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sf_ranger
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Posts posted by sf_ranger
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Never heard that, I had to wait until my brown envelope came with my official rating, then seen my service officer and she called and I got the letter same day by fax in her office. I also used the BBD Program.
I believe a pre-determination is not official. Another words they'll inform you that a percentage of disability has been granted and you do not object to their findings.....
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sf ranger-Veterans with 100 % P & T "jeopardise" their ratings every time they file for SMC benefits.
The fact that many veterans succeed in getting SMC additional comp shows that they don't consider jeopardizing what they have.
Even a VA SC rating of "0"for something -with 100% or TDIU rating already awarded - could be the disability that could eventually lead to or contribute to their death.
In order for a re-opened claim to jeopardise a vet's established rating-the VA would have to prove substantial improvement to lower it (and give the vet full appellate rights) or they could lower it due to proven fraud.
The VA could-anytime they want- re evaluate the P & T award.A vet doesnt have to re-open and claim something else for the VA to do that.
I think this VSO was just lazy or ill informed.
Say you have been diagnosed recently with DMII-and you are an AO veteran.
Without filing the claim , the DMII could lead to heart disease and cause you to expire.
Unless the in-service wounds also contributed to your death ( it is VERY hard to get PTSD on a death certificate and prove it contributed to death) the spouse would have to start at day one to receive DIC.
If the DMII contributed to your death due to a major fatal heart attack or stroke- the fact that VA rated it would help your wife as it would be on the death certificate yet already found to be SC.
Thank you very much. I do not believe I would be jeopardizing what I already have been awarded.
For some reason I cannot get rid of the extreme anger I have and try every day and go to weekly meetings but it just comes to the surface....Darn it. I still get ticked at the way the Veterans are treated and denied for wounds they have shown to be SC. However, I am firmly committed to help my Veteran Brothers who have gone through the same mess I have receive what is rightly theirs to receive. I have a VN "bud" who was denied and treated very badly and he has one leg...Just 2 weeks ago after months of trying to get him to go to the VA Hospital for help he received 100 P+T..
It became a great day knowing he finally got relief..
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I am 100% P+T. I was granted that 2 yrs ago. I was informed by my VSO and others that if I attempt to add additional evidence to support another claim I could be jepardizing my entire 100 P+T because my 100% would be reopened.
Is it possible because I was rated 70% PTSD. 20% wounds that gave me 80%. I applied and was awarded 20% IU that gave me the 100%? SOme told me it really doesn't make sense to open a new case just to tell all that I am over 100 without IU and we are mensa mensa without it but it really irks the heck outta me to let it ride... I have been treated like dirt and felt trashy for telling the VA my injuries for many years until I finally had to stop working due to conflicts and said "After 40 years VA, you owe me and my family".
I am still angry with 100%... What about the quality of life my wife and I missed? NO children to love because I was diagnosed 40 years ago with Toxins in my blood by my personal MD and the VA says "Troop. You are good to go". Yeah and my wife had 4 miscarrages and one was at 8 months.
Thanks for hearing me and God Blesss our Veterans and Troops
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I'm confused. When I was discharged and put on TDRL 4? years ago my VA claim was finished w/in a few months. 90% bumped up to 100 because of unemployability. In Feb I went back to San Diego for another PEB and they finalized my medical retirement. Obviously not getting better. Now I got a letter informing me of a C & P exam? I thought when I got my rating from the VA that it was finished. Or am I just being naive? Nothing is easy w/ any government agency, is it. So, is this a formality, are they searching for something, is this standard procedure? Should I be worried? If so, how do I prepare?
Thanks!
TDRL may tell the story. Your military retirement is considered temporary due to injuries you sustained. (that is just what I believe and unsure of your full case)
90% is temporary. 100% can be temporary also. If you achieve 100% Permanent+Total then further exams are not necessary and a letter stating that fact will come to your residence.. If you are 90% and receive 100% pay scale then you still are considered 90% and further evaluations (usually yearly) will be necessary. A second C+P kinda makes me feel that someone produced a letter of dispute (possibly a Veterans Service Officer) and that will generate another C+P......
If your disability is physical and it has gotten worse then chances you could get a increase as long as you are not "capable" or "able" to work.. The 2nd C+P will probably be key in your case so don't leave anything to chance....Tell them (the reviewer) everything and let them know how your hurt and if you cannot perform regular daily funtions of a regular person then you MUST inform them and maybe give them examples.... Good luck and God Bless our Troops and Veterans
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hello forum Army vet. currently in miami ..became disabled @17 while on active duty peacetime(post nam) stateside,suffered serious injury ie. struck by lawn mower from rear by other soldier. I spent, 16 months in hosp. and was ret @19 medical ret, main question is .. does a Prima Facia case ie (the facts speak for them selves)exist for PTSD,..if the serious injury(Traumactic laceration of achilles tendon and nerves right leg/ foot.(practically severed my leg)Army used left leg to repair right..never been right Chronic pain. mental problems. flashbacks substance abuse etc due to same Been unemployed since..condition worsening..never been rated properly..after 31 yrs fighting my claim still @60% need help n e advise plz.thks Rikkor
You are already a percentage for disability. You next step would be to see a Veterans Service Officer in the DAV or American Legion or another group. Ask for assistance for filing additions to your original claim. As you know history of disability is so important because it shows you are hurting and it obviously never goes away. Kep in mind that there aer some good VSO's and not so good. Try and search other vets that have been to a VSO and see how they rate their officer. Your biggest job could be your search for a good VSO because if a VSO knows their job then they will work their tails off for you as mine did for me.
Chronic pain means "pain of at least a 7 and higher is evident all the time".....You also need to see your "primary doctor" and maintain a good relationship with him/her. You MUST tell him/her everythiing because an MD will eventually be your biggest advocate for a positive rating on a higher % for your case.
SOmetimes it does seem as though the VA and the workers are non caring but keep in mind that the overall benefit will do you and your family good.....
We are in Port Saint Lucie and try to assist other vets go through the mess of red tape without giving up....
ALso a CIB or a medal with a "V" usually tells all of your experiences. If no CIB or another form of combat proof is available then you must display a "stress" becaues you may not qualify for PTSD.....Whatever happens DO NOT GIVE UP......Keep us informed as we can help you achieve what is rightfully yours as you earned the right to file a disability claim for increased benefits.........
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Yeah I live in the south also I am just up a few states from you and the moment it starts to get cold I could care less what happens outside. I have had two back operations, nerve blocks and PT. Only thing left is like you said I am looking for anything or anywhere that would ease my pain besides the ever present pain pills. I am looking at one of them new beds with the air mattress where you can adjust the firmness. Thanks for all you guys help. It is about that time again have a good day........
The VA originally provided me with deep tissue therapy to my R knee due to service disability. It worked for a time but after 3 times a week sessions for a total of 24 session they stopped...Figures. I use to have the same done with me when I had a pulled muscle from College football. It was called Diaotherm then and was a bigger machine. Now the machine looks like round metal pads that direct sound waves to the affected part. The hotter it gets on the skin the more the sound wave strength.
I am on 50 mgs Tramadol, 4 times a day and two other meds for pain and inflamation.
Got use to the Tramadol now and my next step may be Morphine but I told them I would like to try everything first before the morphine......My VN buddy here take morphine and he gets very sick and his mind is not orderly using that but his pain goes away. I still say name your pill....THe VA will try all sorts of meds but it is just to keep the Vet quiet.
I got one of those fancy beds and it was great for almost a year now...It is warranted for 20 years. I have a foam bed because the air beds were just too rocky for us.... The foam beds cost plenty and so do the air beds. Got a King size for $4,600. Gosh we thought it came with a car........Good luck in your search for a painless sleep....
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Hello I like a lot of other vets suffer from chornic pain. I am at the point to go live overseas in like Phillippines or some other warm place where a person can go to a Doctor and get meds. I have a Doc which I belive is a good man but it seems like all of them are afraid to treat some of us with SC pain issues. I have SC knees hips and lower back disc disease along with nueropathy in my left leg and feet. I was just wondering how many of the Vets here have ever left the US and lived over in a warm climate and if it helped them. I live in South but this winter I may become a snowbird and go down further south or overseas if things do not pick up. I hate to rant or whine but a few bad apples got to selling thier meds and now us people who I dare say would shoot someone over their meds suffer for others. Just my throw on it have a good day...
I was offered a light morphine and pain block for my injuries which are very similar to yours but I told them let's try something else first.
I live in Southeast Florida and it has helped but thinking humidity has something to do with arthritic conditions is not accurate. The Arthritus foundation recently sent us a book and it they say that low humidity has nothing to do with whether my knees, back, spine or hips hurt.... I will go for an xray, again, on Monday to find out more. I figure after almost 40 years of living with pain the pain does increase and too bad the VA believes pills will take care of everything.
Good luck and try the South before the Phillipines.. I am also told it is my state of mind that also has an increasing affect on my pain and I cannot find fun in any kind of pain.... I try but still consider them, the pain, rascals....
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It has been close to 40 years since I fought in xcombat missions in Vietnam. PTSD is part of my life and I am always told we can live with it but it is not curable at this time. I have been tossed turn and manipulated by a lot of Psyches, MD's and PhD.'s in the VA and so far I still have PTSD.
I go to every clinic i am told I should try. After a few meetings with non-Vet evaluators I find them to be unable to truly speak to them because they simply cannot manage my PTSD..They seem to be so far off baase it is a try but to date it doesn't work for me. When I tell my VA Psyche MD and he says to stop attending the appointments so I cancel them with his approval. I always try every suggestion and sometimes the suggested appointments do not work for me. The only thing to date I find comaraderie is through group meetings with other PTSD combat vets..
MST meetings may just help you in a way. You would be better off attending than not attending at least one.
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not at first ... first 70 and IU then i filed a NOD and got PT about 9 months later but it still said something about a review from time to time was possible
I guess anything is possible and still we must remain vigalent. PTSD is something that does not just go away. I am in a group of PTSD vets who attend a meeting once a week and now we have been attending this group meeting for more than 2 years using Psyche doctors in between.
I am quite sure that none of us need attention. We PTSD Vets just need constant help to a problem that was given to us by serving so proudly. When it comes to defending my belief in America being forever free, I would come to it's defense again and again.
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100% for PTSD is not difficult to receive for those that have the disabilities of a 100% PTSD Veteran....
Well, we would all like to believe that but since it is not accurate I do occasionally touch base with a POW vet from the Iraqi War that has 100% PTSD. It took him close to 2 years to receive 100% P+T and that is after he was hospitalized for more than 30 days on two occasions. I have been 20% for almost 38 years then reapplied using several After Action Reports I am on showing combat and how we fought along with honorable letters from co-workers and hospital doctor visits from the last 22 years. Now I am 100% P+T.
P+T along with 100% is full disability. Vets can be 100% P+T for 15 years and still get shafted. It is the 20 year mark that makes a vet really 100% P+T.
Steve
Company K, 75th Rangers,
Vietnam Dec 24,1968-Feb 1970
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Yikes-this issue came up here today but when I left the BVA web site I couldnt remember what post!
Service connection can be obtained due to inservice aggravation of pre-existing condition as well as aggravation after service of a NSC condition-due to an established SC condition.
Example of inservice aggravation-
As a 3 time wounded Viet Vet I find that it is one thing to claim a pre-existing condition and another huge problem to get it accepted and receive compensation......However, there are so many brave veterans that have this sincere problem so I say give them their due until the VA discovers it to be non compensiable....We Americans owe so much to our Vets..If it weren't for the Vets we couldn't write here or go to the our local store to purchase Political Magazines or worship in the Church of our choice..
God Bless our Troops and all of our Veterans
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I`m taking Fluoxetine..suppose to be generic Prozac. It has delayed orgasm from 3 minutes to 3 days. Anyone else on this and do you know if it is okay to take with Nexium?
Cavman
I do not know if it is OK to take with Nexium. You may want to check with the VA or go to a local pharmacy druggist who can check it on the computer.
I take Fluoxetine (PTSD and other stuff), Amitriptilyne (for pain), Tramadol (for pain), Gabapentin, Hydrochlorothiazide, Prasosin, Ezwtimbe, Omerprazole (stomach acid), Flunisolide (nasal solution), Refresh (for the eyes) and recently taken off Desipramine. I also take Loratadine because I am told I have alergies....
I don't know what alergies but my nose was broken in VN during an enemy contact and the MD says after 40 years, "Oh! You had a broken nose"... hahahaha Guess the only thing I am missing is a ballpein hammer to clonk myself on the head when I still cannot sleep at nights.
Steve
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Advice: get to the doctor. :P
My problem is the same as all those I read in this forum and it is probably the sciatic nerve.... After several visits to the VA I gave up on their excuses and get treated by private MD's....
Burning sensations then leg becoming limp is common with me. The pain is bad and another story.. The VA perscribed Tramidol 2x50 mg tabs 4x a day for other pain and it helps. My real relief is from anti-inflation meds and getting off my feet soon as I discover the burn... Try to sit or travel with lower back support such as a pillow ....
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sci...d-sciatic-nerve
http://www.essortment.com/all/whatsciaticner_rghf.htm
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So that would be a notice of disagreement. I was advised to enter new evidence based on the fact that I had filed in August 2008, 6 months ago which puts me in the one year limit for submission of evidence towards a claim and should force them to reopen the case file. Can they legally ignore/overlook evidence of a disease that was incurred in service like they have?
I always hope and pray that old or new evidence in any Veteran case is not ignored but it is... I am a prime example of evidence being ignored on my case and a Veteran in my group also had the same experience... Upon discovery the VA revised each of our claims to our favor or should I say "To support our experiences in the military".... If the VA wanted to really support Veterans then a 25% increase would be just a touch of what we missed during our service for our country.
God Bless our Troops and Veterans
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Now my question is should submit a letter of new evidence that includes copies of the overlooked medical records, my sleep study refered to in those records, my reciept from the CPAP machine I was issued, my last sleep study on Nov 2008 showing I still have sleep apnea and the print out showing my treament compliance or should I send in a Notice of Disagreement?Which would be faster?
Thank you for inputs,
Phoenix
If you already have a Veterans Service Officer then it may be good if you let that person know what you are experiencing and that person will assist you. Keep in mind that it is necessary to have a history of your ailments.. Nowadays fast is not in the vocabulary of the VA. Fast is 6 months to a year or more and that is for the VA claim fellow Veterans in my group have experienced. I sent my NOD within 2 weeks of my last notice also understanding that I could again be denied and if I was again denied I would require legal representation through my VSO......
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does anybody know if sleep apnea has ever been granted,secondary to service connected broken nose,had c p exam and they said that my nose had caused 50-60% of my sleep apnea.waiting for letter from v a. found this out by getting copies of my medical records. I am a Vietnam Vet.68-69.been service connected for since 1970.
I am sorry but I cannot help you but I know of fellow vets in Florida that were denied because they have the same as I do and we have been diagnosed by the VA of having alergies... I too am a Viet Vet of 68-70 in the Centeral Highlands or 2 Corps. and have been SC since 1970..It is a struggle to get what we were missing and to achive compliance from the VA to give us what we so very well deserve but do not give up...
I wonder if alergies make a vet stop breathing in their sleep as my wife tells me I do?
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Thanks and will forward to my Marine Vietnam Vet friend who was stationed there...
Correction: That is my Marine Vietnam Vet friend who was stationed there and I will forward it to him...
Thanks again and I do type too fast and Add Reply first then look at it......It's a habit I guess
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If any of you were stationed or worked at Camp LeJeune between 1958 and 1987 please check out my site....www.watersurvivors.com You were exposed to toxic chemicals in the water you drank, showered and played in. If you or your children or their children are sick, this might be the reason why. These chemicals go into three generations.I have gone to Capitol Hill many times and have worked with Senator Dole and now the Marine Corps must inform any one that lived or worked on the base what happened to them. There is much to be learned about this situation. Please look into this for the sakes of yours and your families lives.
Thanks and will forward to my Mrine Vietnam Vet who was stationed there...
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just wanna ask anyone ,"Is it clausable that these benifits are for ever?" or is it a patch,a temporary fix, I been on IU and SSDI since 2002 VA payed me back to 1998, Is it gonna end? when am I gonna get the C&P? Is that designed to cut you off? CAUSE IT SURE SEEMS LIKE IT TO ME not trying to burst any bubbles but I"am really concerned..you know if they want they can say you can work selling news papers...What is in store around the corner what is the rule thumb? is it posible to never get a C&P? really I'am new to this..the C&P thing seems hostile are they really out to cut us off?
We have read that a 100% P+T veteran is not assured the 100 until 20 years pass..I was 30% for 3 years then they said Malaria was gone and reduced my benefit to 20% for almost 40 years. For the last 2 years I am 100% P+T and over 55 years old (of course). It was a huge struggle and we veterans stuggle each and every day for what we deserve...I believe we need to constantly contact our policians to remind them. I do once a month. We were disabled since we left the service so we have been unable to achive the rank of someone who has not been disagnosed with a disability.
I know 18 Vets here in the South and 14 are 100% P+T and each of us had at least one C+P before being awarded or should I say our well deserved claim... Vietnam wounds usually do not get better and as age is getting upon all of us Vietnam Vets we slowly become more injured... The 100%ers are on IU....
So 100% is not guaranteed until 20 years pass. I like enjoy the comments of poolguy11550 because the postings from him hit the mark every time.
God Bless our Troops and Veterans.
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Well after firing my VFW rep I recevice a call at work today from the DAV in Detroit. He agreed with me after I told him what I and been through with the VFW. The new rep is going to look into a possible CUE on my Tinnitus Case and follow up with my new claim for Diabetes. He sounded like a real nice man. He stated that he was 20 % disabled and most of the claims they are handeling are from Nam Vet.
Your representative (VSO) is your key to being successful in achiveving what you duly deserve...DAV reps are very good and I prefer American Legion becuse the woman I have here in Florida is fantastic...Putting it mildly ...So asking questions to other Vets is very important to hear their success or not...You may just get lucky if you choose and just pick anyone...
Good luck brother and God Bless our Troops and Veterans.
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Hello,
The name is Bernie from Michigan. I was in the USMC in the early 90s. Have a few issues but my current one is I was rated at 20% for mid back muscle spasms. I did injure my back in the service, but no one has ever done an Mri or anything except xrays. I just had an MRI done on Dec 16th. They found 4 herniated discs (1 pushing on my spinal cord, that they want to do surgery for), 4 bulging discs, an anular tear on the last disc in my lower back, steninosis, degeneration. I am currently 40%, but I am getting to the point that it is almost unbearable to work. I did open a claim on my lower back in June to try to service connect this. Any help, pointers or anything else would be great. There is so much information here it is going to take me months to get through.
Hi Bernie,
Welcome home....
It does sound like you are receiving the minimum for your injury...Try to retrieve all you back injury records from all sources. As you most likely already understand your local Veterans Service Officer will help you but you first have one that wil WORK for you and feel confident in doing your VA business.......
Yes, there is a tremendous amount of information here and on most Military sites but remember the VA provides the most % for the highest % injury, then builds upon your highest % for the single injury...
Good luck, never ever give up for what you deserve and stay informed....
God Bless our Troops and Vets.
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Chick,you are not 30% unemployable.This is the way it go,for you to be able to get TDIU,you have to be .You are only 70% service connected,but you are ungainful employable because of your 70% service connected disabitlities,and for thst reason,you are being paying at the 100% rate,But you are still 70% and IU. I hope this helps mobie
I am under the assumption that if you receive 70% SC and 30% IU then you are 100% P+T......First one must be rated as IU to receive TDIU then of course the 100% is applied as 100 % P+T......
In addition, if one is rated as 100% P+T and in the breakdown for example says, "70% for PTSD and 30% IU", the vet can object and file again within a certain time limit. However, the vet can get reduced if the vet refuses the 100% P+T using the VA's original rating.
It is funny you bring this up because I wanted to do teach and I am 100% P+T. I risk too much to argue to get full 100% SC which my current injuries can or should enable me to go for it....IU simply means I can no longer work and recently I thought I could but now go back to teaching College but now realize I cannot because I now hurt more than ever and because of my original IU Claim... If I try for 100% SC it really does not make sense for me because of the myrid of benefits my family and I now receive. The bennies could be reduced. It is a gamble that if disapproved I can get a reduced rating....I cannot afford to get reduced and hopefully you see the same if are the same and that is 100% P+T.
My friend is 100% P+T SC and works for the Govt...Yeah he makes good pay but he is not even in fair physical shape...I will not want the exchange or a reduced P+T percentage because I believe I should have been given entirely 100% SC....We Vets should have been awarded the percentage without the fight and we fought so very hard for what we deserve.... I actually believe we deserve more than the average "Joe" because we have lost job opportunities due to our disabilities and have not received a fair VA raise in over 15 years. Why not???? I always contact my congressperson and all of us should do the same....
Individual Unemployability (IU) or also known as Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU).....
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The local VAMH prosthetic clinic where we live in S Florida sends in the approvals for the vets who apply... There were 4 of us here that were again disapproved and 2 have SC that tells us we need support...We have medal inside our supports and well the prosthetics are not comfortable.....
OOPS...Last message went out too fast....COntact your local VA Medical Center to see what they did with your application. We received a denial letter 3 days after the deadline of August.......
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I live in the St Louis VA John Cochran and VA Jefferson Barracks area and as of Sept/October of 2008 when Clothing Allowance checks are mailed I have not received mine. I am "Static" status for the Clothing Allowance. I've called prosthetics and they keep telling me they haven't cut "hundreds" of checks with no explanation.
Any suggestions on what to do so I can be compensated. Or did they run out of money
The local VAMH prosthetic clinic where we live in S Florida sends in the approvals for the vets who apply... There were 4 of us here that were again disapproved and 2 have SC that tells us we need support...We have medal inside our supports and well the prosthetics are not comfortable.....
Ptsd C&p Yesterday
in Veterans Compensation & Pension Exams
Posted
First of all Welcome Home brother.
Claims are not easy since the VA has to submit a lengthly explanation of a Vet's issues. Also, when the psyche PhD or MD doctor tells you of their evaluation and you know are not accurate then you must firmly correct her. I'll bet this woman has never seen a weapon pointing at her or even seen fatigues so it tells me she is in the wrong job...She needs to find another job preferrably outside the VA.
An exam during a C+P is a person who looks for how you were before military, during military and after military. These people also confirm or argue your evaluations received by a VA or private PhD or MD. You must be strong and hold a stong feeling about how you were misused and it is obvious you do not trust anyone.....We do not trust anyone either. Trust and Anger are common threads amongst those of us who have PTSD. ALso it is common to get angry at the slightest thing and I get ticked off when I hear someone is trying to get over on a Vet.....You were good before the military and had a happy life then tell the xxxxx. Please do not let her ruin your examination by her submitting false remarks about you because if a person is subjected to War of any form then I firmly believe that person has a high degree of PTSD.....If you feel your PTSD is 50 with scants of 70 then I guarantee you that deep inside, you exhibit a firm 70% - 100%....
We are a group of Vietnam Vets in South Florida that try and help other War exposed Vets through the Red Tape especially when PTSD is their major issue.
God Bless our Veterans and Troops.
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