I Corps 1970

Thanks everyone, My initial claim took 8 months and the appeal for permanent status only took 6 weeks. The VSO I worked with was new, but did an excellant job in assisting me. I wanted permanent status so I could do some mortgage refinancing without worring about future exams. Now I have wait to see when the lender get's the word on the new bill regarding loan to value refinancing. The biggest thing I had going for me was proof that I was in combat. Being in the artillery with no CIB or PH, I did have proof of my Firebase being overrun and my unit was awarded the Valorous Unit Award for that incident. Tom

Just an update, My initial rating of 100% was temporary so I appealed that and was awarded permanent. No more exams, what a relief. Tom

Thanks Cowgirl, I got the official letter today, 100%. Where do I find out about all the perks, I hear all sorts of rumors. Tom

Thanks everyone, No official notice yet, it's a tremendous relief, lost m job last October and at 59 it would have been tough to reenter the workforce. I don't know if it's temporary or permanent, this is still confusing to me. Halos2, I'm from a NW suburb of Minneapolis. Thanks again everyone, Tom

Fellow Vet's I was scheduled for a DRO hearing on 8/21 regarding an appeal of my 50% PSTD rating. Just as I was about to leave the AL representative called and said I didn't have to appear. The VA had reviewed my file and granted me 100% disability. I don't know if it's permanent, just waiting for the official paper work. What a relief. Tom

Okay, so is it in my best interest to say I was forced to resign because of my mental health issues?

One more question (I hope) regarding SS. The last two jobs I had I was given the option of being fired or resigning, so I resigned. Can they dig deep enough to know that or can I state I resigned for personal (mental health) reasons and be done with that?

Thanks for everyones input. I was notified yesterday the VA granted me 10% for tinnitus 12 days after the exam. That was quick but a no brainer after being around 8" and 175mm's for a year. I live in Minnesota and the VA office was ranked 4th highest in PTSD percentage awards and the SS office's turn around ranking is good. My private psychiatrist said he would support my SS claim, he used to work for the VA and knows my VA psychiatrist. The VA shrink gives me about two minutes of his time and rushes me out the door, that's after an hour drive to get there. If he pulls that again should I file a complaint with the Patient Advocate? Sorry to mention the VA on this board but the issues seem to overlap. So I'll just keep studying the boards, plug away and be patient. Thanks again.

Thanks for the encouragement Pete, I was bummed out by Assup's response. I'm not drinking now, in fact I started my VA claim while in treatment there. Does one let each entity know that you have two claims going?

I have a claim in with the VA for PTSD so I thought I would also file for SSD. I emailed my conditions (PTSD, major depression, anxiety and alcohol dependance) to Allsup. I followed up with a phone call and was told they would not represent me because there is no way to prove which condition came first. I have to be honest with my claims, so how does one justify the fact that the PTSD symtoms where the cause of the other conditions, resulting in self medication and dependence to both the VA & Social Security? Thirty-eight years ago I had no idea what was wrong with me.