Gratefulmess

My unit(B-Trp 1-4 Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division) was awarded the Valorous Unit Award on 4 May 1991 for combat actions in Iraq and Kuwait. It is not listed on my DD-214 because I ETS'd within two months of my return to the United States. I have not been able to locate the actual military citation except for a few excerpts on Wikipedia. Is anyone aware of what, if any, resource would provide me with older Army documentation that has the official transcript? Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Dear Berta, Thank you for your reply. My date for my earlier appeal to 1996 is the date that I was first denied SC PTSD. I was awarded pension in 2003 and fought until 2008 to get a SC rating of 30%. 8 months later I had this rating increased to 70% and then TDIU in Aug. 2011. I have one year to appeal the decision, and the appeal would be for an earlier effective date of 1996 instead of 2003. Because I presented the VA with "new and material evidence" that was not available in 1996, they are granting me the opportunity for an earlier effective date. My only concern is that they would rate me at a lower SC percentage and possibly lose TDIU. I have fought long and hard with my case, even going to a hearing with the BVA. The retro from 1996-2003 could be worth anywhere from $7000 to $22,000, but I don't know if risking my TDIU rating is worth the hassle of an appeal. Also, I have not read the rendition on earlier effective dates. I will search the board for it! Thanks again!

I know that CFS and IBS are considered Gulf War Syndrome presumptives. I have been recently diagnosed with diverticulosis and encephalitis.I have also been diagnosed with a tarlov cyst on my S2 nerve root, and there is not much known about these cysts. In fact, there are so few ever reported that there are no "experts" on these unknown occurrences. Being that it is on the nerve root, I feel that it is affecting my nervous system. There is steady pain and discomfort in my lower back(on top of 3 bulging discs and an extra vertebrae). Does anybody have any recommendations as to how or if I should even file for disability. My back issues greatly affect my ability to perform physically demanding tasks of my past. I am not on pain meds, but that looks to be my only solution short of having back surgery. This would be a last resort decision. Currently rated at 70% Social Anxiety(NOS PTSD) and TDIU. My one year appeal date is in Aug. 2011 and that is for an earlier effective date of my 70% diagnosis from 2003 to 1996. Any advice on if this is worth pursuing? Thank you all for your service and input!

Thanks everyone for your comments. It feels like I've woken up from a long/horrible dream. Just an FYI for anyone who is interested in the time frame. I applied for TDIU in March 2010. My claim went to the review board July 1, 2010. My decision was made Sep 3, 2010. God Bless all Veterans!

Well folks, I finally received my TDIU decision. It was granted back to 2003 and found "Permanent in Nature". I am curious if I need to go to the VA Hospital and get a new ID Card? Also, I live near Dayton, Oh. and have heard that I can go to Wright Patterson AFB to register with DEERS. Is there anything else I should know or do? Thank you everyone for your support over the years.

Thanks folks!

I have recently contacted IRIS about my TDIU claim filed in March 2010. The response says, "Presently, your claim is ready for a decision and was sent to our rating board on July 1, 2010. Immediately following this stage of the process, your claim is sent for a final review for accuracy and a notification letter is prepared. Once the letter is complete, it will be sent to you via U.S. mail and will also explain our decision in detail". I am curious if anyone has been through this process, and what kind of time frame I should expect if my claim went to the rating board on July 1, 2010? I deal with the VARO in Cleveland, Oh.

Yes Pete, I am aware of the categorizing of mood disorders. I applied for TDIU in March of 2010 when I received a 70% rating. I have avoided the 800 number and have not tried Iris yet. I have never used Iris. Am I able to check on my claim status if I request? Thank you for your reply!

It will be 1 year September that I was denied SC Depression. I was rated at 70% PTSD last March and applied for TDIU. I have not heard from the VA concerning TDIU and my 1 year to appeal is fast approaching. My private Psychologist has me diagnosed as "Anxious Depression" after taking the MMPI-2. How does a SC rating of Depression Secondary to PTSD affect your total rating if granted?

Thank You! My lawyer is very professional and receives 20% of retro benefits. No complaints though. She's made all of the hoops and hurdles I've gone through tolerable.

Yes, have signed POA. Thank you for your advice!

Thanks for the information. I am definitely not trying to undercut my lawyer. She has been nothing but a savior with my case. I have already sent a copy of the new MMPI-2 results to her. I was just curious as to weather it would wise to submit the same results to my VA doc. I will definitely ask her first.

The problem with my case was for combat awards. I was a Cavalry Scout during the Gulf War and we did not receive the CIB (even though all infantrymen assigned to my unit did), which is what took me 5 years to prove direct enemy engagements with the VA after requesting a BVA hearing. My depression and PTSD claims were dropped, but Social Anxiety(NOS PTSD) was granted.

I updated my rating to 70%....It's been a while since I've been on here. As far as I know it was the standard MMPI-2. I had no idea there was a combat MMPI. Yes, my stressors are verified after 5 years in the loop and finally getting a BVA hearing; only to get rated at 30% Social Anxiety(NOS PTSD)from a VA doc I never dealt with before, and then increased to 70%. I am now applying for TDIU.

About a year ago I was administered the MMPI-2 through my local VA Hospital. It only took 54 minutes for me to take, and I know it wasn't the full full test, even though the doctor told me it was the full 567 questions. My results came back as inconclusive due to exaggerated results concerning PTSD(as I was told). I was not allowed to review my results, or even receive copies of them. This in turn blew away my PTSD and Depression claim of which I was diagnosed and was seeking treatment. I was granted 70% for Social Anxiety(NOS PTSD). I have been seeing a private psychiatrist who administered the short version of the MMPI-2 and he was more than willing to go over the results. I scored within the validity scales and was diagnosed of having a high level of anxiety with depression coming in a close second. My doctor told me the MMPI-2 is not used for PTSD and couldn't understand the VA's stance. I have forwarded a copy of the results to my lawyer as I am applying for TDIU. My question is: Should I share the new results with my VA doc or just let my lawyer handle it?