john6012

In May 1980 I sprained my right wrist and rec'd treatment and in Jul 1985 have a notation in my medical record that I received treatment for a painful elbow. I separated from the military in Sept 1985. On my initial rating exam these injuries were listed as NSC. Now, can I raise the issue again and possibly be sc on these two items?

It is so discouraging. I do have a problem and it wasn't treated in t he military and it's MY fault. Like a vet once told me, "I'd give it all back if I could have my health." I would too.

Thanks Cavman. I think I'll go to my HMO MD and try to get a referral. The VA psy guy is treating me over the phone. If one capsule doesn't work, "take two". The medicine isn't working well at all. John

I guess I should post this under a new topic but it is related to the original question. How much should I expect to pay a psychiatrist for a letter that would indicate my present condition is directly related to my military service? I am in the midwest and I know the fees would be higher in say, California. I am expecting $125.00 for the 1st visit but is the psychiatrist going to have me return for followup visits? I'll bring the letters that I have from my MD but I sure don't want to have to retirn again and again and again....So, what should I expect?

I have the letter from the MD who personally witnessed what occurred during my military service; however there is no letterhead on the comments--but his SSAN is there and he is a retired 0-6. I have his letter and am compiling letters from others. I drove to Little Rock AFB this past weekend to see an old friend who was also aware of what occurred and left the VA form (and suggested comments) with him to fill out. And, confiscated a Little Rock phone directory and found a slew of old military friends! I think when I finish I'll have letters from two MDs and probably 3-4 letters from senior NCO's. I don't care much for the VA form that I filled out "this is a true staqtement to the best of my knowlege and belief. I wrote in the comment that this is a true and factual statement and not a comment of my best knowledge and belief. I am proceeding to file the claim ebcause I know I'm right. It may be uphill but sooner or later I reach the top and coast down the other side. Also, I sought psychological help during a period of depression in 1994, nine years after my military separation - if that will be of any benefit. I have the letter from the MD who personally witnessed what occurred during my military service; however there is no letterhead on the comments--but his SSAN is there and he is a retired 0-6. I have his letter and am compiling letters from others. I drove to Little Rock AFB this past weekend to see an old friend who was also aware of what occurred and left the VA form (and suggested comments) with him to fill out. And, confiscated a Little Rock phone directory and found a slew of old military friends! I think when I finish I'll have letters from two MDs and probably 3-4 letters from senior NCO's. I don't care much for the VA form that I filled out "this is a true staqtement to the best of my knowlege and belief. I wrote in the comment that this is a true and factual statement and not a comment of my best knowledge and belief. I am proceeding to file the claim ebcause I know I'm right. It may be uphill but sooner or later I reach the top and coast down the other side. Also, I sought psychological help during a period of depression in 1994, nine years after my military separation - if that will be of any benefit.

I worked several years at a VA hospital and there was one guy who was rated quite high due to being blind due to cataracts and he wouldn't undergo surgery for visual correction because he would lose his VA disability for loss of sight.

Here's what I'm doing. I have the letter from the MD that states I had a problem (thought it would carry more weight since he's an MD) that I forwarded to the RO to open my case. Now, I'm in the process of locating some old aquaintances in the hope they will write me a favorable letter (I will provide suggested comments). I'm going to Little Rock tomorrow to see one of these guys but he is weak kneed and probably won't help at all but it's worth a try. Also, I'm going to look at Jacksonville/Little Rock phone books and see if I can find names of anyone I know. That and locating a couple of friends thru AFPC at Randolph AFB who I'm quite sure will write me letters. How many letter should one have?

Yeah, I took two at 930 last night and fell asleep at 1100 or so, and woke up groggy and here it is 1100 the next AM and I'm still sleepy. I have used Ambien CR in the past but I don't know if the VA will fill it on a regular basis since it's supposed to be a short-term medication-they will the Temazepam. Do you get yours and use your on a long-term basis? Thanks

You are in the same boat as I am. If you were wandering around Tan SanNhut (SP) AB or any other base and didn't look like you were working and a gung ho sneior miitary memer saw yau and need a "hand" you were at their mercy. We didn't know enough to get a deposition or name or address or anyhting, we just followed orders adn got away as quickily as possible. It sure wasn't a democracy! Besides, during the fall of Viet Nam, do you really think they thought to gather all teh morning reports and orher data? Not on your life!

I was enroute to a new duty station and was in the transit barracks. Who knows who was on the work detail? Apparently they were grabbing up people on the street who appeared to be off duty. I left the next morning. Thanks Berta

The guy gave me 30 with 6 refills. Now he says"take two." Thanks for your reply! John

Anyone using this "medication?" I can't sleep a restful sleep so they diagnosed me with clinical depression. First it was klonopin, doxepin, hydroxezine, Trazodone (all seperate) with Zoloft. Now it's the Zoloft and Temazepam and I still don't get to sleep until 1AM then I thrash around while I sleep. Called the MD today and unstead of one Temazepam he said to take two. I have a history of liver failure due to medicine and this most recent medication is addictive. Does this sound normal to be put on so many meds by a shrink? He says this emdication is the last resort.....I don't believe him. There are other meds out there that might help but as one ages things change. I don't react to meds like I used to so it's a problem in that regard.

If an incident such as a work detail occured with the service in Vietnam and resulted in a horrible memory, and one does not know who the senior leader is or anyone else associated with the event, how in the world does a veteran prove this?

Thanks John, I've created a letter of my symptoms and will take it along when I go to my C&P and have the examiner attached ti to my workup. You folks have been a great help, not just to me but other veterans.

Arthritis, multiple joints, tinnitus and hypertension. Yes, I was in RVN and not duing the Tet offensive. My bro was in the Tet offensive. I was in the AF so saw no combat. Army and marines were the ones who were affected most. All I did was load a few body bags and a head was exposed one one that affects me even now.

Well, I did spend my time in RVN, saw a few bodies and my brother was killed during the Tet offensive in '68. But that won't hold water either.

To be truthful, this MD that wrote the letter for me is a friend that is honest and had personal knowledge of my condition. He completed a residency in psychiatry within the military so he is a psychiatrist and probably would write another letter if I asked. The 70% has nothing to do with emotional/mental disorders. The is an entirely new disability that I am attempting to receive s/c. I thought from the content of the letter there would be no question since there is a continuity of symptomology that has worsened and it provides a nexus.

Actually, this is a new item. You see, there is a stigma attached to anything having to do with mental/emotional disorders within the service. Hence, I hid and disguised my problems but they have progressively gotten worse since my departure from the military in 1985. I am currently 70% and am shooting for the gold. Maybe I'll reeive 30% and that added to 70% =90%???Who knows?

Actually, this is a new item. You see, there is a stigma attached to anything having to do with mental/emotional disorders within the service. Hence, I hid and disguised my problems but they have progressively gotten worse since my departure from the military in 1985. I am currently 70% and am shooting for the gold.

So, in your opinion, if I have nothing in my military medical record, will a letter from an MD who knew me in the military suffice for s/c if I have had symptoms treated by the VA for the past several years?

I only sent the VA a copy of the letter, keeping the original. I worked at the VA hospital for many years and heard of a vet bringing his dd fm 214 in and wanting the clerk to make a copy for his records., The clerk took the 214 and left for the xerox machine. Many, many minutes later (around 45 minutes) the clerk returned. The vet, sitting in the waiting room went to the counter and asked the clerk if she'd made a copy. The clerk responded "Oh my gosh". She'd been off visiting and laid the 214 down "somewhere" and it was never found. True story.