would have to prove you killed on purpose without just cause, and in the case of enemy troops and civilians, this is not possible.
Many of these ten points overlap with each other. You must try to put them in some kind of order. Think about what you want to say for a few weeks before writing it down. Then try to arrange your thoughts in some kind of order. The best solution is to be brief and to the point. This is difficult for many veterans, which is why so many veterans with PTSD never follow through with a claim. The best average length for a stressor letter is not more than four pages single-spaced.
The % here is what the VA raters will assigned based on the results of your medical evidence...now once you are assigned a rating and you are not happy with it you can request an increase (that is another area best left after you are rated)
0%
Neurotic symptoms which may somewhat adversely affect relationships with others but which do not cause impairment of working ability.
10%
The psychoneurotic disorder produces mild social and Industrial Impairment.
30%
The symptoms result in such reduction in Initiative, flexibility, efficiency, and reliability levels as to produce definite Industrial Impairment There will be definite impairment in the ability to establish or maintain effective and wholesome relationships with people.
50%
The veteran’s ability to establish or maintain effective or favorable relationships with people is considerably impaired. By reason of psychoneurotic symptoms the reliability, flexibility, and efficiency levels are so reduced as to result in considerable industrial Impairment.
70%
The disability severely impairs the veteran’s ability to establish and maintain effective or favorable relationships with people. The psychoneurotic symptoms are of such severity and persistence that there is severe impairment in the ability to obtain and retain employment.
100%
The attitudes of all contacts except the most Intimate are so adversely affected as to result in virtual isolation in the community. Total Incapacitating psychoneurotic symptoms bordering on gross repudiation of reality with disturbed thought or behavioral processes associated with almost all daily activities such as fantasy, confusion, panic, and explosions of aggressive energy resulting in profound retreat from mature behavior will be present. He or she will be demonstrably unable to obtain or retain employment
After the C/P exam they will rate you with a GAF score...the following score relates to how you are functining in your life..the higher the GAF the better functioning you are.
100-91
Superior functioning in a wide range of activities. Life's problems never seem to get out of hand, is sought out by others because of his or her many positive qualities. No symptoms.
90-81
Absent or minimum symptoms (e.g. mild anxiety before an exam), good functioning in all areas, interested and involved in a wide range of activities, socially effective, generally satisfied with life, no more than everyday problems or concerns ("e.g.. an occasional argument with family members).
80-71
If symptoms are present, they are transient and expectable reactions to psychosocial stressors (e.g., difficulty concentrating after family argument); no more than slight impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning (e.g… temporarily failing behind in schoolwork).
70-61
Some mild symptoms (e.g., depressed mood and mild insomnia) OR some difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning (e.g., occasional truancy, or theft within the household), but generally functioning pretty well, has some meaningful interpersonal relationships.
60-51
Moderate symptoms (e.g.. flat affect and circumstantial speech, occasional panic attacks) OR moderate difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning (e.g., few friends, conflicts with peers or co-workers).
50-41
Serious symptoms (e.g., suicidal ideation, severe obsessional rituals, frequent shoplifting) OR any serious impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning (e.g., no friends, unable to keep a job).
40-31
Some impairment in reality testing or communication (e.g... speech is at times illogical, obscure, or irrelevant) OR major impairment in several areas, such as work or school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood (e.g… depressed man avoids friends, neglects family, and is unable to work: child frequently beats up younger children. Is defiant at home, and is failing at school).
30-21
Behavior is considerably influenced by delusions or hallucinations OR serious impairment in communication or judgment (e.g., sometimes incoherent, acts grossly inappropriately, suicidal preoccupation) OR inability to function in almost all areas. (e.g… stays in bed all day; no job, home, or friends).
20-11
Some danger of hurting self or others (e.g., suicide attempts without clear expectation of death, frequency violent; manic excitement) OR occasionally fails to maintain minimal personal hygiene (e.g… smears feces) OR gross impairment in communication (e.g., largely incoherent or mute.)
10-01
Persistent danger of severely hurting self or others. (e.g… recurrent violence) OR recurrent inability to maintain minimal personal hygiene OR Serious suicidal act with clear expectation of death.
0
Inadequate information
Are you ready to File a PTSD Claim?
Now that you have read about Stressors and Gaff scores and finding a service officer lets think about one other area you need to be prepared for. Your chances of getting a higher rating are diminished greatly if you have not been under the care of a shrink, have not had meds given to you for PTSD symptoms and also if you have not been going to the either the shrink, social worker or a PTSD group or all of these for at least 6 months on a regular basis. You must show that you have tried to have your illness treated. This carries allot of weight with your claim. I feel you need to do the following to strengthen you claim.
First get a complete copy of your VA records, you will have to sign for them and usually wait a few weeks, once you have these copies carry them with you Always when you go to the VA, especially your records concerning your PTSD claim. Remember the VA has the bad habit of losing your records. Have them updated at least quarterly.
Go to your Shrink, the Dr. that ordered your meds, any group leader you have had for PTSD group, any social worker and any civilian Dr. you have worked with and ask them all to write you a Personal Letter rating you with the severity of your PTSD and also have them include your Gaff score in the letter. They will not offer these letters and don't ask for a letter in front of others do it privately. You should never be refused. The letter may not say what you want but the chances of you getting a solid letter from them is highly likely. Once you have these letters have them included in your file by your Service Officer. Do not trust that the VA will include them. Always have them with you at all times also.
I would recommend that when possible that you do not subject yourself to a extended lock down for PTSD, Try using group or one on one counseling in lieu of this or PTSD group.
Remember if you don't show emotion and tears in your interviews or groups that you are probably going to go no where with your claim. 1 know it's hard and you have in many cases had your feelings hidden for years now, but you have to release them. This is not the time for you to be sucking up your pain as you have been doing for years. Don't try and be a hard ass and don't ever curse or threaten your Dr. or go there under the influence of any drugs or alcohol other than what has been prescribed by the VA to you. You will find that not only will this benefit your claim but it will also benefit your personal well being by helping you expunge many of the horrors you experienced in combat.
When you go for your C & P. Take your records and these letters with you and offer them Before the C & P begins. Chances are they won't have this information. This same applies if you apply for Social Security.
Remember if you end up with a total disability rating of 70% or more for PTSD or a combination of Service Connected disabilities you are considered unemployable (that's assuming you are not working ) and you can get 100% from the VA and if you have worked enough quarters from Social Security also.
I encourage you to call me if I can assist you, If you like call me prior to a C & P maybe I can help you get a idea on what's going to occur in this very important meeting. Don't forget we did things by the numbers in the Military if you do them by the numbers for your claim your chances of being turned down the first time have been greatly decreased. The least that will happen is that out of the gate whatever rating you get will be higher than it would have been without this supportive information. You can always appeal a lower rating which is allot easier to appeal than a flat denial.
Welcome Home and Good Luck
Vietnam Veterans of America info on PTSD
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Update...I called the VA (800#) today and I was told that yes, that my disability will decrease the amount for my dependent son once chapter 35 kicks in.
Also I was told if both parents are on VA disability only the vet that has chapter 35 entitlement will be effected and the other veteran will stay the same where s/he would still be able to claim that son or daughter and will still receive dependent compensation.
Now if both parents are T/P then only one veteran will lose there dependent adjustment (depending who the child is claiming off of) but the other parents dependent adjustment will stay the same.
I personnaly want to see that in writing so I went ahead and sent a letter to the VA, requesting a letter explaining that to me and what reg that is under...once I receive that information I will post again.
MT
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Hi Berta,
I was born and raised in Buffalo NY, I went to St. Paul's then Riverside H.S. and enlisted there on Delaware AVe...small world.
Anyways, you wrote..."Has your son determined that the school of his choice is VA approved yet?
Also has he looked into Pell Grants and all other forms of financial aid too in addition to the Chap 35?"
Yes he is enrolled in a VA approved collage, I don't think he qualifies for a Pell GRant...prior to being granted T/P we filled out that Fasa form and he did not qualify for any state grants or any financial aid or work programs(we are in MO.) due to our income. My husbands is retired AF (40% service connected) and works full time, I am on SSDI (7 years) and now just recently granted VA compensation. I was Blessed that prior to becoming ill I was able to squirrel away collage money for him so with the scholarships he received and money he has saved from working we were able to pay for his tution for at least 2 years, now with the chapter 35 he said he was going to have that put in a saving account so he can pay for the rest of his collage years and use the income from his part time job to pay for books and expenses that he aquires
I told my husband that he will need to call the VA 800 number monday to find out if his compensation check will be effected by the chapter 35 benifit, even though he is not P/T it still may...
I will post if I find anything out...
Thank You for the information
MT
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If your dependant child is receiving chapter 35 benifits and s/he is still being claimed on your taxes as a dependent that the Vet no longer can receive the dependant benifit in there VA compensation check. The reason I am asking is because my Son just applied for chapter 35 benifits and he put the effective date as Aug. 2007 since that is when he started collage...since we are going into Oct. will that mean that the VA will request a repayment of the benifit I have already recieved on him in Aug and Sept??? after reading the thread by vaf I will start to put the benifit amount aside...
Second question...my spouse is also a disable vet but he is not P/T will it effect his benifit.
Thanks in advance
mt
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Good Morning bobbyq..
You wrote..."Do not forget that the Social Security has a Ticket to work and you can draw Social Security AND VA AND WORK at the same time. Social Security gives you up to 60 months and then you either quit working or get off Social Security.
Take advantage of it if you can, a lot of veterans do. q"
Now if a Veteran decides to use the Ticket to work...then I am all for it as long as the intent is pure of heart..that the reason that they have decided to uterilize the program is to get back into the workforce to improve there quality of life...
But just to take advantage of a program for self gain then quit after the 60 months well I find that to be distastefull...even tho there are some who would do such things I perfer to keep by my beliefs that an American Veteran is honorable in there intentions...
MT
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Good morning CG...
You wrote: "was told to go with PTSD before, didnt work, was thinknig MST w/PTSD. I listed this issue on original claim, shows up clearly in SMRs"
I have a question have you've been diagoised with PTSD?...the reason why I am asking is because if you are already S/C for Major Depression and your symptoms have increased in serverity you can ask for an increase due to the advancement of the desiease and how it has effected your daily living and your ability to maintain substantial employment. You will need to show how MD has increased your doctor can help you by writing in the strongest lanquage (medical terms) on he/r evaluation of your current condition and if it prevents you from working, plus letter of support statements from your loved one's on how your condition has deteriated as far as your quailty of living or functioning in both private and social settings...along with how your Condition prevents you from working...people living with individuals with MD disorders...themselves become effected by the effects of the person who has MD...at this time when your love one's write out letters of support it would not hurt for them to also tell how your disorder has effected there lives examples would be "due to your MD disorder I no longer attend parties because my wife no longer can attend". MD disorder is a diease like any other be it physical or mental...you will have both good and bad days...and dealing with MD is a everyday struggle...and I can only imagin your frustration with the working of the VA. I hope this post helps
God Speed
MT
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Good Morning Chuck75,
It will be interesting to what the VA response will be. It could have been a simple typo error...since the reconsideration was based on several typo error's that the VA did to begin with. So I will give the RO office the benifit of the doubt...but regardless of there answer...once I receive there response that will be the end of it for me...I will not pursue the matter any farther...I no longer want to waste positive energy or waste another minute of my life trying to second guess the working of a system that is so flawed to begin with. At the present time I am helping some local Vet's in town with there claims...by helping them find buddies...and requesting there medical records...this way even before a claim is submitted they have a copy of there SMR in there procession...I feel strongly that once a claim is made and if the VA gets there hands on your SMR first things get shit canned... it may not be true but in my heart it is...so I feel so much better if the Vet get's there records first...this way there is no wondering on anyone part here. I quess being obsessive is part of my condition...after going through the process myself...being organized is very important...TIMELINES are very important...buddy statements are heaven sent...and if you can find newpaper articals of an event you hit the jackpot...
but anyways..if I hear any good news I will post. Thank You Chuck
have a great day
MT
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Berta Wrote:
This recent BVA decision states the EED regs:
http://www.va.gov/vetapp07/files2/0711317.txt
"Generally, the effective date for an award based on a claim
for increase shall be the date of receipt of the claim or the
date entitlement arose, whichever is later. Specific to
claims for increase, the effective date may the earliest date
as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in
disability had occurred, if the claim is received within 1
year from such date; otherwise, it shall be the date of
receipt of the"
My question is....I filed my claim for PTSD in 2005 and was granted S/C at 50% in Jan 07. Due to errors in my C/P I requested a reconsideration for a higher rating and my doctor wrote a letter of support as to why my rating based on the VA C/P and the evaluation from a private doctor supported the higher rating of 70% I submitted that request along with the form for Tdiu both at the same time in Feb 07.
In Aug. 07 I granted 70% at 100% Tdiu P/T.
But the VA stated the retro date to be May of 07...So I sent in a letter for them to reconsider the retro date back to the original claim date of 05 because I had stated in my initial letter I was not able to work and also IMO from a board certified phycologist who ran the battery of test also stated in his report that I have been on SSDI since 2001 in which it was stated that Major depression and Anietxy were both noted as to why I was granted SSDI (also I had two physical conditions as well)
so I am confused about EED...would it be from the date the claim was submitted or would the VA use the date that my Doctor sent in the letter of Support for the higher Evaluation??
Thanks in Advance
MT
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Bill to to this site...
for the veteran alone it is $2,471 per month. Then the rate is adjusted according to the number of dependents you have...go to this site..
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
MT
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Hi Bill...
At this point it is best to wait until you receive the formal paperwork from the Va...as stated in your post...
Bill wrote: "You will receive formal notification of this decision and all retroactive benefits due you separately."
There is a chance the VA awarded you P/T Permant and total...if they do when you receive your packet as to what the VA rated you.
If the VA went ahead and granted you T/P (total and permanant) there will be paperwork or forms for chapter 35 benifits for dependents...and in most cases (not all) there will be a statement like "no further exams schedualed" or perhaps a statement that they have rated you Total and Permanat at that point if you are rated T/P depending on your state there may be additional benifits that you will qualify for.
So the best thing to do now is to just wait until you receive your VA paperwork...then cross that bridge at that time.
Fingers crossed that they granted you P/T
God Speed
MT
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Hello Bill,
"issued a new rating decision granting entitlement to a total evaluation based on unemployability and increasing the evaluation of your depressive disorder to 70% disability"
it states that they are granting you a total evaluation based on unemployability so they went ahead and increased your MDD to 70% where it should have been to begin with and granted TDUI...Congradulations!!!
MT
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http://www.koreanwar.org/html/newsletter_may_30_2005.html
his bother email
tbarker@kwp.org
hope this helps
MT
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You are in my thoughts and prayers...that the rater who is reading your file...gives you justice you deserve and grants your claim validation will begin the healing process.
MT
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Hi Joephine...
I don't think it will be too much longer before the VA will have to face the problem and find a solution to discharges that are due to "personality disorder" there is an uprising amoung Veteran advocates and it has reached the Committee on Veteran Affairs U.S. House of Rep. here a web site to go into to read the proposal...might interest you.
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/file...t_7-25-2007.pdf
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John999,
you wrote "few years later my chronic pain was service connected but that did not help me in the short run. I had to go back and get more evidence that my emotional condition was the "sole" cause for my IU. The VA will hit you will that condition of "sole cause" of being totally disabled. If you do have any other conditions that are contributing to your being IU besides the service connected ones then they will deny you claim for IU."
So at the present time you are S/C for cronic pain...and 70% for a mental health issue...are you employed?
Well...I think what the VA looks at is how much your S/C disability contributes to your unemployability...and in most cases unfortunally the VA will deny you the first time around...esp. on conditions that are related to Mental Health...that is why it is so important that an NOD is sent in or in some cases a reconsideration depending on time frame...In my opioion in order to win a UI claim your evidence has to show by letters of support both Medically and though disinterested parties on how your Mental handicap has serverly limited your ability to hold a substantail job...and statements from people you work with detailing Your inability to work coopertively within a work enviroment gives creadance...
Your doctor gives medical support...but at times it just is not strong enough to sway the VA rater...keep in mind these raters are not doctors...but people like you and me...they can relate to reading a letter from a co-worker or supervisor on how you are unable to handle stress of a job...not the hodge pog medical termanology that a doctor will send in...even though that is a VERY important part of the decision...if you are married...the day to day struggles you have will be testomony though a letter from your spouse....or how your children feel about what they live through...these letters make you human...and will show the real you...that is what the rater will relate to...this is just my opionion...but remember Mental health issure's are not just about you...but your whole family is effected by it as well...it is not uncommon for close family members to also start having problems emotionally as well...and this should be brought out not only how it effect you but them as well.
Just my thoughts on the matter
MT
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Hello robert51,
(BILLYBOY SCROLL DOWN TO THE CASE FOR INCREASE I POSTED MIGHT BE OF INTEREST)
I don't know why the VA rating skips percentages..but according to the the VA it states....
Increased disability ratings - in general
Disability evaluations are determined by the application of
the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Rating Schedule),
38 C.F.R. Part 4. The percentage ratings contained in the
Rating Schedule represent, as far as can be practicably
determined, the average impairment in earning capacity
resulting from diseases and injuries incurred or aggravated
during military service and their residual conditions in
civil occupations. 38 U.S.C.A. § 1155 (West 1991); 38 C.F.R.
§§ 3.321(a), 4.1 (2001).
Where there is a question as to which of two evaluations
shall be applied, the higher evaluation will be assigned if
the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria
required for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will
be assigned.
38 C.F.R. § 4.7 (2001).
BILL READ THIS SECTION....
There was a case involving one mental disorder where the Vet was requesting an increase from there 50% and also UI... this case can be found at
http://www.va.gov/vetapp02/files03/0212852.txt
what happened in this case was the vet was granted an increase to 70% BUT IU was denied because..The Vet was a full time student. The VA does not require that a Veteran meets all the critera for a higher % as noted..in this case
The Board acknowledges that not all of the criteria for a 70
percent evaluation have been shown by the medical evidence.
For example, the veteran did not exhibit illogical, obscure,
or irrelevant speech or impaired impulse control. However,
as stated in 38 C.F.R. § 4.21, it is not expected that every
single symptom be exhibited. Thus, based on the
symptomatology described above, the Board finds that the
evidence shows the veteran's PTSD to most nearly approximate
a 70 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 9203.
In finding that a disability evaluation of 70 percent
reflects the severity of the veteran's schizophrenia,
paranoid type, the Board finds that the next-higher rating of
100 percent is not warranted here. The evidence is void of
gross impairment in thought processes. Indeed, no evidence
of a thought disorder was detected upon VA examination in
July 2000. Additionally, the evidence does not establish
grossly inappropriate behavior, or the intermittent inability
to perform activities of daily living, including the
maintenance of personal hygiene. Instead, the evidence shows
that the veteran was capable of attending classes toward a
degree in graphic art design. Moreover, the evidence
similarly failed to show disorientation to time or place, or
memory loss for names of close relatives, one's occupation,
or one's own name.""
so I think there is a thin line between 50% vs 100% in mental disorders...and they use 70% as a happy medium...for some of the vets who just don't quite make let's send them off to the funny farm..It would seem that in most cases for a VEt with a mental disorder if you are not working due to your S/C disability and you are granted 70% that the VA will award you UI at 100% which in most cases would be a benifit to the Veteran....I would say if the vet rated at 100% that the VA would look at wheather or not the vet is capiable of handling there own finacial affairs and then elect to have a guardian look over there affairs (there disability payment)...where as if if a vet was 70% he would still be deemed able to take care of his finacial affairs with a little help from family...
in other words be careful when it comes to Mental Disorder ratings...it can effect alot of areas...This is just my opion on the subject...
MT
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Hi Bill...forgot to add the VA criteria for rating percentages for Mental health disorders..
General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders:
Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as:
gross impairment in thought processes or communication;
persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate
behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent
inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance
of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory
loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name ….100
Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas,
such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood,
due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals
which interfere with routine activities; speech intermittently illogical,obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression affectingthe ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively;impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periodsof violence); spatial disorientation; neglect of personal appearance andhygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships…………….70
Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and
productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial,
circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once
a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment
of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned
material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired
abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in
establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships …..50
Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work
efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational
tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine
behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms
as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or
less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as
forgetting names, directions, recent events) …….30
Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms
which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational
tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled
by continuous medication…….10
A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not
severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social
functioning or to require continuous medication…..0
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Hi Bill,
I have been milling over the question weather to note parts of the Manual for MDD…and I feel that I would steer clear of that…the Manual is used by the VA to diagnosis MDD and there criteria of testing. In your case you have already been diagnosised with MDD and at this point you are seeking an increase in rating…what you need to do is look at what the criteria for 50% vs. 70% to determine why you meet the 70% over the 50% at this point I would say your doctor statements have met that criteria for you.
If you do not want to ask someone to write a letter of support…you can write a letter yourself…There are area’s that you need to bring out such as how your medication effects you in regards to side effects…since I do not know what medication you take I went ahead a found this information for you to read…if any of it pertains to you then write it down and submit it.
Different medications produce different side effects, and people differ in the type and severity of side effect they experience. About 50 percent of people who take antidepressant medications experience some side effects, particularly during the first weeks of treatment. Side effects that are particularly bothersome can often be treated by changing the dose of the medication, switching to a different medication, or treating the side effect directly with additional medications. Rarely, serious side effects such as fainting, heart problems, or seizure may occur, but they are almost always treatable.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) cause side effects that include dry mouth, constipation, bladder problems, sexual problems, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, skin rash, and weight gain or loss.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Individuals taking MAOIs may have to be careful about eating certain smoked, fermented, or pickled foods, drinking certain beverages, or taking some medications because they can cause severe high blood pressure in combination with the medication. A range of other, less serious side effects occur including weight gain, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, and sexual side effects (problems with arousal or satisfaction).
• SSRIs, and SNRIs tend to have fewer and different side effects, such as nausea, nervousness, insomnia, diarrhea, rash, agitation, or sexual side effects (problems with arousal or orgasm).
• Bupropion generally causes fewer common side effects than TCAs and MAOIs. Its side effects include restlessness, insomnia, headache or a worsening of preexisting migraine conditions, tremor, dry mouth, agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, constipation, menstrual complaints, and rash.
Remember for people dealing with MDD, negative feelings linger, intensify and often become more debilitating over time. In the workplace, depression is a leading cause of absenteeism and diminished productivity due to mood swings…which can cause a hostile environments at times leading to dismissal.
SO I would make a time line of all the jobs you held in the last 20 years and why you were dismissed from that employment …don’t be shy about the reason why…get very detailed!!!! Esp. if it involved the inability to get along with co-workers, not showing up to work, angry or aggressive behavior.
Then You will need to address how MDD has effected your social and family life…
Remember Bill depression is a lifetime illness…depression extends beyond and sometimes between episodes which can impact one’s life severely and can become very debilitating causing one’s coping mechanisms to break down resulting in long standing recurrent depression causing serious family, marital, social and occupational problems.
I hope this helps…
God Speed Bill
MT
C/p Tomorrow For Gerd
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
Hello entropent,
When you said " even though it arguably doesn't strictly meet the six month chronicity standard."
as in 6 month of treatment while on active duty? He has been under treatment for about 13 years of medication therapy. He has a diagnois of Gerds doctumented in his VA medical records as well. But, after he has a scope done at the univeristy hospital about a year ago and they found a sliding hernia and some damage due to the reflux he decided to put in a VA claim. I checked his SMR and there are notations thoughout his 22 years of service that states he was having acid indigestion...but there was no Mention of GER or GERDS until 94. He stated that he ate tums like candy and then if that didn't do the job he would use Milanta or other over the counter medication for acid indigestion he stated he never heard the word Gerds used until 94 but when he went to the VA after he retired (he is 40% connected for his back) and has 0% for quite a few other conditions but he never thought about the Gerds...now if it was bothering him during the intake of information he would have said something then...as well as his hypertention which he has also applied for I looked over his SMR and found at least 3 area's where he was to have a 5 day testing for his high blood pressure but it was never done because when it was an issure it was screened at the time of deployment or TDY and when he would return after 90 days or so he forgot all about it...but his blood preassure did run high by his medical records a year after retiring a civilan doctor put him on high blood pressure medicine due to his blood pressure was out of control...
but anyways as always I got off the subject at hand.
MT