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WHOLESALE
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Posts posted by WHOLESALE
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I remember Purple, that was the post about "VA SPECIAL FORCE BUSTING DOWN DOORS OF PTSD VETS AND TAKING THEM STRAIGHT TO THE BIG HOUSE." Yep, I remember it. It was scary and UNTRUE and was deleted much too late.
frank
I don't know Purple, I do know that seeking meds and the advice that I have gotten here has kept me from offing myself. Right now I feel very alone...... -
You got my blood boiling Sledge. Amazing how clear our minds get when things that matter most anger us. Great post and right to the point. Your'e just telling it like it is. The only good thing about a million backload claims is once it gets to a certain point ALL HELL WILL BREAK LOOSE. That is if they don't do something NOW about the backload. It's just a matter of time that we get breaking news of a vet going MAD B) at some regional office. It's not if but when.
frank
Those political pundits CLAIM that they want to:Reduce the backlog?
Award claims without the usual BS that I (sledge) went through between 1985 and 2009?
As my Grandfather used to say, "Somebody is blowin and goin."
His opinion of bureaucrats rivaled mine.
Remember this,
Veterans are touted to be the reason that the VA exists.
Caring for the wounded is supposed to be the main priority.
That's BS.
VA managers compete for 'higher up the ladder' jobs because the can pad their pockets better at the next level.
That's how government works.
The name of the agency that those people are employed under does not matter.
The beneficiaries, of whatever agency, do not make any difference to the managers once contact with 'us' is no longer a part of the job.
Outa sight, outa mind.
A good individual proficiency rating, lies that they all tell about each other in order to get promoted, is never dependent upon how these whiners and fakers perceive the doling out of the benefits from the agency.
Veterans are 'NEVER' satisfied so watch the budget, not the vets.
At the lowest level of care-giving, basically the nurses, I have seen a slight improvement in attitudes and subsequently care-giving.
Even though I've never met a bad nurse or one with a rancid attitude in the first place.
However, when bandages are constantly in short supply, patient chow doesn't taste like food and the formulary is driving you nuts, even the best can get rattled.
Ask a spouse, not the patients.
Politicians love to point the finger at someone else and that will always cause a few sabers to rattle.
Expert panels will be formed so the proper scape goats can be identified.
(Who is running the VA now and what was his last job?)
Considering how much our tax dollars have spent on the economy, the war, global warming scares and as always, foreign aid -
health care and compensation for disabled veterans is GROSSLY underfunded and completely inadequate.
You don't get a million unanswered claims if the congressional mandate for veterans care has been followed.
A million has to involve many, many blood sucking government leeches on the veterans in general.
I still say, if the VA managers would allow the system to function like the rules and regs prescribe, this forum community would have no reason to exist.
But then, how would they get cousin Bubba and the mistress on the payroll?
Good rant, I'm done now.
sledge
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Thanks Joe, I just wanted to know since he also said my PD was being aggravated from my mental illness. Can you get SC for aggravation for PD if it's from a service connected condition?
frank
WHOLESALE,I am 100% shedular for the mental illness of " Chronic Anxiety Severe". I have never had any problem with my memory. No problem with knowing my own name or address etc.
I know this does not answer all of your questions, but I too had an Axis 11 of Personality Disorder.
The C&P doctor was overuled on that one by my IME by the Forensic Psychiatrist as no basis for that decision.
I know this does not answer all of your questions, but hope it helps some.
Betty
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Hi, on my latest IME the Examiner diagnosed me axis II with Avoidant Personality Disorder but he said it was being aggravated by my Service Connected bipolar II disorder.
Will this PD diagnosis throw a wrench in my claim for IU since the examiner stated it's being aggravated by my service connected condition?
In the IME he has that I am totally disabled for any work due to my bipolar II disorder and memory problems. Will the VA associate my memory issues with my psychiatric disorder?
Reason I ask is on the mental disorder 100% shedular states forgetting own name etc but my memory problems aren't that serious.......
frank
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If it's just an exam without any tests "yes" give it your worst day. Just in case (rare) that they have you take MMPI-2 or BMI personality/psych test make sure you answer everything for a NEUTRAL day. If you give these test your worst day the test will come back exaggerated.
You don't won't that to happen. B)
frank
Just tell the C&P doctor what happens on your worst day due to PTSD. The more nervous you are the better. Tell her your worst experience in Nam. Don't leave out any blood or guts if she asks. If you can't sleep the night before so much the better. Drink plenty of coffee and show up on time. -
Wait until you get the actual award letter before getting to high hopes. I was told I had been awarded and then found out it was deferred.....uuuuurrrrrrr
frank
I got a call, not a letter telling me I have PTSD C&P on 8/27/2009, I applied on 6/2/2009, why so fastI have no prior Medical, and very little VA, no dx yet by My Dr., just medication and very littlle conversation???
I am getting a Contract Dr, Why? Is this good or Bad
When called the DR office, guess who answer the Examing Dr, we talk clear up the address, and I asked do have my information packet, she said No, just a worksheet, What is this about, why submit a packet if it doesn't get to the DR
Does this tell me that they are Fast Tracking, just to get it over
Female Doctor, just my guess, this is a new project for her. Contracting for the VA, I don't want to be her project to show how she going to save the VA $
I want to be prepare, get a fair C&P, and get a accurate rating.
Just confused about the quickness, with no VA medical finding as of yet
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bronco, that's a great point you just made. That would definetely be an open invitation for lawsuit if an employer stated an employee was fired for being depressed or anxious. I don't even think most employers will even venture into this arena and just ignore request for information.
frank
IMHO the employers statement wont be that critical. Why? Do you really think any employer would open themselves up to a lawsuit by saying something like,"I fired him because of his poor hearing". Lawyers would drool over a statment like that, and almost no employers would do that. They might as well give employees T shirts that say:
"Please sue xyz company as they discriminate against the disabled".
So, dont worry about what your employer says. Go to your doctor instead. If He says something like:
"Veteran was fired from previous job because of his inability to get along with others, most likely due to PTSD from service" your in.
Remember what "substantial gainfull employment" means. It is defined, I think, somewhere to be earning less than the VA pension amount..which is about $10,000 per year, plus or minus dependents. If you earn more than that, you have "substantial gainfull employment" if you earn less, then you are not "substantially" gainfully employed.
SGA is defined by the regs:
Total disability ratings for compensation may be assigned,
where the schedular rating is less than total, when the
disabled person is, in the judgment of the rating agency,
unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation
as a result of service-connected disabilities: Provided, that
if there is only one such disability, this disability shall
be ratable at 60 percent or more, and that, if there are two
or more disabilities, there shall be at least one disability
ratable at 40 percent or more, and sufficient additional
disability to bring the combined rating to 70 percent or
more. 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.340, 3.341, 4.16 (2006).
Marginal employment shall not be considered substantially
gainful employment. For purposes of this section, marginal
employment generally shall be deemed to exist when a
veteran's earned annual income does not exceed the amount
established by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the
Census, as the poverty threshold for one person.
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rg, I see my psychiatrist (no therapy) every 4 months and have had to request outpatient therapy on a fee-basis. I'm still waiting on a response since they don't have bipolar therapy at my VAMC. I requested it through my VA patient advocate at VAMC.
frank
I only see my va theriapist every 6 months or so.. i am 50 % ...i am jsut wondering will the va pay for private theriapist...they pay for my pain clinic and my ortho doctor that are private....? -
I'm just referring to your statement that your old boss's lied about the reason of termination. If you can get an IMO or even a Comp&Pen exam this could clear things up for ya. I understand private IMO's can get expensive so if you can request a comp&pen exam that could do it. Also, the VA or examiner will look at your medical records to see how serious your symptoms are. Do you have any idea of what's in your records? I mean, have you explained to your shrink all your issues in detail?
frank
Usually VA will not grant IU just for not working. You have to show on a probative level you can't sustain any work due to your S/C conditions. I was fired due to my SC disability from my last 3 jobs.Get a full IMO with review of your VA medical records stating your totally disabled for any work. Do you have a copy of your treatment records from the VA?
I agree on getting an IMO, just don't have the money. I went to my private doctor and He wouldn't do it.
I've been trying to get a complete set of my SMR's, VA MR's, and C-File.
I requested them around 3 yrs ago.. I have been waiting to request them again until i get my rating decision. I may request them next Friday when I'll be at my RO...I need them in case I'm denied on this claim.
Thx,
BoonDoc
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If he can get a dx for PTSD you can help him by being a witness to his experience while in service.
frank
Correction I used PTSD out of contextHe didn't get DX PTSD, he was just emotinally out of balance in my opinion
To my knowledge he never went for help, he was just victum of RVN, he seen plenty blood, guts, killed and other infantry soldier and there trama. I remember both of us talking watching helicopter after helicopter coming in with dead and wounded at LZ Sally
It was 82nd airborne hit so hard.s, think it all so be treated the same, and other perhaps yourself, that think we should be place in categories, like mild, not so bad, desperate, terribe and severe.
It what the Vet feels in his case on what determines the severity.
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Why did he get diagnosed PTSD? Just curious on what was his stressor in service? If he can show proof he should be able to get S/c.
frank
The worst PTSD Vet I seen was a non combat arms, combat paid, Clerk /typist. We share a space in the States, and was in the same battalion in RVN. He was in the rear, and I was in the field. He did some security, but never in a dorect htreat. When I seen him year later at his home in ST Louis is was a complete mental mess, all he talked about RVN, and his bitter feeling that he was recognized as a important part of the war. I respected his feeling, and didn't understand his turmoil at the time.That all he would need to apply and be told he didn't deserve compensation because we was a clerk.
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Boondoc,
Usually VA will not grant IU just for not working. You have to show on a probative level you can't sustain any work due to your S/C conditions.
Get a full IMO with review of your VA medical records stating your totally disabled for any work. Do you have a copy of your treatment records from the VA?
frank
I have been fired twice, and had to quite once due to my SC disabilities, and in each case the former employer lied as to why I was fired, or left. The VA has been holding this against me for years.My last job was I had was a part time job that I worked two hours a day in an office of a SEC 8 HUD apartments, making less than $500.00 per month.
I had to quite, and let My wife take over.
The VA said that I proved that I could work, even though it wasn't gainful employment.
I sent in My tax returns for the year that they said that I worked; proving that I had no income for said year. The Va didn't budge on their position.
Has anyone, who has had this happen to them, been able to dis-prove false statements made to the VA by former employers?
I believe that this is vital to my claim for TDIU.
The only thing that I can think of is hiring an attorney, to get their records.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
BoonDoc
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sg, I do feel all vets should get medical care. I just think if mental illness, subjective in nature, is pre-sumptive then a can of worms may be opened. I do hope you get your S/C that you so deserve and your case may be different as in any claim.
I just think making PTSD presumptive for all vets, not counting the one's having proof of combat, is a bad idea.
A question I have is how to wead out the real claims against the frivilous ones? If every vet that get's out of the military starts claiming PTSD we gonna have a bigger problem in my view.
My earlier post wasn't specific for your situation, just overall opinion.
frank
WholesaleLets face the facts, what do we want care, rating, and or money
I am looking for first real DX, so I can be provided care. I have done without for 40 years.
Maybe I should continue, have nothing, got nothing=not knowing what I missed
As far as rating my god, what does it take, my C&P examiner location has 2, 300 back log longer then 180 days
So forget about a timely ratings, it is not going to happen, So now there is no care in sight, I will probably be dead before I am rated. Maybe that balance the Budget!!
Then some of you worry about almighty Dollars. I am military retiree its a Dollars for Dollar, not much of a advantage there.
So yes John999, presumptive with immediate care, rating immediately temporary, with a final rating later
Wholesale can't you see the money they waste, with trial and Error of meds, and social workers. I have not had the first damn one on one session yet and it over a year.
So back log too bad, let do something to get VET care immediately, ratings second, and fair compensation in a timely manner
So sayeth The PTSD victum, with no one caring if it happens today, tomorrow or in VA plan in thefar far future
Now if I had a plan for suicide, or a target for homicidal outburst, oh man watch them get excited then
Maybe each Veteran with a Claim should call Suicide line on the same day..Just a thought
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yep yep, before they even start rating a claim they are in a mindset of how to get denied so they get their bonus.
frank
The down side is; we have to get the raters at the VA to fully read the records and then reach a fair decision. They sometimes do not even turn the page, when preparing the denial letter. -
I'd have to disagree. We would then have a backlogg of over 3 million claims and legitmate claims would be held up.
Just my opinion on it,
frank
PeteYou are right. Why not make it presumptive disorder like AO disorders? If you serve in the military in a combat zone and got combat pay then PTSD should be presumptive. Maybe all vets should be presumptive for PTSD.
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Purple, make sure you take someone with you to drive afterwords or they will reschedule....
frank
OK...I'm in the middle of this lovely prep procedure. But there's a problem. That nasty liquid that I have to drink (those of you who've had it, you know what I mean)....uh....it's not really working. I'm almost through the first gallon and I don't know if I can drink the 2nd gallon because I'm so nauseaous (SP?).Everyone always talks about "being in the bathroom all day"........not me, hope this doesn't mean I'll be up all night.
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Manic depressive disorder is now called bipolar disorder so in your case MDD would mean Major Depressive Disorder.
frank
MDD = Manic depressive disorder.MDD = Major Depressive Disorder
carlie
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.....and specifically all the Vets that fight for change. If it wasn't for us nothing would ever get done.
frank
We are witnessing a big shift in how the VA operates. I think that we can thank our current Secretary, Congress, the American people, the media and yes the President. -
I agree with Pete :D
Taking the offer and establishing your entitlement does not preclude appealing after you are getting your money unless they have something about the deal in writing and I think that they are not supposed to make deals. -
I agree, I would have just taken the offer. Who know's how long it would take if you didn't go ahead and accept it. Might even piss off judge too so don't won't to do that.
frank
And, if it makes you feel any better, I think, personally, that you did the best thing by accepting their so-called "offer" (they aren't, by law, supposed to be making "offers", but what-the-hey, it works for you, right?).And, as previously stated, you may not have had the necessary facts to allow them to go all the way back to square one, and if they/you did, then it'd take FOREVER to get it sifted out!
Kinda reminds me of when my wife thinks that she is getting a really good deal, when shopping.........flee before someone wakes up and finds out what really happened!
"START THE CAR, LARRY, START THE CAR!
"Take The Money and Run, Son. Take The Money and Run."
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Hi Everyone,
Also, how long do you think it will take for me to find out how much retro I will receive, when I will receive it and how much benefits will I receive monthly? The amount of your monthly check is determined by your past average earnings. SSD sent me this info before I was granted. Your lawyer might have this information.
And, can I use this favorable award to get Permanent and Total from the VA, since I am currently 70% + IU? Yes, this will add some weight to your claim unless your SSD is for something different.
frank
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papa,
People with PTSD often experience many strong unpleasant emotions (such as shame, guilt, sadness, and fear), and to that extent people with PTSD do not have healthy ways of managing these emotions, they may develop or rely more on unhealthy behaviors, such as bingeing or purging.
You would probably need a medical opinion stating your eating disorder is likely aggravated by your PTSD.
frank
Has anyone won a claim based upon PTSD's link to a eating disorder? I started stuffing my face right before I left the service and I have not stopped since. I even had the Lap Band surgery, and it did help me lose some weight, but did not stop my eating. Because of my weight, I have developed Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Ashma, Lazy Leg (even under medication, I jerk, kick, thrash around), Hypothyroidism, etc etc etc. What is the best way to link this together with my PTSD? IMOs from Medical Specialist?Papa
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Thanks Sharon, that's GREAT info.
frank
Would you please post the reason for the purposed reduction. Each case is different and it would help address what is going on with your case. If you have been service connected for:1. 5 years - requires two evaluations before they can decrease your rating after 5 years of continuous rating.
2. 10 years - they can not sever service connection except fraud.
3. 20 years - they can not reduce your scheduler rating except fraud.
4. 55 years old - they are not supposed to reevaluate a disability after age 55 that is stable.
"The ten year rule applies to severing service connection, the twenty year rule applies to protected ratings (Title 38 CFR 3.951), if a disability has been static for more than five years, the VA cannot reduce on any one examination (Title 38 CFR 3.344)
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As long as your medical records are consistent and haven't shown any improvement I don't think you have to worry. The VA has a history of making all us worry about decreases but just keep your head up and keep positive. Keep yourself busy to keep your mind off it. Keeping busy helps.
frank
:D :) :) what can i do if they reduce my rating on hearing from 50% to 40%. thank you for all your help. i applied for an increase because of my back going down real bad and a tkr also, the vso had me apply for iu in late feb do you think this can drag out till 1 nov ? and thanks again 11b/13b nam 68-69 9th id, 70-71 101st abn B) :) :)
Update On
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
Replying with a CUE can be pretty straight to the point if it's an obvious error. One or two lines that are right to the point are sometimes better than a two page letter explaining this and that.
franky