pete

Wings, thanks for removing the mug shot photo. Pete

Amen, Taicho. There were something like 90% casualties on Iwo Jima--look it up, folks--it was an impossiby tough battle. If you closely at Ira's photo, it's a mug shot. Poor guy.

there is a book by James Bradley "Flag of Our Fathers" that explains it all. Clint Eastwood just finished making a movie about it.

I sent in a very detailed NOD on a 30% PTSD award I got. I recieved a letter from the VA asking if I wanted a DRO or the normal appeal. I replied that I wanted the DRO. I called the 800# to make sure they recieved my correspondence---they did. The person I spoke to said they have 4 DRO's and it would be twelve months bsfore they get to mine. My question to all of you is this---I go to the VA regularly for PTSD groups and individual counseling. Should I send the VARO copies of the results of these sessions during the next twelve months? Thanks.

Hi Terry and everyone, I got the letter asking if I wanted--aDRO or "traditional appeal". Terry, what route would you take other than the DRO? It's an NOD for a 30% ptsd rating. Thanks.

What is a De Novo Review? Thanks.

thanks for your replies. My current claim is whereever they go after the c&p is done. I'm going to take your advice and send my NOD in now. My SO says to only go thru him-but I'll just send him a copy. A person at the 800# told me to put on the envelope--ATTN: APPEALS TEAM-----should I do this? Or just write on the envelope NOD? Thanks

Hello everyone, I was awarded 30% ptsd in January-I'm going to NOD it. I have a pending claim for something else-the C&P was done recently. Should I send in the NOD now or wait until the 2nd claim is settled? When I do send in my NOD, should I give what I've written to my SO and let him turn it in? Or should I send direct to the VA (certified) and also send my SO a copy? Heis my POA> Thanks.

Good afternoon, does anyone have experience with claims that include imbedded shrapnel behind the knee, chronic knee pain, and multiple small scars (1") ? Thanks.

thanks, everyone. One other question--it (Klonopin) seems to hae negative sexual side effects for me. And, yeah Magoo, I start working the driveway with my "thumper" when the dinks are approaching. LOL

Hi Testvet, any side effects? I can hardly drag myself out of bed in the morning and kind of feel in a daze for a few hours.

Good morning, are any of you or have any of you been prescribed Klonopin ? How did it work out for you? Thanks.

Hi Berta, is there a e-mail address I can contact you privately? Thanks

thanks for the comments. But, again, what should I do now? Send in the form that came with the award? And say what on it? Only that I disagree?

and, yes I'm working marginal jobs trying to keep my head above water. The main occupation I've had over the years brings my ptsd symtoms out in a terrible way.

I've had 29 jobs in 35 years-they are aware of that. My question to all of you is HOW to do the NOD or appeal or whatever, PROPERLY> Thanks.

Good morning, I got my brown envelope yesterday-30%-althoughI'm grateful for that I also think it is low. Under the reasons they listed that I am a combat veteran (VN),with a CIB, Bronze star, Purple Heart and Air Medal. They did not mention my Arcom with V device. " A higher evaluation of 50 % is not warranted unles there is reduced reliability and productivity due to symtoms as: flattened affect: circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotypoed speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands, etc, etc. My VA c&p intern gave a gaf of 69, my va social worker gave me a gaf of 50, my va meds psychiatrist gave me a gaf of 50, and my IMO psychologist gave me a GAF of 45. Where do I go from here? thanks. They also said "Stressor in the military conceded". Nothing mentioned about the two stressor letters in my file about two specific incidents I was involved in which two of my close friends were killed.

Hi Berta, I was WIA in Viet Nam-you have in the past agreed to give me advice on filing the NOD. When I get the letter I'll let you know what it says. The Arcom withe the V device (Valor) I got said that although wounded I was able to suppress fire and "neutalize" some of the enemy. It was late 69 so political correctness dictated that we were neutalizing, not killing them. I always appreciate your (and everyone elses) insight.

ok, I figured it out-gun shot wound. My main questions will be on how to file a "good" NOD. Thanks.

Hello, what is GSW? And also what will be my first steps in filing a NOD after I get the award letter?

Hello, my service rep called and said I have been rated 30% for ptsd-official letter to follow. I'm a viet combat vet, PH, valor medal, etc. Would you all please give me advice on how to correctly file a NOD for an increaSE? tHANK YOU.

Hello, would those of you in the know please give me your opinions of going to the ptsd treatment programs? The ones where you actually go into the facility for an extended period of time. What are they trying to accomplish? What actually happens in there? Is there a particular program better than others? A particular hospital better than others? Thanks.

Good morning, everyone. I'm thinking about sending in Form #180 to get replacement medals I was awarded in Viet Nam (but never got) and giving them to my grandson. My question is----will this delay my current claim (PTSD) in progress, in ANY way, shape, or form? Thanks. I was Army if that makes any difference.

Hi Tanker, thanks for the reply. Our stories are similar-me, 27 jobs, purple heart, verifiable stressor letters, etc. What is a great idea, and I didn't do, is using Social Sec. records for proof of all the jobs. How did your ptsd c&p go? Mine wrote me up as ptsd, mdd, angry, a loner, etc. and then gave me a GAF of 69. Pete

Hi Berta. It originally went to the rating board in Sept., was sent out for a second opinion that took 60 more days, and now according to the 800# went back to the rating board in mid Nov. In late Nov. I got a letter, "big backlog, don't call us, we'll call you, 60 more days, etc". I guess I'm just anxious and impatient. Being driven by getting close to losing my small home, dead broke, working odd jobs to hang on. I'm already 10% for tinnitus and went to a Voc Rehab orientation recently. I was at the VARO office, in and out of a few offices, and in each office I was in or happened to look in there were files on desks everywhere- I wonder how they keep track of them all. Looking back, I probably shouldn't have gotten involved in Voc Rehab yet-it will probably delay my claim longer since I'm guessing Voc Rehab probably needed my file as well.