SgtAFMOB

I would suggest that all go to VAwatchdog.org for a complete report on the most recent VACO scandle, porno and contracting are not all what about the 21K Hartman is being accessed for inappropriate use of compensatory time. This jerk should be indicted and then do time. The VAOIG report is worth a complete read. Also the article regarding Chief Justice Roberts comments on the appeals process is worth a read.

Berta: Thanks for your supportive comments, not many of us AF types out in the field, Combat Controllers, FACs and their mechanics and us Aerial Port Mobility Operations people. I stared this process with a bad VSO experience, before IHD was announced. The VSO took my information, took a month and a half to develop the materials. When I went in to review the material before submission I looked at the first paragraph she had written and said "I can't let this go I'll be in Jail". She took the forms off the rabbit ears and tore them up infront of a couple in the waiting room and a secretary. Her parting comment was that she had a hard time getting AF people PTSD, she had what I call a bad case of the "I's". I am a 25 year retired Vet of the U.S. Department of Justice and if she had worked for me she would still be on probation. Needless to say I removed the AZVS as my advocate and began the process all over again myself. There is no other ball game in town and the Legion and VFW defer to her. Closest other VSO"s are 2 and 3 hrs away. I sent for my records and your dead right destroyed in the 1973 fire. I fortunatly had saved all my orders and important documents and sent them off for reconstruction purposes, have not heard back yet. I also sent same with appropriate form to Randolf AFB for reconstruction and admendments to my DD 214. No medical records also, but I never went to sick call and whatever injuries I sustained I sucked it in as I was a Team Leader. I would like to think I put together a good package and will do the same with the other disorders I referenced. I will continue to use this site for reference and I thank all of you for your assistance. If you have not go to VAwatchdog.org and pick up on the most recent VACO scandle and comments by Chief Justice Roberts on the CAVC situation regarding the volume of denials.

Thanks for your input Berta. Although TSN listed as RVN duty station it was the headquarters location, spent most of my time with the Army at forward operating locations, Tay ninh, Dau Teing, Min Than, Phouc Vinh, Loc Ninh, Soui Dau, Trang Sup etc. Have orders, weapons cards, photo's, moring reports, after action reports, to support stressors ie, handling human remains, mortar attacks, handling crispy critters as a result of chopper crash, etc. Also Distinguished Unit Award w/ V device and two personal letters from General Commanding 196th Light infantry Brigade. There was only one question regarding stressor at C&P as I had submitted a extensive package and after my response the examiner said enough. The awards you mentioned are not always needed to substantiate stressors and I am well aware of that. It seems like it is always the case when you indicate AF the eyes roll when it comes to PTSD. Again I appreciate your response and had deduced much of the same regarding the other conditions described. There was a Vets forum not to long ago in my small community and I spoke with a woman from the RO. I posed the question regarding use of apellate cases. Her answer was that they would be considered as supportive on appeal. Thanks for the help.

This is my first post although I monitor the forums frequently and have gleaned much valuable infomation. Thanks to all who help! I am a Air Force, Rvn Vet 66 -67, Tan Son Nhut, Tay Ninh and other locations. With the advent of the new AO presumptives I filed in Nov for IHD, CAB 94 and recent Thallium Stress, 39% LVEF and already had my C&P for same with Dx of IHD. (should be rated at 60%) Also filed for PTSD after 43 years, had my C&P and was Dx with PTSD by examiner, did not ask the GAF score. Am now waiting for rating on IHD pending final rule. Have inquired via IRIS on my PTSD claim status no response yet. My question revolves around other conditions I have that are diagnosed by private doctors and results of tests etc. that I will file for after I get my hearback on the two conditions I have noted. I need suggestions as to what direction to take Secondary, P&T etc. am trying to stay away from nexus letters as much as possible, but will solicit "likely as not" letters if needed. Mitral Valve Regurtation - Dx - 94 Secondary to IHD? Aterial Fibulation - Dx - 97 Secondary to IHD? Digenerative Disc Disease C-5-7 Dx 09 NSC Hernated Disc NSC Total Hip replacement L&R done 2007 Need R knee replaced Dx 2007 Nephrectomy L Kidney done 2007 (Renal Cell Carcenoma) Not presumptive but found 5 appellate cases awarded AO associated. Three incisional hernia repairs secondary to nephrectomy 2007 - 2009 Multiple Lipomas - 1967 to present, found three appellate cases awarded AO associated Anxeity - Secondary to PTSD? Depression - Secondary to PTSD & IHD ED - Secondary to PTSD & IHD ? Any help in sorting this out would be appreciated. Thank You in advance.

Food for thought! I am a AF Vietnam Vet who did not have a combat AFSC/MOS. However, I was part of a Combat Support Group and performed Mobility Operations as a Team Leader. I participated in six major operations and lived like a grunt. I have a Letter of Commendation from a Brigader General, 196th Light Infantry Brigade to me and my team members more of a personal letter than a boilerplate letter. I do not have any of the CIB goodies etc. I went for my PTSD CP in Tucson yesterday. I had submitted a seven page stressor letter, along with attachments and photos to support my claim. The Psychologist said he had read my letter, and I said I had developed additional materials. He put his hand out and said you have more than satisfied the stressor reguirement. He asked me questions about my return and life in general and what was goinng on with me today. I gave him the best examples I could and after ten minutes he again put his had out and said "I have heard enough I am diagnosing you with PTSD". I got choked up and barely got out "You see what I mean". He then explained the review process and said he woud not give me a estimate as to my rating, fair enough! You don't make promises you can't keep. I also had a IHD C&P and all that happened is that the Doc measured my chest zipper and the zipper on my leg, sent me for a EKG and chest X-Ray. I had a two page letter, two days old from my Cardiologist specifically stating IHD, and a NST showing a LVEF of 39%. The Doc said you have IHD and that was that. It was a good experience but I had my ducks in a row. I hope all do their homework before a C&P.