[Surprise, Surprise]

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

[Surprise, Surprise]

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

[Surprise, Surprise]

Tom, all the best to ya. Still keep good notes, just cause when we think its ok; well you know what I mean! You are young, deserve and really need the compensation. Don't know the particulars but sure glad for you. Tax bennies, fishing/hunting, auto, base, medical and insurance, etc..are yours now.

Again, CONGRATS!!

cg

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

[Surprise, Surprise]

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

[Surprise, Surprise]

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

[What Should I Do?]

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

[What Should I Do?]

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?

[What Should I Do?]

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.

[What Should I Do?]

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?

[What Should I Do?]

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.

[Introduction]

I requested a copy of my records from the NPRC in St. Louis and all I recieved was two copies of my DD214. I have a copy of form DA1811 when I was discharged which has my mental status. How do I find out what these codes and scores listed represent and would this information be helpful in supporting my PTSD claim.

[Introduction]

I did not include a stressor letter with my initial claim, I believe I can still send it in. I'm sure I'll have to appeal and I wanted to get the documentation of combat in asap. From what I've read elsewhere a lot of claims are denied because of the lack of evidence of combat. I am finding the stressor letter difficult (how graphic do I get?) to write, the report I sent them has the KIA and WIA count which is quite high. I also have a claim in for tinnitus.

[Introduction]

Thanks for the input Pete & Terry, I'll have to learn the tricks of posting here.

Terry, I was with HHB, FDC, 1/39th 108th Arty and we lost a pilot who flew our registrations.

WO Ralph Quick, did you know him?

Tom Anderson

[Introduction]

Welcome to the HADIT site. I was with HHB 108th ARTY 69 -70. I calibrated ARTY from Khe Sanh to Hue. Probably crossed each others path. I did not file for PTSD as my 100% is for DMII and secondary (perepherial neuropathy) so I'm not much help for PTSD questions.

Because you were Arty, you should file for Tinnitus (ringing in your ears) and hearing loss.

Take care. Terry Sturgis

[Introduction]

Yes and thanks Berta, spent the year between Hue and Quang Tri. XXIV Corps Artillery.

[Introduction]

Greetings; newbie from Minnesota and glad to join in and wished I'd found this site sooner.

I just filed a claim for PTSD after being diagnosed with chronic PTSD and major depression by the VA.

No CIB or PH on record, however I did submit a copy of the official MACV report of my Firebase being

overrun. I also found out my unit was awarded the Valorous Unit Award for that action. Will these help

in supporting my claim?

Here is a link to the Vietnam Archives at Texas Tech University which I found very useful.

http://star.vietnam.ttu.edu/starweb/vva/se...ath=vva/vva.web