Aquabear

Thank you for clarifying that. Def going to look into appeal or NOD or CUE after I get n read Big Brown Envelope.

thank you and thanks for the heads up with DD214! My letter from DAV says IU, ebenefits says IU, I just dont know if IU benefit allows/authorizes ID n whenever I look it up NOTHING I find gives me a definitive answer

Thank you! Def going to ask for Perm if letter doesn't say it and NOD the others they denied. I'll give a detailed post once I get the Brown. Thanks again! Also note, my Battle Buddy JUST called me up, he's in shock his counselor just called him and said he's at 100% as well! It could not have happended to a better brother and friend and AMAZING same time as me!!! We're both in shock!!!

Thank you! She's 12 so thankfully I have many years before she leaves to college

I won! I am rated Individual Unemployability, PTSD went 50% to 70% and some more small ones. Got unofficial letter from DAV today. Backdate to January 1 2018. I am happy. I am numb. Do I qualify for ID card, base priviledges, PX, MWR? I think Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn or maybe somewhere on Long Island I can go, help, advice. Thanks to all for your advice here. Battle victory, war still goes on but it's a win and just in time as I'm behind on some bills so I can get caught up and do some maintenance on my truck like brakes. I need to NOD Sleep Apnea, effective date of backdate and a couple others but need to see Big Brown Envelope first. I'm numb. I'm happy, it's a win, a small win but still a win is a win but I guess the battle is not over. But this will help me and my daughter sooo much. OH How do I put my daughter on my disability??? At her adoption I was at 20% so I didn't see the need to do it. In Eben's I put a note that I will put her on there but don't know how. Just send in Birth Certificate? I am also divorced now too, sad but this will help me stand on my own two feet!!! Or Four feet

Complete!!! Ebenfits shows Complete! But i guess ebenefits won't show anything until after a week or two until they figure I get the Big Brown Envelope. Still shows that I am at 90% and nothing else has changed..... PeaceI need peace, I gotta relax n find a way to get this off my mind....

ok and now it's 8:46pm and the same day earlier today it was "Pending Decision Approval" and NOW it has "Preparation for Notification"..... ok does it happen that way, is Ebenefits messing with me? I am happy to see it moving along but it is increasing my anxiety wow, I usually don't take my anxiety meds daily but the last few days yes, even with doing deep breathing, meditiation, gym/physical therapy etc..... I know one thing for sure, other than immediate family(sister, mom, dad) and super close friends(like 2), I won't tell anyone, I have found out that not everyone will be happy for you if you succeed. Jealousy, your not entitled, glass half empty people etc... will judge you on this. Everyone on here, take note of what I am saying because and keep things like this close to the hip, some people will talk behind your back and it's sad but they will so be careful.

I guess it's moving along, right now it changed to "Pending Decision Approval"...... I want to also post a positive, not sure if I ever mentioned it but I was also just approved to the "World Trade Center 9/11 Health Program" as a "first responder" so I can get help for my lungs and stuff through them thou I was there in the Navy so I can health help from the VA too but I think I might get faster n better care using 9/11 program. EODCMC I hope your status changes soon.

Checked Ebenefits, it's changed to Preparation for decision. God I hope this means they are ready to make a decision, a positive decision. Edit prayers please, my anxiety has been in the sky due to this and other "life" things.

Thank you! I have and will def continue to go to VA for medical, PTSD etc... It's been my life now for 3 years and I won't quit, I can't quit my 12 year old daughter depends on me to be healthy and try and live as decent as we can on my disability financially and live better with my disabilities. DAV is my SO BUT I am very hands on and make sure they are doing the right thing but also research and see if they are doing it right too. WE are our BEST Advocate, I learned that the hard way!

UPDATE.... no decision yet BUT got a huge POSITIVE that my local Congressman is now helping me with my claim. I pray this works as he did help me one time before. I called the VA they said claim will be expedited as soon as possible. He helped me before and VA pushed my claim thru in less than a month, pray this does work. I'll let you all know asap.

Berta, Reading your repsonse in full brought tears to my eyes an my soul. Thank you for what you. Thank you for fighting the good LONG fight. You have given me the strength to go forward and keep fighting until the end and give my 100% in my claim battle with the VA. Thank you for a very emotional Veteran who gained even more respect for you and all on here

It's for First responders(FDNY, NYPD, PAPD and others) or anyone who worked down on the pit on 9/11. Were you there? I was reactivated in the Navy and sent in abut 1pm on 9/11 and sent there for the first 2 weeks, no mask no nothing. For what I was told, they don't help much with PTSD, I mean they can probably get you help BUT you have to provide proof that you were there, in my case I had multiple sets of orders with my name. rank, rate etc... specifically ordering me there. They are going to do a full medical workup on me and my ailments and also offer financial compensations for what we were exposed to.

I'm exhausted. I also just put in my application for the World Trade Center health Program as I was reactivated n did rescue and recovery on the pit for the first few days about 10-14 days. Finally, overdue. I tried to hide my PTSD from the military, until I couldn't anymore- 3 years treatment for PTSD at VA and rated for PTSD service connected. I'm taking care of my life in every aspect and also make sure my 11 year old daughter also is covered and has help financially and other ways for when I join my brothers n sisters in heaven- but now yet not for a while. Goodnight all.

Attached is the timeline i uploaded to ebenefits for my claim for increase to 100% and backdate to 2009 using the original Social Security Decision. Also I uploaded MRI showing spinal damage 2002, 2009 and bilateral Hip MRI 2009 showin damage. The VA already has my SSD determination apprival case papers- sent over via DAV 3 weeks ago and it's in the computer system there. Let me know what you all think. Thank you in advance. Copied and pasted the timeline below in case you can't download it, removed personal info From: AV Claim # US Navy To: Department of Veterans Affairs Statement in support of claim for disability TDIU and Permanent and Total Disability from Present back to 2009 Timeline 2008-2009 I was approved for VA Vocational Rehab and attended NYIT- New York Institute of Technology in Brookville NY from about 2008 thru 2009. Despite having a 4.0 average, had to withdraw due to a physical and mental breakdown as I was unable to keep pace literally broke down emotionally and physically. August 2010 I was approved for Social Security Disability August 2010. September 2010- August 2011 After a year of a break and therapy I was approved again for VA Vocational Rehab and attended Dowling College in Oakdale NY from about September 2010 thru August 2011. Despite having a 4.0 average again and inducted into the National Honor Society for exemplary work, I had to again withdraw due to a physical and mental breakdown as I was unable to keep pace literally brokedown emotionally and physically. Social Security Disability Approval reasons I was approved for Social Security Disablility for pain n conditions which I have been dealing with since 1995 and every year have gotten worse. MRI dated Oct, 14 2002 shows damage to my spine. Degenerative Disc Disease L5-S1 and Herniated disc L5-S1 cont’d…. MRI dated September, 8 2009 shows damage to my spine. Herniated disc L5-S1. Bulging disc L2-L3. Degenerative Disc Disease at L2-L3 and L5-S1. Spinal Canal Stenosis from L3- L5. Anterior disc protrusion into the prevertebral soft tissues at L3-L4, Mild Lumbar spine Scoliosis. Small L3 Hemangioma MRI dated September 9, 2009 Chronic Bilateral hip pain. Degenerative changes of both hips right greater than left. Social Security Decision by SSD Judge I want to state the I was approved (fully favorable) for Social Security Disability from a Judge on August 19,2010 and he amended the date back to November 2009. He said the damage and pain I get from my spine which gave me sever side effects of radiculopathy in both legs, back, feet, knees, hips, legs specifically: degenerative and herniated lumbar discs. Can only sit for two hours in an eight hour day Restriction in activities of daily living Difficulties in maintaining social functioning Difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence or pace Worsening back pain where difficult to groom n dress myself, do laundry, cook, clean and that medications help BUT then limit my ability to focus. Xrays/MRI’s showed degenerative changes at L1-L2 and L5-S1; L2-L3 has an annular tear indenting the thecal sac and herniation L5-S1 with an Annular Tear, facet hypertrophy and mild Stenosis. Clinical exams noted loss of motion, tenderness, spasms and despite several medications, facet blocks, chiropractic therapy and physical therapy to no relief. Doctors opinion that claimant could sit, stand, walk two hours in an eight hour day. Claimant is unable to perform any past relevant work in computers or sales cause it exceeded the residual functional capacity. There are no jobs that exist in the National economy that the claimant can perform. The above evidence of Social Security Decision by Judge and the MRI’s and the Vocational Rehabilitation shows 100% proof that I have been Permanent and totally disabled since 2009 and even MRI from 2002. Please approve my request for 100% disability and back date it to when I was originally approved on August 2010 to receive Social Security disability starting in 2009. Thank you, Sincerely, AV

Hi. Should I (does anyone??) write a timeline about my claim? Like a one page timeline or outline or my history. Example: I just sent in my Social Security Disablilty paperwork for my claim because my SSD was approved due to my damage to my lower spine(posted a few days ago) the judge approved it. I was in Voc rehab 9/2008-4/2009 withdrew from college due to physical/mental meltdown then again went back 9/2010-5-2011 and again had to withdraw because I physically and mentally crashed( I was approved to the National Honor Society). I was approved for SSD 11/23/2009 and I figured if I wrote it out on a timeline it would help the to show the VA exactly the time line since I'm thinking they are not good at that. Advice please and thank you in advance. ((A quick FYI during this time I have been consistently getting spinal injections, spine fusion surgery, quad tear surgery, take pain meds(which make it hard to impossible to think theoretically) and doing physical therapy and PTSD group n one on one at VA PTSD clinic for 3 years now which helps with my daily anxiety.)) Thanks again.

I have no knowledge to offer but I do offer hope. Last year I was homeless, severe PTSD, severe physical injuries (recently divorced, joint custody of my daughter but nothing financially) and broke and no job. With the help of SUS (and my congressman), my disability claim approved in 2 weeks, went from 20% to 90% and I was able to get a one bedroom apartment. I have been stable, food, tv n all for my daughter and I. I have claim in for TDIU and, Sleep APNEA, inc for PTSD, etc.... (TDIU which DAV said should've been given last time) but I know it will all be approved now I just have to wait. Hope. It's good to hear your story of hope too. It does exist. Hold on to it. Hope.

Thank you. I am still getting treatment esp for my PTSD at the Clinic. I'm better than before but have a long road ahead to heal and I'm ready to face it all. I have applied for TDIU and my VSO said I should have been looked at or granted TDIU from my claim back in Nov 2016. Hopefully either the TDIU comes thru, or one or more of my disabilities increase to be 100% or more or the VA looks and adds the SSD paperwork to my file and I get it that way and if I can get retro active pay that would be great too. I just pray that something goes thru sometime soon but it's the VA so patience is needed. Thank you all.

thank you for your advice, I truly appreciate it. Tomorrow morning I am meeting with my DAV rep and go over claim and giving this to them. Holding positive.

I copied these 2 pages from the SSD papers. Claim is pending. This is only for my Physical Disabilities only, lower extremities. (It took me years to open up about PTSD, I suffered in silence until the last 3 years.) EDIT. In my current open claim DAV n I are hoping for PnT but put in for TDIU, VA also put in for CnP for increase of existing physical disabilities (lumbar, lower body, nerve pain).

Hi, Been a while but have been reading. I am rated and have a claim currently open. 2017 was a major change for me, I went from 20% in physical disabilities (lower spine L5-S1, L1-L4, radiculopahy lower limbs and secondary conditions) to 60% a miracle after years of denials n not following thru. PS Also 50% PTSD new as of 5/2017. DAV is helping me. I went to Social Security and got my papers from SSD court and judge said I was approved for SSD due to my lower spinal injuries, spinal stenosis, tear of thecal sac and DJD and herniations in locations L5-S1 and L3-L4 and L1L2 dated November 2009 not 2013 edit. Is this paper what I need to help me? DAV is open tomorrow and I am going down there to show them this. I also told VA 800# that I was in Voc Rehab and was transferred to ILP due to my injuries flaring up going to college, they said they never knew this 2008-2009, will this also help my case? Thank you in advance.

A thought, a few friends and family members (like 4/5) have experienced my full blown night terrors. I'd sleep over my sisters or my mom n Dad's house while on vacation and they told me the next day they heard me scream, hear me moving/jumping in bed and both my Mom n sister told me they would come in the room speak softly to me and clam me down to end my night terror and sleep at peace. Would it help if I asked them to write up a letter detailing this? Having lived with this alone/hiding not letting it out, I've been so low in my life, I'm still in pain and have a way long way to go but the help I am receiving at the VA is heaven sent, a non-judgemental environment, with other veterans and the people there to help and veterans who listen ( Im crying now) literally are saving me from either living in purgatory or the other option- which morally and from god I am against and my daughter I know needs me

Thank you Berta. I was reactived via orders on 911 and attached to a special unit to assist in the Rescue and Recovery efforts at the World Trade center and I saved copies of the orders. I also have copies of an interview I did with the newspaper and pictures taken of my unit from a photographer while I was down there. My Anxiety attacks, sleeplessness began POST Gulf and were increased 1000 fold post 911 rescue and recovery. My Social Security Disability are for my pain from nerve, back, legs, sciatica, all lower extremeties. I never mentioned my PTSD. I had seen a counselor in the VA system a few years ago for a few weeks but I stoppped because I got scared when we started to go deeper and deeper talking about my PTSD, anxiety and the nightmares.

Saw DAV at Northport VA to help with my claim. Gave them my DD214 and showed them my 911 reactivion papers that I never showed anyone or filed to put on my DD214. Hard to type this, I pause after a bit. Filing for PTSD (never filed) and increase in physical stuff low back, nerve pain, etc.. I've had it (anxiety attacks, sleeplessness) from my Persian Gulf in 96-97 but never followed thru except for what I thought were asthma attacks that put me in medical and in the ER. Then PTSD went full blown after I did Rescue and Recovery for 911 at Groudn Zero/World Trade Center. A VA therapist told me those earlier asthma attacks were Anxiety attacks not asthma. Almost daily Uncontrollable Nightmares, sleeplessness, avoidance, lost all my friends, avoided public stuff, avoided family stuff, public speaking, dropped out of college, couldn't work, went on SSD, Anxiety attacks were happening weekly almost daily until I came in to get help. God am I really really depressed but trying to talk myslef out of it??? Now going thru a divorce, fighting for custody too as I have been the stay at home parent for 6 years now to our 10 year old daughter, she's the love of my life. Not easy to talk about. I've suffered for years, only a handful know about this. I've been getting help at the VA PTSD clinic since summer of last year after I knew I hit rock bottom and the thoughts going thru my head were scarying me. I would not have made it this far if it wasn't for them. I've been in 3 different group therapies (self esteem, depression, Combat related trauma PTSD) and also one on one with my counselor. It's so hard to type this, I keep pausing after every sentence. I have medicine I get from them, Xanax; to help with the PTSD and anxiety attacks that I get. Still hard, difficult super diffcult sometimes but the meds, mindfulness, yoga, meditation, eating better, resting, more confidence in myself. Sorry if I'm all over the place. Haven't posted here in a while and only recently started opening up about my PTSD. Thank you.