PEACHES1962

Thank you pacmanx1 for explaining it to me.....I am constantly learning something new

I am really excited and surprised to learn that I finally reached my 100% P&T SMC from the VA. I just wanted to express my appreciation to this website reading about others success and not giving up. I was truthful with my disabilities to my C&P examiners and when I doubted my issues would not be looked at seriously I found that they were. I often think about how I wish I would have done this years ago. I know back then that I did not understand the system and that all I needed were my medical records (enlisted and VA) along with understanding how my illnesses/issues were connected. I always thought that being female in the military was really hard, but proving your disabilities afterwards seemed unimaginable. However, I did it and now I am 100% P&T SMC. I am not going for TDIU because I really love my job and have no intention of quitting/leaving at this time. Thank you HADIT for assistance with my guidance in this process!!!

If you still interested here is a link to claiming fibromyalgia. https://cck-law.com/blog/fibromyalgia-and-va-disability-compensation/ I entered a claim for fibromyalgia last year based on being diagnosed by my Rheumatologist. I was approved even though it was not listed in my service records. This website should also assist you too. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/fibromyalgia.asp Also, the fibromyalgia was not a secondary condition.

Congratulations on your win but never forget to continue your therapy. It took me a very long time to provide the details to my PTSD(MST) and it is still hard. I have gone through and continue to go through therapy. Nobody knows how hard it is to go through a C&P for this type of claim but once you do it is so gratifying when you finally receive compensation.

Years ago I would not consider restarting the task of executing my VA claims. I found that I had to prove myself to the VA which in turn infuriated me. However, after years of denying myself what I had earned for my service to our country I finally restarted everything in 2018. To date I have a 90% rating and am working on my 100%. At this time I am not attempting to claim unemployable as I still want to work and I love my job. A good friend and fellow female soldier encouraged me not to give up fighting and I eventually restarted and haven't quit yet. I never thought I would get my rating up so quickly in one year but I did with honesty and perseverance. There are no tricks to getting your compensation/disability and getting useful and good advice from soldiers who have been where you are truly a treasure. I am so glad that I found this site and I will continue to forward my knowledge to anyone who asks. I am also glad I found this site.

I am currently 50% from sleep apnea secondary to fibro.

I was surprised sleep apnea could be a secondary condition connected to fibromyalgia. I just had a C&P exam and it looks like a favorable outcome. I have attached the documents. This might be helpful to someone. Sleep Apnea DBQ.pdf Medical Opinion DBQ (Secondary Service Connection).pdf

Went on my C&P exam for sleep apnea secondary to fibromyalgia. I hope these results are good. Please see attachments. What do yall think? Sleep Apnea DBQ.pdf Medical Opinion DBQ (Secondary Service Connection).pdf

Thank you so much GBArmy. I was just surprised to see that it was added. It confused me as to why this would happen. I asked a veteran at work and he stated the same as you did. I will continue to think positive.

Disabilities Claimed: sleep apnea secondary to chronic fatigue syndrome (Secondary), sleep disturbances (related to: Environmental Hazard in Gulf War) (New), sleep apnea (secondary to: sleep disturbances) (New) Update: Preparation for Decision: 10/23/2019 Review Evidence: 10/30/2019 Gathering Evidence: 12/23/2019 - 02/09/2020 Someone added obstructive sleep apnea secondary to fibromyalgia (Secondary). Now the list is: Disabilities Claimed: sleep apnea secondary to chronic fatigue syndrome (Secondary), sleep disturbances (related to: Environmental Hazard in Gulf War) (New), sleep apnea (secondary to: sleep disturbances) (New), obstructive sleep apnea secondary to fibromyalgia (Secondary)

I really appreciate your advise, but I have requested (MH) those records too. One hospital was a civilian one and they have since closed and destroyed records (I was in there in 1994). One of the hospitals was military but I was not in at the time ( I was married to an enlisted soldier). That was in 1985-86 ( I it wouldn't hurt to contact them and see what they say). Thank you GBArmy for the idea.

This is why I am confused. I am currently in therapy now for PTSD-MST based on my meeting all of the criteria. But the dbq is saying I have MDD and Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders. What does Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders mean?

Thank you both for your answers. I would like to especially thank broncovet as I did not know I could apply for all. I like the examples you gave.

Based on the quesionnaire here should I be applying for PTSD or depression? I am so confused. Mental Disorder Questionnaire.pdf

Update - Just called VA and was informed that my claim went back to development stage. They are now waiting on documents from military hospitals I was admitted to (which they should already have). At this time there is no estimated date but they will try to complete within the 125 days (Started from 06/26/2019 - . 11/2019 should be 125 days). In the meantime since I have the name of another hospital I was admitted to (4 altogether), I will submit that information. She informed me to do this on a 21-4142a and a 21-4138. I am doing this now and submitting to evidence intake.