I got my letter from the VA on Friday. This was my appeal.
I applied for disability related to PTSD in 2006. When I tried to do the initial stressor statements, I just couldn't do them. They denied it because I never submitted anything. Ok... so I appealed, submitted copies of my treatment record from my private shrink for the last several years.
I did the stressor letter, researching dates, names, etc. It wasn't hard to find the names and dates on the wall. It was however, very hard to sit down and write it all down.
Regardless.... they awarded me 30% and also agreed that the stressors I submitted had occurred. Hey! that is a huge improvement. The first time I went to the VA PTSD clinic in College Station Texas (referred by my Psychiatrist) the social worker/intake lady informed me that "You can't come here... You don't have PTSD". I was stunned to say the least. I showed her my VA prescriptions and she said "Well, you are probably just depressed or something". I left so angry and confused that I couldn't even think straight.
Before this, I had never applied for PTSD disability. I'm relatively financially secure and have military retirement. Besides, I was already getting 60% for svc connected stuff. I talked with my psych doc and we agreed to just blow it off. I was fine. I didn't need the VA to affirm my symptoms. But then... I got the news that my Diabetes was almost certainly related to Agent Orange exposure in the Central Highlands. I talked to the texas state VA rep and he advised me to file for that. I sat down and filled out the papers and then decided to include the PTSD.
Ok... I was given diability for diabetes related to AO. It was increased because I have neuropathy in my feet.
I got a letter... now I have 80% But the PTSD refused because as noted above, I never did the paperwork.
I did the paperwork and Friday got the letter that says PTSD is approved at 30%
BUT... here is what I am confused about. "YOUR COMPENSATION WILL NOT CHANGE"
uhh... ok. so I get and additional 30% combat related svc connected disability and it doesn't bump my comp at all?
Very confusing.