matt

Okay, had my C and P for PTSD as well as TBI this morning. The TBI was at 0830 with a PA. seemed to know what he was talking about. Did some test, stated that there were definately some problems with my spatial orientation. I was in there for about 1.5 hours. Unfortunately he said i was very intelligent. Then off to my C and P for PTSD at 1230. the Dr. was 45 minutes late getting into the office. The Secretary said don't mind him being late because he dictates exactly how I interprete him. And indicated that he was a great Dr. that was sympethetic to Vets. I was in there about 1 hour. He went over the Test from the TBI C and P and agreed that there was definately a problem. He said that my PTSD and TBI are about equal. He asked about my suicidal thoughts, how I work with others, my family life, what do i do in my spare time. Why i am not employed. He said i needed a job that didn't require thinking and I must be by myself. I asked him if he knew anybody hiring those kinds of jobs. I noted that I have been seeing a head Dr. for the past 1.5 years at the VA. that my memory and concentration levels have been affected and are a direct contributer to my ability to perform my job description prior to deloying to Iraq. Food for thought. The PA for my TBI C and P said the VA is not requiring documentation for TBI as with all medical problems not everything is documented in SMR's. So they take your word for it. hopefully the RO's has the same opinion..We shall see i am just glad it is over. MattPTSD C and P Completed..... matt

Due tot he VA being closed on Mar 2. My C and P has been rescheduled for this coming Wednesday Mar 25. I have one with a PA at 0830 and one at 1230 with a Dr. Not really sure why i am seeing both but hey who cares just glad to get it done. These are for PTSD. Not sure what I should bring, but definately going to bring myself. thanks Matt

Yes they closed due to weather, the Ao said it was the first time they had ever closed. Yeah, it was a huge snow storm. Of course the news made it out to be the story of the century for shock and awe affect. I have to have it done by friday as i will be about 700 miles away come this sunday, as my family will be in florida for a month at my in-laws house, while my wife travels on business. As my wife has good reason to not leave me with the kids for a month and this will give me help. Talked to my vso this morning who is attempting to get me a make up appt this week. Matt

left lAST NIGHT ON MY WAY TO WINSTON SALEM OUTPATIENT CLINIC FOR MY C AND P FOR TBI AND PTSD, TOOK 2.5 HOURS FOR A NORMAL 50 MINUTE DRIVE( DUE TO PENDING SNOW AND BAD WEATHER). STAYED IN A HOTEL ROOM 200 METERS FORM THE CLINIC, FOUND OUT AT MIDNIGHT THEY WERE CLOSED TODAY:(. WENT THERE THIS MORNING AND MEET THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER FOR THE CLINIC, HE SAID IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD EVER CLOSED. THE BAD THING IS I HAD PLANNED MY ENTIRE MONTH AROUND THESE C AND P'S EXAM. MY WIFE IS DROPPING ME OFF NEXT SUNDAY IN ORLANDO AS SHE WILL BE TRAVELING ON BUSINESS FOR A MONTH. DON'T KNW WHAT i AM GOING TO DO. THE AO, TOLD ME TO ASK MY VSO, TO CALL AND SCHEDULE BASED OFF MY AVAILABILITY. HOWEVER, I AM NOT SURE THAT WILL BE THE CASE. I NEED TO HAVE THEM DONE BY THIS FRIDAY. HOW FRUSTRATING. IT JUST SEEMS THAT NOTHING IN MY LIFE IS EASY. I HAVE TO FIGHT FOR EVERYTHING AND SACRIFICE.....JUST MORE DEPRESSING.. MATT

well just got the letter for the C and P for my TBI and PTSD they are scheduled for this coming Monday at 0830 and 1100 respectfully. I did receive the IMO from my family doctor, for my back issues. My VSO is wanting me to get somehting from a medic, pa or somebody that saw me during my deployment regarding my back and submit that...so i have been looking Matt

Went to see my family physician last week who originally diagnosed my back problems in 2007. I asked him to prepare an IMO and showed him the denial claim from the VA for my back and he was shocked at the fact that the letter actually stated less likely then not that the injury occured during military service. He has been my doctor since 2000. i have never played sports never done anything except military. So in his IMO, he stated that the injuries I suffered where more likely to have occured during 2004 when i was deployed to IRAQ (infantry) and carrying heavy loads on my back. So, I do not know if this will be enough to submit to change the VA's mind. however, I am smart enough to know that a DR's word should trump a PA, who actually conducted the c and p and completed the paperwork for a dr to just simply sign off on. any opinions. thanks Matt

Pete and John, thanks for the advice. I do have a VSO, who continues to predict 50 to 70% for PTSD at this point. I am already SC for 10% for tinnitus, so at least I have that going for me. Just need for the C and P for PTSD to be scheduled. trust me I realize that I have more then my fair share of good luck in this world, with a great family, their support. however in recent a lot of set backs and I need a boost to get me back on track or set me on a guided course. Matt

Pete, Well unfortunately, I was lucky to work this long. I have been riding the coattails of a manager that knows my story. Was my manager prior to my previous deployment. However, I was transferred from under their authority back in Aug, and transferred to another part of the city. My whole dept got the axe. Presently, if I were interviewing potential candidates, I certainly wouldn't choose me as after talking to me, you can tell that I am damaged goods. Which is sad, but I am honest. Trust me I do not want to think about not working, I can't imagine what I will fill my time with. I am just trying to make it day by day. There is a Hire Vets First Job fair in my town the 3rd week of march. they may have some jobs, just want to stay busy. Thanks for the advice....Also, yesterday i saw my family physician regarding being denied SC for my DDD for my back. He is writing a IMO for me. He did one of his residency's with the VA so he says he knows how to word it.. Matt

Well, called my regional VA today regarding my deferred, C and P for PTSD. I will say that sometimes you get a representative that actually will help you and sometimes you don't. This time I got one. She pretty much went thru my entire file with me. Apparently the VA requested a c and p for PTSD as of Dec 16. unfortunately to date has not been set as if yet. hopefully it will happen sooner then later as I want it to just be done. This process has almost brought me to the brink of losing my confidence int he system once again. Matt

I wiould like to open this topic back. I am pretty much in the same situation. I attempted to research this abit prior to posting. I had seperate C and P's for hearing, back and knees. i was SCed for 10% for tinnutis, retro back to june of 08, denied for the rest. Deferred for PTSD, 3 months ago. I am lost. i submitted stressor letters with my packet, dd214 showing my combat action badge. Just kinda in limbo now waiting on the VA to schedule my PTSD C and P. I went to my VSO about it and he keeps telling me the same thing. "the exam will come" however, that statmenet doesn't pay the bills or get me anywhere. Knowing that I submitted my packet just under a year ago and have been seeing a VA shrink for over a year as well as ptsd group therapy for 3 months. Who can I get involved at this point? BTW...I am currently not working as I was layed off from bank of america, go figure!!!! My original GAF was 51, however, I have gotten substantially worse as the added stress has really kicked in from the lay off... thanks Matt

Roger that rental guy, I do plan on having my family dr, he is the one that originally diagnosed them, then sent me to the OR specialist. He is a great dr. My Back OR's PA is the one that filled out the IMO for the national Guard. When I told my family dr about the VA PA stating that my back condition was "Less likely then not" from military service, he almost jumped out of his seat. Funny thing is he did one of his residencies with the VA, so it won't take much fro him to write the letter, just need to find the time to get in and see him. I was just impressed with the VA turn around. I could just imagine how long it could have taken if they SC'ed my back and knees and Gerd. I can understand the VA's stance that I must prove my point, thanks... Matt

First off I am proud to be a jarhead.....those memories will last a lifetime. Whelp came home today and there was a nice big envelope from the VA waiting for me. It was my initial award letter, awarded me 10% for tiniitus 0 for bilat hearing loss, denied for bilat knee pain, denied for GERD, denied for lumbar ddd. It also stated that PTSD and TBI were deferred until c and p for those. So, anyways, at least i know they are pretty quick with my claim. i saw the hearing person on oct 28 and back pa on nov 25. Matt

Whelp came home today and there was a nice big envelope from the VA waiting for me. It was my initial award letter, awarded me 10% for tiniitus 0 for bilat hearing loss, denied for bilat knee pain, denied for GERD, denied for lumbar ddd. It also stated that PTSD and TBI were deferred until c and p for those. So, anyways, at least i know they are pretty quick with my claim. i saw the hearing person on oct 28 and back pa on nov 25. Matt

Bob thanks, yes I enlisted int he Marines back in 1987, then shifted gears and joined the national guard. should be having my c and p for PTSD sometime before the new year. Saw my family dr on friday as well and he prescribed me Symboiax (spelling) which basiclaly made me a zombie for 2 days and had to discontinue use, will talk to him tomorrow to explain why I stopped. My VSO, said that the back issue can be dealt with later the opinion that was given is just an opinion, we can have another IMo done.

went to the VA yesterday , saw the social worker i used to see regulerly a few months ago. set me up with a weekly appt to see her, set me up with a ptsd group. not happy that i am worse off. on the way out of the va outpatient clinic, i stopped by the release of info, printed the las years progress notes. Low and behold the C and P for my back was in there. I am even more depressed now in the 4-5 pages of the exam at the end, it states that a medical opinion was requested and the PA that conducted the c and p said it was not likely that me back injury is due to service in the military. rationale: SM did not create a chronicity of the event within service. and went on to say, tha I received a medical exam a few years ago and the spine looked fine then. Talk about not what I wanted to hear. Talk about a let down on my frigin 40th birthday... matt

went to the VA today, saw the social worker i used to see regulerly a few months ago. set me up with a weekly appt to see her, set me up with a ptsd group. not happy that i am worse off. on the way out of the va outpatient clinic, i stopped by the release of info, printed the las years progress notes. Low and behold the C and P for my back was in there. I am even more depressed now in the 4-5 pages of the exam at the end, it states that a medical opinion was requested and the PA that conducted the c and p said it was not likely that me back injury is due to service in the military. rationale: I did not create a chronicity of the event within service. and went on to say, tha I received a medical exam a few years ago and the spine looked fine then. Talk about not what I wanted to hear. Talk about a let down on my frigin 40th birthday... Matt

unfortunately, with my wife's income we are over the threshold. getting very frustrated with this. I am starting to become overwhelmed with trying to balance life, work, dealing with my issues, family and getting myself better.....Sometimes, i wish I would have never joined the service... Matt

t and b, thanks I haven't been to the website yet however, based of what our income is, i can pretty much gaurentee that we are over the threshold. But I will check thanks Matt

J, yes they do have STD/LTD, However previously in this post i was advised that my employer might not approve the claim for PTSD simply for the fact that it relates back to military. However, since i haven't been SCe'd yet they may approve it. i am going to speak with my family dr tomorrow and show him some of my VA paperwork progress notes and diagnosis. the bad part about it is that it is thru metlife, you apply on the phone not thru a rep. they contact your dr and get the info from him. they can take up to 2 weeks to approve or dissapprove. So in the 2 week period you are unpaid unless you have sick days and vacation days left. What if i am disapproved, i will look like a horses ass going back to my old job. But it's worth a try. i need to do something. I am not getting any better for sure.. Matt

Pete, Carlie and Tag and bag, thanks, but geez what are people suppose to do for minimal 6 months while they wait for their claim to possibly be approved? there has to be a way for people that can't work to be able to pay bills and survive while they wait for their VA and SSDI benefits to kick in. One of the heartburns I have right now is in my old military unit recently there has been a few AGR soldiers retire in Aug 08 filed their claim in Sept and already approved for 80 to 90%. I filed in Apr 08 and only have had 2 c and p's. Very frustrating. Plus I am going to sit down with my VSo either this friday or coming monday to see what excatly is going on. I am also, going to the VA outpatient clinic in Charlotte, one of those days to speak with a Counselor or social worker to update my progress and possibly set another appt with my shrink. My problem is getting worse and I need help. Sad fact is, if I take the time off work to get that help it will more then likely not be paid, or take STD/LTD it will be unpaid as it is service connected. catch 22, need to pay bills, no work, no pay... Matt

Carlie, thanks for clarifying that. Yeah, with the VA and SSA, it's a crap shoot. By the time i got around to receiving my claim, more then likely i would be divorced and homeless....no wonder 70-80% of homeless americans are vets.....does anybody know if SSD is affected by a military pension? if i am SC for a certain % I am eligble for my guard pension immeditaly. which thank god I was able to get my 20 in prior to being forced out. funny thing is 30 minutes ago i received my final OER from with senior rater (BDE commander) comments for me to sign.... Matt

Tag and Bag, Thanks I should get my eyes checked out. the funny thing is 2 years ago I had a retina scan and everything looked good, but hey that was 2 years ago. I work of B of A, (hint second largest bank) and in this envirnment i am not tryingt o draw attention to myself, if they allow me to take STD and paid LTD I will. Maybe that will allow me the opportunity to get weekly if not daily help that i need. I have for so long brushed my problems under the rug and tried not to deal with them. unfortunately, the continue to bottle up and it is harder to sweep under the rug. With waiting for VA to Sc me....lol wow, has anybody else had each of their C and P's at different times. this is crazy. i was actually hoping my general c and p last week was for all my physical issues( back, knees Gerd, things of those nature) but nope just for my back...very frustrating. Matt

jon and Me, Thanks for the advice. yeah i know i am walking a slippery slope with filing a PTSD disability claim with my civ employer for SC stuff, however, I can not afford to quite my job, not sure if SSD would kick in until 6 months after I stopped working I just do not have 6 months of bill money built up in cash in the bank. So, not sure what to do. god knows how long the rest of my c and p's will take to get done and finally make the determination. Just wish, i had a due over with getting off active duty and going thru the process while being paid for seeing the doctors. With everyone on this baord, i do not want to go homeless by trying to prove my point to the VA...that kind of defeats the purpose. i know filing was the best thing, so we shall see what my dr says on friday. And I know this has been psoted several times before on this site, but do i need to stop working for 6 months prior to filing Disability with Feds? how long does it take to approve the file, what are the odds? Like I said all i have now is my claim in and VA notes stating the PTSD diagnosis. thanks Matt

Carlie, The VSo was just trying to help ,i asked him questions that I did not know the answers too. i was actually quite apprehensive about filing the claim. I simply was just trying to live with the pain and emotional circustance I was dealt. unfortunately, bottling it up for a few years and trying to drink myself to pain free/peace just isn't working anymore. I am coming to grips with reality. The hallucinations I am having are more of a flash fo light in the corner of my eye, like an explosion or an artillary round coming out of the tube.(BTW, I am an 13A, Artillary Officer). So actually not a hallucination. Flashbacks I have are of a few pretty fearful times I had in Iraq with incoming. My claim is also for TBI, as I was 20 meters from a 120mm mortar exploding, how i did not get injured is beyond me. I am having trouble with discussing this with my employer as i work in the finacial industry with a book of business and can't really afford to miss work, however, on the other hand i am spinning my wheels everyday not reall getting anything done. I can't think straight, say the wrong thing at the wrong time, not making sense, can't concentrate. it gets so bad, that I can read something and i can simply look away fro a split second and can't remember what i was doing 2 seconds ago. I don't even want to get into my problems with anger and how irritable I am. I am depessed all the time, sometimes i just feel like crying to let it all out. as you can see I am starting to come out of my shell. I did call my employer benefits group today to find out how to go on STD/LTD. This friday when i see my family dr, i will discuss the options with him and let him make the call. If he says, i need a break from work then, i just need to file a claim via the phone, they will contact my dr and make a recommedation. All my vacation and sick days will be used prior to me going out on STD first. LTD will come 26 weeks after. on the 4th month of STD, a packet will be sent to me to fill out to move to LTD. Matt

Also, I may have typed before i thought it out correctly, my VSO, has actually filed my cliam back in Apr, however, he canot help me file for SSI disability or SSD until i have been found SC for PTSD. He just wasn't sure how to go to my dr. to ask to be placed on short term dis. i just reviewed my company policy on that and it states i have to fill out a packet and discuss it with my manager, then sign a bunch of info relsease forms, where metlife will ask my dr for the information and make a review in about 15 days. i just have trouble disclosing this to my employer, but at this point I need too. It is probably not good that i am having hallucinations while driving, the dr took me off sertraline and put me on another drug to try and help me sleep and relax.. Matt