chr49

Makes me sick! I could go on and on with the thoughts running thru my head but I'm sure most of you are thinking the same as I am.

EthanAllen My first C&P was for PTSD. I wasn't a member of Hadit at the time. I did take time to go over my claim a couple days before my appointment, then I tried to stay busy so I wouldn't think about it too much. On the day of my exam, I shaved, bathed and dressed as I would have normally done to go to work, wearing older clothing, but not tattered or dirty. During the exam I simply answered questions honestly and to the best of my ability. I did tell the female examiner about my hearing problems because I have a major issues with female voices. I knew I would most likely have to repeat her questions to ensure that I was understanding her correctly and I didn't want her to get the wrong idea. It's embarrassing enough to have memory problems, but really embarrassing when I answer inappropriately because I don't hear properly. Time your trip so you arrive at the C&P exam site at least 1/2 hour early (earlier if you are not familiar with the facility). Once you are there and checked in you'll most likely breath a bit easier. I have 3 C&P's scheduled on the Sat. the 12th so I'm right behind you. Good luck with yours! CHR49

Tbird, I'm impressed with our new look! Still have to check a few things over, etc but from what I've seen so far it's easy to navigate. Thanks so much for all of your hard work keeping this site up and running for us. CHR49

Thanks for providing a new link Pete. I agree that this site has lots of interesting information. Thanks Delta!

deltaj - I didn't have any luck with your website link.

Congratulations LIL-ROB

Troy Thanks for the information. I remember that at least one of these companies was one that I was opting for veteran's preference. In honesty, it's been nearly a year ago but I know I was asked specifically what my disabilities were because I didn't want to put them on the application. I stopped applying at large companies for this specific reason. I was well qualified for the positions I was applying for and had excellent references so I can only assume that either my disabilities or age halted the process. Things may have ended differently if I had gotten a chance to be interviewed.

Foreman I filled out applications for 3 companies, all of which were under government contracts. I had been told they favored disabled veterans. Their applications asked specifically what my disabilities were but did not request percentages.

Yet another invasion of privacy! During my recent search for employment, I found many of the large companies would only accept resumes which were attached to their application. No problem, except every company that did things this way, asked about military service, requesting the type & the percentage of any disability. The minute I saw the the question I knew my employment background, references, etc. wouldn't matter. There were no questions about disabilities other than those military related. Troy,thank you for sharing this interesting information.

I agree that the wording is a bit unusual but IMO this medical examiner appears to have done a fine job with his/her assessment, research and conclusions. Looks good to me.

Many congrats! I know I've learned a lot here too.

dj, Welcome & Congratulations!!

Congratulations Berta! What will you do next?

Pigdriver, What you've said says it all as far as I'm concerned! I will continue seeing my Psychiatrist as requested & going to my AA meetings twice weekly for the rest of my life. I need the continuous support. Thanks

Congratulations! I ran into the same thing re: dependents. I had to send all of the info again, as requested. They upgraded my determination immediately - No problem. I received my retro amount in 2 checks - one for the single determination and a second check for my dependents.

Maset, Thank you for listening to my opinions. I can only tell you what has happened/worked in my life or what I've learned along the way. I can tell you that I experience the same feelings you do at times. The best advice I can give you is to educate yourself as much as you can. Searching thru the Hadit forum for info on topics of interest will help a lot. There's a lot of support here. The main page of Hadit.com has some great information links so I hope you'll check them out if you haven't done so already. The more you learn, both here and from other sources, the better prepared you'll be for life's challenges.

Maset, I don't know about treatment times, etc. I'm just asking questions because I'm seeing my psychiatrist every 3 months for my PTSD treatment. I was first seen in 2007. I get my all of my medications refills from my PCP with the exception of my PTSD medications, which come from my psychiatrist. I hope others will correct me if I'm wrong here: I believe your Compensation & Pension exam(C&P) results go to the rater along with your medical/psychiatric records and other evidence. The entire package is used to determine your disability rating. In answer to your question: Yes, it is possible that you could have a reduction in your rating over time. Once you read over the disability ratings you will notice that you can actually work and have a 70% disability. Speaking for myself only, I don't want a 100% PTSD rating, since I would be considered incapable of caring for myself and making my own decisions and I know I'm still capable of those things.

Once you make your claim, your records will be evaluated and you will have your C&P exam. After all is said and done, your claim will be rated in accordance to the VBA 38 C.F.R. Book C, Schedule for Rating Disabilities. You can find this information at http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html Look for information specific to PTSD as follows: § 4.130 Schedule of ratings — mental disorders General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders Your condition will most likely be re-evaluated periodically. I am not an authority on the subject but IMO I really don't see any reason why you shouldn't enjoy activities with your dog.

Maset, CHR's treatment for PTSD has been a slow, ongoing process much like you are saying. Your post says your therapy is about to conclude; will you be having follow up treatment on a regular basis? As far as working with your German shepard; I agree that a dog can really help. CHR has worked with our terriers on a regular basis for several years now. After a while he started taking them to obedience trials and Earthdog tests. Working with the dogs has made a huge difference in his life. Chr's wife - Kathy

Broncovet, This is CHR49's wife. I have a grandson (19) in Iraq at the moment and pray each and every day that he will return home safely. Being the ex-wife and current wife of Vietnam veterans I can understand what you are saying about your return home. I know that my husband has always wanted better for our young men/women than what he received. I would love to see every young man or woman facing deployment or returning home treated in a manner far better than the young men of our era received. Your post gives me hope that opinions have changed over the years. I will place your son in my prayers, along with my husband's nephew (19) and my grandson. Kathy

Congratulations Ironman

John999 It's good to hear that you are back home and being well taken care of. That type of infection/wound takes time to heal properly so please take care of yourself!

Thanks Bergie Interesting article with even more interesting comments.

For members with smaller computers/notebooks etc. I recommend the following site: http://webresizer.com/resizer/ You can upload your photo, re-size & save it without loading any software onto your computer. It does a great job.

This is why it's so difficult for vets with REAL disabilities! Makes me sick!