stilltrying

Lorraine I thank you. Carlie, as an elder, I would expect your responses to have a little more class than " I have more files than you do". It showed more attitude than I would deem helpful to anyone.

Thanks Commander Bob - I'll do that.

My original SC was 30% for PTSD and 10% for tinnitis. This was increased to 70% for PTSD and 10% for tinnitis in November of 2009. The surgeries were done at the VA and are documented within their system. The woman I mentioned was a claims representative from the American Legion who was also a disabled vet. I filled out the form 21-686C for my son April of 2008. As to specifics about my medical information - it's not something I feel comfortable listing on the internet. My use of the phrase 6 inches was as a figure of speech. Whether someone has 6 inches or 3 boxes, it doesnt matter. My point is that I NEED HELP. I am asking for a contact or representative who can help me - whether it is the VFW, DAV or whatever organization may be of assistance.

Thanks for the comments and support. I was wondering how does Social Security disability work? I'm 55, so not that far off from normal social security. If I file for disability will that diminish my regular social security or does it take the place of it?

Thank you - all we have is each other. Some of my horror stories: My first VA rep told me that I should be grateful for anything that they decided to give me and also accused me of using the VA to supplement my lifestyle. Then came the day when I was an in patient at the hospital with chest pains. I was not allowed to wash my face, brush my teeth or even given a glass of water. They put me through a battery of tests that mimic a heart attack and then discharged me because they couldn't figure out what was wrong. I never even received a phone call for follow up. Then there is my wonderful shrink who thinks that she can "cure" me by making me relive my traumatic incidents each time I go there. If I have tears running down my face, then she thinks she's done her job. Why don't we deserve respect after the uniform comes off?

I can't work and haven't for a couple years now. So yes, I'm trying tor TDIU. As to the 18 items - the VA did it to themselves. I originally went to the VA for PTSD and my feet, that's it. As time has passed, they started adding every little thing I had wrong with me on it. My claim and my treatment seem to vary with the political wind.

I am 70% disabled for PTSD and have had 18 other items pending for over two years. One of my pending items for for my feet ( have had 3 surgeries in the last year) have three line of duties on them and a letter from my VA doctor saying yes, it is a service connected problem. I suddenly got a letter stating that all 18 items have been denied. The excuses are lost records (which they seemed to have before) and that I had failed to provide information. Without going into all the details, my file is over 6 inches thick, so there is a great deal of information. The woman who has been working as my rep for over a year has changed jobs suddenly and just told me that I'd have to find someone else. I tried contacting another rep and just got this - oh, you want to appeal?. They said someone would call me but never did. Have tried several other offices and gotten nowhere. I also have a dependent son that I was never paid for. They kept saying that it will be taken care of later. I'm tired of fighting and need some help.

I too am 70% PTSD due to MST and was obese. First question is are you sleeping? I wasn't, couple that with emotional eating and I grew a few sizes. Now thanks to sleep meds and what I call my "chill" pills, I am on the way down. This made a real difference for me and thought it may be of help to you as well.

Totally agree! I did pretty much as you advised. It's been a long road but I'm now at 70% for PTSD. The first Dr.(c&p) that I spoke to kept me in there for several hours because I did let it all out. I just said whatever came to mind and I'm sure I rambled, ranted and changed subjects. Don't let your temper get the better of you or swear. Let it out but within limits. Think worst day behavior and you'll be fine. Best of luck to you. x x x Take a good buddy, friend or relative with you if you can --make 'em sit in the waiting area, as near to you as possible. Don't throw chairs or desks at the examiner. Bring a copy of any recent medical reports that you think are important for the doctor to see; like something that has not yet made it into your VA medical records. Ask questions if you do not understand what is being said to you. Ask them to write down or take notes if you feel something is especially important for them to remember. Have a reminder list of things handy you want to remember to say ... what happened in the military and how it continues to affect you today. Your "list" should have things like: recent law trouble, relationship problems, employment problems, sleep problems. Stay up all night the night before the exam and pace the floor ... this is not a dress rehersal, this is the real deal --the moment is ripe for telling them how you really feel. Don't hold back. Don't throw the examiner down the stairs or out of the window. Even if you feel like it --use your words ;-) Good luck. ~Wings