souldeliverer

Thanks all for the advice. John, I am only 33 yo. I cannot handle the idea that I will be sitting around at the mercy of the VA sending me letters and proposals to reduce every couple of years. I fully understand the risks attempting to start a business. I wish I could talk my wife into getting her license so she could make all the money while I work, but she is too busy homeschooling the kids. Do I simply call the 800 #? I do not yet know if I am well enough to work, but am willing to die trying. If I don't make it, hopefully the VA will help me out. Thanks again. Joe

Hey, ya'll. I've had it. First off, I'm going to try and start a business (real estate). I am currently 90% plus TDIU, SSDI, and FERS retirement. Please advise. DO NOT advise me not to do this! I am looking for the procedure to follow. I read about SSD ticket to work program. Does the VA have anything similar? Second, if you pray to Jesus, please pray for me. I have been down and out since 2006, but want to give it a go before throwing in the towel for life. Pray I succeed, and can have meaning to life. It may start out as not substantial employment, but will hopefully one day transition into making a living to support my family. Finally, you may ask why? For a couple reasons. For those of you who will never have the opportunity to work again. For my children (6,2), so they can learn that Daddy has to work for a living. Finally, for me. I must give it one last shot. Again, please don't respond with all the usual, "You worked so hard to get IU, why throw it away." I just want to know if there is a procedure for this, or a ticket to work program. Any sort of grace period? Thank you for your time and prayers.

Thanks, guys. I am not P&T YET. I filed for that in Jan 2011 and am still waiting... If they would just decide to give me that, I would be fine. I have been either 100% or 90%+TDIU since April, 2006. I thought P&T would be a gimme by now!

I was starting to think it was just me! No good...

Also, in regard to the VA loan, you CAN use it again as long as the prior one has been paid off. I used mine once before, but sold the house, and am going to use it again. How do I get into ebenefits?

Just to clarify, this is a VA loan through USAA for which I was conditionally approved, but with the crazy stipulation that I provide proof of continuance for 3 years.

Thanks for the suggestions! I will start with the bank, asking for a waiver, as that would be the easiest. I will move forward from there. Thank you!

Hey all. I wasn't sure where to post this question, so I thought I'd post it here. I am trying to buy a real cheap house with my VA loan. Credit is great. Income is sufficient. Debt ratio is fine. USAA is requesting "proof of continuance for at least 36 months'!!!!! I was 100% schedular for a few years, and have been 90% +TDIU for a few years, but am not yet P&T. They want this same proof for my SSDI as well. Anyone know what I should do? We are staying in a friends' house while they are out of the country, but it is cramped. We need s house. In FL it is FAR cheaper to buy than rent. Thank you for your help!

I AM COMPLETELY UNABLE TO HANDLE MY VA PAPERWORK. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I CANNOT GET MY CRAP TOGETHER. I NEED TO FILE STUFF, AND CANT ORGANISE MY THOUGHTS ENOUGH TO GET STUFF IN LINE. WHAT CAN I DO???

Are you able to choose the size of the implant?

I want to thank you all once again for your continued support on this matter, and for all of your efforts. Here is the latest... I recieved a call yesterday from the VA RO lady who told me they have recieved my application for TDIU. They went ahead and approved me!!! This is terrific news, as I no longer have to worry about where my family will live in a couple months. She said I will be considered 90% TDIU. This will go down to I think 70% TDIU if they decide to reduce my migraines to 10% from the current 30% rating, which they have proposed. She also told me that I am scheduled for a future exam in May, where I fear I will have to go through this all over again. I do not want to deal with this crap every year. It is way too stressfull for me to deal with on top of my PTSD. Questions: 1.) Should I bend over and take this and leave it alone for now, and file for an increase after I produce more evidence? or 2.) Should I continue my pursuit to be rated 100%? with or without TDIU? or 3.) Should I go ahead and get an IMO? How long does it take to recieve an IMO? Do I have a year during which I can submit evidence, or is it 60 days? Thanks again to all!!!

I don't know how to spell most of these things I was exposed to, but here are a few...that I am aware of. Depleted Uranium, lead, permetherin, DEET, blood and guts of Americans and Haji's, high concentrations of bleach in our drinking water, smoke from burning trash every day for 18 months (nobody had the sense to burn the trash downwind of the barracks on our FOB), anthrax vaccine, small pox vaccine, typhoid, yellow fever, and many many other unnecessary vaccinations (14 in one day!). These are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I am sure one day I will die of an unknown disease and the army will deny it's existance. I love you all and thank you for your service to our country and to veterans!!!

Thank you all so much for your help. I am working on all this stuff, but am feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment. As soon as I get something more put together, I will post it for critique. Thanks again.

This is the cover letter I submitted at my hearing on May 1, 2008. Do I need to resubmit this information??? They never addressed any of this in the letter they sent me denying me, and saying they are going to go ahead with their proposal to reduce. Will this information ever be reconsidered, or am I battling their most recent letter? COVER LETTER The following is a listing of all the evidence being presented in the case for Me. This evidence is proof that my condition has not improved; therefore it is unlawful for my compensation level for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to be reduced from 100 percent disabling. I will also provide concrete medical evidence that my condition should be considered permanently and totally disabling. Evidence EXHIBIT A: A1: SOC dated March 26, 2008; proposal to reduce A2: NOD dated April 02, 2008 A3: SOC dated December 01, 2006; award for 100 percent compensation EXHIBIT B: B: My rebuttal of Exhibit A1, citing a plethora of medical evidence as well as VA rules and regulations proving my condition has not improved EXHIBIT C: Medical evidence from January 17, 2007 to April 15, 2008 C1: Progress Note by Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated January 17, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note points out my nightmares, rage, flashbacks, panic attacks and homicidal thoughts. C2: Progress Note by Dr. ______, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated February 26, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note highlights my self-isolation, inability to work, panic attacks, increased startle reflex, and auditory hallucinations. C3: Progress Note by Dr. _______, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated March 15, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my auditory hallucinations, where I hear a woman talking to me and sometimes screaming. Dr. ___ also states that I am unable to work due to increased anxiety and poor frustration tolerance. C4: Progress Note by Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated May 22, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note states that I am explosive and easily provoked, fantasize about killing people, and have violent dreams. C5: Progress Note by Dr. ____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated July 24, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note states that I have panic attacks due to combat related triggers, nightmares, flashbacks from loud noises, irritability, poor frustration tolerance, anger problems, a strained marriage due to my PTSD symptoms, feelings of worthlessness, and fear of the future. C6: Progress Note by _____LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated September 14, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my dissociative episodes which is grossly impaired thought process, intrusive thoughts of combat, anxiety, social avoidance, numbness, depression, sleeping problems, and difficulty creating and maintaining interpersonal relationships. It also mentions how since returning from Iraq, I am unable to express emotion, which negatively impacts my marriage, as well as homicidal and suicidal thoughts, physically assaultive behavior, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Dr ___ Ph.D. then added an addendum to this note giving the results of some phych testing, stating I suffer from chronic and severe PTSD. C7: Progress Note by ________, Nurse Practitioner, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated September 14, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note discusses my previous suicide attempt, my suicidal thoughts and plan, and mentions my flashbacks, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts. C8: Progress Note by Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated September 28, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note mentions my increase in anger and rage, as well as panic attacks. C9: Progress Note by Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated October 01, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note shows the severity of my symptoms as Dr. _____ has resorted to offering ECT treatments to help. C10: Progress Note by _____ LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated October 19, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my heightened anxiety in public settings, my night terrors and flashbacks, and my inability to feel and express emotions. C11: Progress Note by _____, LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated October 22, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note states that I have grown tired of hallucinations, dissociations, and guilty feelings about the war. A day doesn't go by that I don't think about these memories. C12: Progress Note by Dr. ______, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated October 24, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note describes one of my dissociative episodes, where I blacked out while driving in Nashville and was stopped by a police officer, and again mentions my persistent auditory hallucinations. C13: Progress Note by Dr. _____Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, VAMC Nashville dated November 07, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note states that after the 6 week inpatient PTSD program in Nashville, my depression has increased, and my PTSD remaines unchanged. It also mentions my suicidal thoughts. C14: Progress Note by Dr. ______, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated November 30, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my strained marriage, and my anger outbursts. C15: Progress Note by Dr. _____MD, PCP, VAMC Nashville, Firm A dated December 03, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note is about one of my persistent dissociative episodes. C16: Progress Note by _____, LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated December 04, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note describes one of my dissociative episodes, where I blacked out while driving after a man on I-24 to kill him, C17: Progress Note by _____, Psychology Intern, VAMC Nashville dated December 12, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note discusses my strained marriage due to my PTSD symptoms, my depression, panic attacks related to identifiable triggers related to my trauma, my prior suicide attempt, and my suicidal thoughts. The author of this note also links my depression to my "severe PTSD." C18: Progress Note by Dr. ______, Ph.D. LCSW, Team Leader, Nashville Vet Center dated March 25, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my emotional numbness, and hopelessness. It also says I am very unstable and I have a moderate to high risk for self-harm. C19: Progress Note by Dr. _____, Ph.D. LCSW, Team Leader, Nashville Vet Center dated April 01, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note again discusses my persistent hallucinations and delusions as well as my paranoia. My thinking and judgment are impaired. C20: Progress Note by Dr. _____ MD, PCP, VAMC Nashville, Firm A dated April 07, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note mentions my frequent flashbacks, panic attacks, nightmares, and Dr. ___ wrote that he is "concerned my PTSD may be getting worse." C21: Progress Note by _____, LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated April 07, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note mentions my predominant emotions of fear, anxiety and numbness. My flashbacks of children being killed have increased since having a baby, and goes into detail on some of my delusions, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. C22: Progress Note by Dr. _____, Ph.D. LCSW, Team Leader, Nashville Vet Center dated April 09, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note talks about my constant marital conflict since my return from Iraq, mentions how I ended up in restraints and seclusion last time I was an inpatient in Nashville, my paranoia and delusions, my hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. The author stated I have a "very high level of risk," and that I "refuses to credibly contract for safety," and am displaying intermittent psychotic thinking. C23: Progress Note by _____, LCSW, VAMC Nashville, PTSD clinic dated April 15, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note again talks about my persistent delusions and hallucinations, intrusive war zone memories, guilt, and the prospect of my wife leaving again. C24: Progress Note by Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated April 15, 2008. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note discusses my "paranoid ideations," my panic attacks, and mood swings and the author stated I "endorses poor executive functioning, and decision making." C25: C&P examination by Dr. ____ PsyD., Clinical Psychologist, VAMC Nashville, dated November 16, 2007. I have highlighted medical evidence proving my inability to adjust to social and occupational settings due to gross impairment in thought process and communication; persistent delusions and hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting myself and others; and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living(including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene). This note describes a strained marriage, lack of social support, history of suicide attempt, history of violence, sleep impairment, panic attacks, suicidal and homicidal thoughts, poor impulse control, inability to maintain personal hygiene, severly impaired memory, flashbacks, and dissociative episodes. EXHIBIT D: Letters in support of claim by medical professionals D1: Letter from Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated November 01, 2006. This letter address my inability to work and states, "His symptoms of PTSD, which are directly combat related, are of a degree of severity high enough to have impacted major areas of life functioning." D2: Letter from Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated August 20, 2007. This letter talks about some of my symptoms which ended my career, and states the "condition is considered chronic and long-term." D3: Letter from Dr. _____, VAMC Nashville, Staff Psychiatrist, PTSD clinic dated April 17, 2008. This letter also mentions some of my persistent symptoms, and states, "given his current symptoms, it is unlikely that he will be able to maintain productive employment on an ongoing basis." D4: Letter from by Dr. _____, Ph.D. LCSW, Team Leader, Nashville Vet Center dated April 11, 2008. This letter describes my symptoms in detail, and the author wrote, "It is this provider's opinion that the severity of veterans symptoms falls in the highest 2-5% of the clients seen in the Vet Center. He does not appear at this time to be capable of functioning in any work environment due to the disorganizing effects of his illness." EXHIBIT E: Social Security Disability Award letter. EXHIBIT F: Federal Employees Retirement System disability retirement award. EXHIBIT G: Lay statement from my wife stating my condition has not improved. Considering all the above evidence, I believe it is quite obvious that my condition has not improved, and I still meet the criteria for 100 percent compensation for post traumatic stress disorder. I also feel I have provided enough evidence to make that 100 percent rating permanent and total, as I previously requested.

Here is the NOD I sent the VA Notice of Disagreement This is a notice of disagreement (NOD) to the VA letter dated June 11, 2008. I disagree with all the adjudicative determinations mentioned in the above referenced VA letter and any enclosure thereto, except for those, if any, that I specifically state here that I do not want to appeal. Therefore, my notice of disagreement specifically covers all the determinations made by the regional office unless specifically excluded. I also disagree with the RO’s failure to adjudicate issues and claims it was required to adjudicate. I am specifically referring to issues that I may not have discussed but which were reasonably raised by the evidence in my VA claims file or in the VA’s possession that should have been inferred by the regional office. I request a local hearing, and I am hereby formally requesting a “de novo” review by a Decision Review Officer. My condition has not improved. If this appeal is not resolved favorably, please send me a Statement of the Case so that I may appeal this decision to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. What should I send next???

Wings, You are a God-send! I don't know how I can ever repay you for your help and hard work. Can I just submit to the VA the FACTS IN EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT CLAIM FOR TDIU that you sent? This seems to sum up most of the issue at hand. I have not recieved a transcript of the official hearing yet. How do I know they even read my rebuttal and cover letter? Should I have insisted upon reading it in it's entirety at the hearing, so it would be documented in the transcript? What is the next step? I have already mailed my NOD and TDIU form. Do I now submit this letter you wrote for me? Do I go to another hearing? Thank you so much!!!

Right now all I have in is my NOD and form for TDIU. They told me it will take 2 months to decide about my TDIU...coincidently, in 2 months they will reduce me if they deny my claim for TDIU.

Wings, I sent in my TDIU form after the 60 day period of proposal, because I thought I wouldn't need it. My case seemed to be so strong. I sent it in after they officially determined to reduce me. I am sorry also, my brain is a little foggy due to my symptoms at this present time. What does this long thing you just sent me mean for me? What are my options? I don't have anyone to help me here. My DAV rep was trying to talk me out of a formal hearing, and telling me I should just accept the reduction. He is NOT on my side. What can I do. For the rest of you... I was in a 3 month PTSD tx program about 18 months ago and was kicked out half way through. I then completed the 6 week coarse last fall. I only quit going to tx at the vet center, but continued my counciling at the VA in the PTSD clinic. What I am saying is, I NEVER DROPPED OUT OF TREATMENT. Any suggestions? Thank you all for your help.

Phillip, They listed my rebuttal in the evidence section, but did not use any of it in the evidence. I will type in the decision dated March 26, 2008 proposed to reduce the evaluation of PTSD from 100% to 70% based on the medical evidence of record. You were notified in a letter dated March 27, 2008. During the formal V! hearing dated May 1, 2008 you submitted evidence which will be discussed below. The VAMC, Nashville tx report dated December 12, 2007 the examiner reported, "he reported that he feels the medication has helped with his depression and generalized anxiety. He also reported a slight decrease in his nightmares and a diminishing of auditory hallucinations he had been experiencing." The examiner reported a GAF score of 35 which is consistant with a 70% evaulation. The VAMC, Nashville tx report dated November 30, 2007 the emaminer reported counciling ceased in June 2007. The examiner also reported that you were casually dressed and had good grooming. Eye contact was good, you smiled and engaged in conversation readily. There was no psychomotor retardation or agitation. Speech was normal and thought processes were linear and logical. You denied SI and HI and there was no evidence of psychosis. Affect was broad ranged and congruent. Judgement and insight were good and a GAF score of 50 was provided which is consistant with a 50% evaluation. The VAMC Nashville examination dated November 16, 2007 (MY C&P), the examiner reported you do not have a total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD and a GAF score of 42 which is consistent with a 50% evaluation was noted. The evidence you submitted from the VAMC was of record and dated prior to the report of December 2007 and examination of November 2007. The letter from XXXXXXX PhD dated April 11, 2008 he notes "he relates that he is unable to work at this time due to his PTSD symptoms." The VAMC Nashville PTSD tx note dated June 2, 2008 (A PHONE CALL I RECIEVED FROM MY SOCIAL WORKER) the examiner reported you stated "I found a new therapy" and when asked to clarify you stated "I went fishing for 6 hours with a friend." The examiner also reported you did not have any paranoid or intrusive thoughts, your sleep and concentration has improved and your irritability and tension with your wife has deceased (I NEVER STATED THOSE THINGS. I SAID IT WAS PEACEFUL, AND I SLEPT WELL THAAT NIGHT). Finally noted is you sounded very upbeat and like yourself prior to going to Iraq. We have no objective evidence that you are unable to work due to your PTSD and on the contrary the examiner during the most recent examination dated November and December 2007 stated otherwise. The letter from Dr. XXX, staff psychiatrist for the VAMC dated August 2007 notes a GAF score of 48-50 which is consistent with a 50% rating and a subsequent letter dated April 17, 2008 notes you continue to experience difficulty but not diagnosis or GAF score was reported. Based on a totality of the medical evidence of record to include the most recent VA examinations and reports as discussed above, we have reduced the evaluation of PTSD from 100% disabling to 70% disabling. A careful review of the VAMC tx records indicate the lowest GAF of 35 which is consistent with a 50% evaluation was noted in December 2007. Based on a totality of medical evidence of record, we have reduced the evaluation for PTSD from 100% to 70%. An evaluation of 70% is assigned for yada yada yada, and 100% is not warrented unless XYZ. Since there is a likelihood of improvement, the assigned evaluation is not considered permanent and is subject to a future review examination. As you can plainly see, they didn't even read my rebuttal. They didn't mention any of the evidence I presented. They want to play with words, and screw me. I am so pissed off right now, I can't leave my house because I will seriously kill the first person I see. What can I do?????? I already sent my NOD along with my form for TDIU. As if this isn't nice enough, they also sent me a proposal to reduce my migraines!!! WTF!??!!? This is too much for one guy to handle at one time. Remember I have PTSD on top of all this. Are they trying to create another McVeigh??? I am really going to need help with what to do now. I am building a house out in the country since I cannot handle being around traffic and noise. I am going to have to foreclose now because I will not be able to close on the construct to perm loan with this reduction in pay. My whole life is being torn by these bastards. Please help me...

http://www.hadit.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17252&hl= This should take you to the thing...

Thank you for the heart-warming words. I guess I'll just keep fighting until the day my widow gets that letter?

Thank you for your response. 1.) I was notified and given 60 days. I went to a hearing on May1st and presented a VERY strong case. 2.) You can read my rebuttal by looking up "Had My Hearing For Ptsd Proposal To Reduce" In the reasons given for the reduction, the main ones were the C&P examiner stated he didn't find me unemployable, which I argued was clearly an error. Also, my social worker put in a note after a telephone conversation with me last week that I had gone fishing and had a good time. How the hell this got slipped into the decision I revieved today is beyond me. It is almost as if they were waiting for something to use against me before they made their decision.

I think there was an inferred TDIU tagged on there somehow. My papers say I was denied TDIU because I didn't turn in the form. I didn't send it in because I thought there would be NO WAY they could possibly reduce me, given the evidence provided. This is why I think there is something nasty going on here with the VA. I am guessing they are getting ready to change some laws that will grandfather in those who are at 100%, and those who are TDIU will get the shaft somehow. I am getting paranoid...I would be crazy not to.

I am currently dealing with Nashville. They just reduced my PTSD from 100% to 70%. The main reason they gave was a phone call my SW made to me where I told him I went fishing and felt peacfull. This was their evidence. They are jacking me around and using wording, and picking and choosing things out of the C&P report to use against me. For instance, the C&P stated I cannot take care of my daily hygiene. They ignore this, and focus on the fact that I have not been an inpatient in a year! I give the Nashville VARO an A+ for saving the taxpayers dollars, and screwing veterans! It wasn't always like this. In 2006, I was awarded 100% very quickly. Now they are taking it back no matter what evidence I give them.

After my hard work in compiling evidence, the VA reduced my PTSD from 100% to 70%. If that wasn't enough, they also proposed to reduce my migraines from 30% to 10%!!! What is really going on at my RO? What should I do from here on out? Could this be age discrimination? Have I unwittingly made an enemy within the RO? I am faxing and mailing my TDIU form tomorrow, and submitting a hearing request for the migraine reduction. Also, they are leaving my back comp at 10%, which I believe should be at least 30% for all the dang narcotics they have me on. Can I submit an NOD for the PTSD reduction while simultaneously filing for TDIU??? Please look up my other posts for background info, or I can look them up if need be. I really need help with this one. I am getting jacked. Please see: Had My Hearing For Ptsd Proposal To Reduce Thank you all.