Nic25

Just ran across this...don't know if it's old news, but it was new to me: PTSD UPDATE 17: The Veterans Affairs Department has dumped a policy requiring combat vets to verify in writing that they have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event before filing a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder, said the chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. In the past, a veteran has had to provide written verification — a statement from a commander or doctor, or testimony from co-workers — that he or she was involved in a traumatic situation in order to receive disability compensation for PTSD from VA. The Defense Department uses the same rules in evaluating PTSD for disability retirement pay. The rule also slows the process as veterans wait for yet more documentation before their claims may be processed. Sen. Daniel Akaka [D-HI] said he asked VA Secretary James Peake if the rule was necessary, and asked that it be removed. Peake agreed. In the future, veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD through a medical examination with no further proof necessary, Akaka said, adding that he’s been told that Peake has already informed VA regional offices of the decision. [source: AirForceTimes Kelly Kennedy article 18 Feb 08 ++]

I beleive I have evidence...this is what I have: CAB/sworn statements from 6 other SM's as to a specific stressor Line of Duty injury report (injured during indirect attack) MSM that makes reference to 74 completed combat missions Pysc eval from a VA shrink (gave me the 50 gaf) My stress letter w/ documentation of 64 Indirect attacks on my site in 3 months Do you think this is enough...I really don't know...thanks

Thanks for the information and warnings guys...trying to feel my way through a dark room...just keep talking and I will walk towards the sound...thanks again...

I was just recently given a gaf score of 50...does anyone know how to convert this score to a possible disability rating...or maybe provide me with some historical data or a site I can go to for conversions...thanks

Thanks again...I wonder if the rater will use the scale i.a.w., I believe the term is "ankylosis" (bone fussion of the joint) instead of the ROM...there are so many factors involved with the back other than those listed in 38...I can't pick up anything more than 10lbs...restrictions and pain caused by sitting, standing and walking...do they take any of that in to mind while determing a %...

Thanks...the story is they had to remove the disc (it literally exploded on to the Doc during the first surgery designed to trim away and clean up damaged tissue and get it off the nerve root)...they replaced it with bone graft and the joint is held stable with rods and screws...my range of motion was measured at 40 degrees on the C&P, now I can't even bend down to put on socks and shoes and my wife has to assist me in dressing...the doctor said I will be under his care for at least a year...I have submitted a claim for that as well...it has been 2 months since the surgery, so I have no idea as to the realistic outcome of the surgery...I just thought, how could they rate me on a disc herniation that no longer is there, but the problem is far from being over...thanks

Thanks guys...that's quick info...very impressed...I think I have found the right spot to be in...

I am deeply sorry for your loss...may God grant to you the mercy and grace you need during this time of sorrow...and may you be comforted with only the proud and joyful memories...

Thanks for the information and the kind words...I have copies of my C&P...kind of curious which number they will rate me under (range of motion, ankylosis, or other)...submitted in August of last year upon my return home...I am a Reserveist and had to try and get back to work...seems things have slowed down on the process...understand they are real busy, but am worried they may continue to drag their feet...

Anyone...I was injured in Iraq this past May (2 weeks prior to my REFRAD)...had to dive into a duck and cover bunker...our medics treated it with pain medicine and muscle relaxors...finally got to Kuwait and because I couldn't stand up after sitting in the DFAC, I was transported by ambulance to the TMC...the x-ray said I had a compression fracture of my L-1 Vert ...when I returned to my MOB station, they directed me to go local for treatment and more test...after an MRI they found a serverly herniated disc...durning my C&P it still was present...since then, I have had to have 2 surgeries...the last with rods and bone grafts being placed to repair the disc...Finally the question...will the rater rate me on my condition at present or will they rate me under the C&P they have...all my records are with them and they know of my situation...can anyone answer this...thanks