notime362

I filed my claim 03-03-08 for both PTSD and Hearing loss. I see my story in yours. You were probably told things would happen by certain dates - timeframe deadlines for your records to be received. I received the standard letters from my Regional Office saying they are still working on the claim, or calling the USELESS 800# where they read a scripted response to you, but still no real proof of thingfs happening. All you can do is sit back and wait. If you read Hadit for awhile, there are still Vets from the Vietnam era who are just like you. It says alot for the VA...

:P I had a very interesting call from my VA Regional Office today. I had filed a claim on 03-03-08, when I had lived in Florida. Once in a blue moon, I would receive the standard letter saying my claim is being processed. I would call the 800# for an update, and they more or less always give you encouraging news. You Guys had taught me how to use IRIS for better results. Anway, in early March, I get an answer from them saying my claim is non-existant - even though I had an Audio C & P in November. I go crazy, and call my VO in Florida, and she gives me the American Legion Rep in Montgomery whom I finally touched bases with. I also wrote my Senators for help. Anyway, I get a call today and was told they are waiting for the government to confirm my stressor letter. She advised me to NEVER call the 800#, as they cause more havoc then good. She said Vets get the wrong answers and get unruly because of them. Use IRIS, and if you still have problems, contact the Regional Office. Hope it helps ya...

[ http://www.hadit.com/forums/uploads/emoticons/default_rolleyes.gif' alt=':rolleyes:'> How about this one... I sent an IRIS in early January in regards to an update on my claim. I never received a reply to it. I send another IRIS in late February asking the same question. Now I get an answer March 2 saying they have no evidence of my claim existing. One whole year of them telling me they are waiting for reports in their own damn computer - plus they gave me a C & P Exam for my hearing in November. I'm beginning to think the whole VA crew is from Mars...quote name='Meddac' date='Mar 6 2009, 08:16 PM' post='134266] All of the RO's may not have completely phased the phone teams out yet. The phone teams seem to be located at regional call centers (other RO's). Also depends on where you are calling from as to which call center picks up the phone.

Congrats on your C & P Hearing. I hope all goes well for you, BUT... I had filed for both hearing and PTSD. I had my hearing C & P on 11-03-08. I'm still waiting for that decision. Thank God, I got a copy of the results. If you didn't do it, DO IT.. On March 3, I got an answer to an IRIS I had sent asking if my claim was nearing closure. I was informed they had no record of my claim even existing. I have written both my Senators, and have contacted the American Legion rep in Birmingham. The VA will look great in the beginning, but they sure get ugly when you want their money .....

I was put on Gabapentin to control my suicidal thoughts - this was done by seeing my Psych only through a TV confrence. I was never checked in person to see how I was reacting to the drug. Well, in 9 months I gained 75#. I told the Psych, and she just blew me off. I really didn't see any progress in my mental state. I was on four 400mg caps a day, so I slowly weaned myself off. I told me new Psych in Alabama, and she couldn't figure out why I was on them to begin with.

You can count on me as one of those who are dissatisfied. My claim was filed 03/03/08, and the last IRIS I sent, I was told, it's in the development stage, as they are waiting on records that are in their own damn computer. Seems every time I see a Doc, my previous records can be bought up instantly....

B) I've learned how to use IRIS thanks to the many helpful Vets on here. I used it on January 10th to ask for any updates on my claim which was filed on March 3rd, 2008. Last I heard it was in the developmental stages as they are waiting on reports from Vero Beach Clinic, as well as West Palm VMAC - amazing as all the records they claim to be waiting for are in the own damn computer. Anyway, should I ask them monthly, bi-monthly, or what?

Skunk, Like you have been told previously "Take It To The Lord In Prayer". Your prayers may not be answered instantly, but He is certainly working on them. I've had so many problems in the past year, that I was ready to throw in the towel. I listened to my Pastor's sermon, saying don't be so proud, and spend some times on your knees asking God to help. I did just that, and slowly my life is being turned around. In my bedtime prayers, I will certainly mention your wife.

B) Commander Bob, I had my annual MRI done on my head 09/26/08. I was given an appointment on 12/17/08 to have the results given to me. The report said " Large epidermold in the right cerellopontine angle, extending superiorly th the level of the midbrain. There is significant mass effect on the right midbrain and pons." On my previous MRI, there was no evidence of any further tumor action from 2001. He also advised us the tumor is glacier slow in growing. He will do another MRA on 06/17/09. I am hoping that he was looking at someone elses MRI. It just don't seem possible to grow this big in one year. I ask God to help me on this one...

Commander Bob, The letter states"we have requested copies of treatment records or other evidence from the Vero Beach CBOC/West Palm Beach VAMC. Even though we have asked for this information, it is your responsibility to see that the VA receives it(except for any evidence kept by the VA, military, or any other federal government agency)." As for the C&P for PTSD, I gave them articles from the Stars & Stripes, as well as a base paper showing the incident. Shouldn't the VA be able to get their own records from my file. When I questioned Birmingham at that time, she said that they probably have all the info they need. I was diagnosed in 12/08 with a Brain Tumor, they were able to gather all my records from the Neurologist in West Palm, while I sat there.

Thanks to everyone for their input... My only question is - Can anyone explain what Iris means? I've checked FAQ, but it didn't have the necessary explanation. I don't have any idea how to use it, and I don't want to talk to local Vet Officer, because she isn't worth the space she takes up. Help again, anyone?

I called Montgomery on the 800# they furnish. I finally get through, and ask the guy what gives what the letter I received. He pulled out the copy from the computer, and tells me they are waiting on reports from Florida. It says I have 30 days to make the necessary info availabe to them. When I questioned him that all the info they need is in my VA files - and they have total access to them, as any other VA Dr. does - He said he knows that, and I don't have to worry about further info. It was a polite way to say the claim is still be worked on. This must be my 5th letter to advise me of this. Just when I think I'm so close.... March 3, 2008 and still waiting to here "yea" or "nay" at least

I have filed claims for PTSD and Tinutis on March 3, 2008. I've given them all the documentation they asked for, and even had a C & P exam for Tinutis this past November. I called in December to see the status of my claim. I was advised it was before the Review Board, and should hear from them shortly. I was even getting excited.... Today, I receive a letter from Montgomery stating they need copies of my treatment records from Vero Beach CBOC/West Palm Beach VAMC. My question is aren't all my VA files available to them throught their own computers? Would it help to ask the main office at Birmingham on my visit tomorrow?

I have sleep apnea, as diagnosed by the VA in Birmingham. I had to submit a survey, to be reviewed by them to see if I had a problem. Two weeks later, I spent the night in the sleep study center where I wore all kinds of electrodes. Half-way thru the night, They switched me to a CPAP machine. It two weeks for the results to be returned, and then I was called in. They issued me a CPAP, and the mask that was needed for my situation. They have a bunch of different masks to cover the multitude of problems. The VA will preset the pressure you need to function. I can either sleep on my back, or side facing the machine. If there is a problem with any of the equipment, the VA will replace it.

Okay - I was scared enough with the results of Gabapentin. After hearing the posts I've received, and from previous opinions, this drug terrifies me. I'm diagnosed with PTSD - still waiting on C & P results , with suicidal thoughts, I don't think I can handle more downers in my life. I went to the VA Clinic, and requested to be regestered in the Weight Management class. Anyway, THANKS to all for your opinions. You can always count on Hadit.com for answers.

I had my most annual MRI done in July,to check if a brain tumor I had removed in May, 2001, had grown back. The Neurology Surgeon in Birmingham told me another tumor has grown, and we should deal with it. He told me the VA would farm out the surgery to UAB, since they didn't deal with that. I told the doctor I needed more time, because it came as a shock. I will have another MRI done in May, 2009. As I stated previously, I was placed on Gabbapentin - unmonitored - for about 9 months. My weight balloned to 300#, and I can't lose it. I stopped taking it totally in October. With all this weight, I know I'm not the ideal surgery candidate. I've read Topomax has a side effect of losing weight, but has other symptoms involved. So the Board seems to have the answers to most questions - Can you help me?

:D Happy Birthday Pete, and enjoy the "Special Gift: that God has given you. Hope you have a great day, and, of course, many more.

;) Danang1969, I was told the same thing by my audiologist. What I was trying to explain previously, was a a program using "Neuromonics". See www.neuromonics.com. I have the folder in front of me. You will take another hearing test to determine how loud the scratching sound must be set for. The way I understand, they program the scratching noise periodically throughout the music selections. Your brain picks up on the scratching, somehow sending a message back to your ears, which is supposed to mask the ringing. She told me it was quite expensive on their part, and you must make a commitment to listen for two hours a day x 8 months. The time can be broken into several setting periods. Hope this gives you a little hope.

:P Danang 1969, I had a C & P Hearing about a month ago for hearing loss and tinnutis. I'm still waiting for the results. I got a copy of the report yesterday, and the examiner mentioned the tinnutis was caused by working around the noisy P-3 aircraft. The reort states"Regarding his left ear (deaf in right), Veteran should be given the doubt as he does have hearing loss in his left ear. It is as least likely as not as not that Veterans left ear hearing loss was contributed to by military noise experience. Also have a new program that works with an I-Pod - plays 4 songs - two classical and two new age - that have a scratching type noise in it. She says that it trains the brain to block out the ringing. Very expensive to VA, and must use two hours daily for eight months

Yoggie, Look up the side effects of Gabbapentin, and you will find your answer. My eating habits didn't change, but my weight sure did. It will slowly climb on you. Some Vets swear by it, and I swear at it.

Pete, I was taken 400mg x 4 (not monitored), and 50mg Citalopram for my treatment of PTSD. I think it was for depression, and having suicidal thoughts. My new Psych is slowly weaning me off. She has me down to 2 a day - taking one dose away every three months. I gained the 75#, and can't budge the weight. I weaned myself off two months ago, because I never saw any changes since I started them. When she totally weans me, I told her that I want medication that doesn't have weight gain as a side effect. So I got to wait for her next move...

As stated on prior posts, the VA prescribed this for treatment of my PTSD. Being totally unmonitored for 10 months, I gained 75# - Yes, one of the nasty side effects. When I moved, my new VA Psych said I should have never been put on it. It never helped me, so I weaned myself off. I still get the pills to keep them happy. My question - How long before the body slowly gets back to normal? My eating habits never changed....

:( I just want to say "Thanks" for the info you have given me. I will go to my C & P pleading my best case, and Sunday I will certainly spend some quality time at "Altar Call" asking for God to be my go between. Can I go to Medical Records right after the hearing for a copy, or must I get it from another source at a later date?

I have a C & P Exam scheduled for next week for Hearing Loss. I'm deaf in one ear(not service Related), but I'm going for a partial loss of hearing on my good ear, which the VA has provided a hearing aid for me. I'm from the Viet Nam era - with a combat star. I'm trying to say when I went to "A" School, my other aviation schools,working on the line with my squadron, and serving on many detachments in the Pacific, all we had were the ear-plugs in the plastic containers. There were no "Mickey Mouse Ears back then. Are they going to eat me up...

B) I received my long awaited envelope on Friday. stating more info must be sent( more documents such as verifiable stressors - which I have - combat medals (check), as well as a list of all names that are involved with my stressor (check). My question is related to the response block. Am I to check the block that states this is all the info I have, so they can begin to judge the claim on my verifiable stressors? Do I also include dates to the Suicide Hot-Line, as well as a story as to how PTSD has affected my life in so many ways. Thanks all...