Berta

Maybe the examiner didn't have a clue on this: https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5699 You said: "I did call the VA and report that it wasn't done as requested because I don't want to find out later that this doc turned it in with made up answers. Has anyone had this happen before where an evaluator does not do any type of exam or ask any questions for a DBQ the VA requested?" Who did you call? the 800#???? Do you have a phone number for where the exam was done? I suggest calling them (LHI) at the # below if you dont have that number. Of course you dont have a copy of the C & P exam yet-but it sounds like it was not done right ---many here have had this experience. The C & P exam is often the MOST critical part of a service connection claim. If a lousy exam is not corrected it can follow the veteran negatively for Years! I strongly suggest that you call the White House Veterans Hot line: 347 237 4819 Tell them of the recent Presumptive Gulf War legislation and what you told us as to the C & P exam and where it was done and that LHI did it. This is all we need- to have C & P examiners uninformed of new presumptives. That gives VA a way out for not making a valid nexus statement . When I got some BS from the VA on my AO IHD death claim ( survivor of Vietnam combat Vet)( they denied my death claim for a ludicrous reason)) I raised HELL and of course they reversed the denial with a proper award ( in mere weeks) ( Legal HELL----- a valid CUE claim) LHI Headquarters 328 Front Street South La Crosse, WI 54601 information@logisticshealth.com 866.284.8788 Fax: 608.783.7532

CONGRADULATIONS !!! You have joned us successful Cuerinos!!!!!! WOW- I have been going through your whole thread- On page 11 of 32 I stated: "Even if a CUE would only bring 10%, the retro would go back to the day after your discharge on that older decision." It sounds like you were Very Successful with that CUE claim..... I have to think about this- you stated: "To my thinking, I cannot do another CUE claim on this, or can I? " Should I request a Higher Review? This is 100% a CUE. §4.42 states, in part 'Incomplete examination is a common cause of incorrect diagnosis, especially in the neurological and psychiatric fields, and frequently leaves the Department of Veterans Affairs in doubt as to the presence or absence of disabling conditions at the time of the examination.' How is this not a CUE?!?! I filed many CUEs on one single decision- but it is the way the VA worded their recent decision and the Evidence they used, to determine if another CUE is in order. PS- reminding all- if anyone, vet rep, VSO, agent, tells any of you that CUE is a one shot deal-they are highly incorrect- Can you scan and attach it here? with the evidence list? ( Cover C file ,name, address prior to scanning it. Was the retro date, the date after your discharge? This is all so encouraging to others out there I am sure. And it is great news!!!! and if the BVA dismisses a CUE claim without prejudice, that means if the claimant re- works the CUE, and re -files it as a new CUE claim then they might definitely succeed. The most important issue of CUE, is to identify the exact legal error ( or errors) in established VA Case law ( 38 USC, 38 CFR, etc) they broke, and that legal error was to the claimant's detriment.

Yeah- they have to do a rating decision. That was an odd "award" Letter that you got-it might be good idea to check you bank account maybe every few days-- I used to get VA treasury cash in my bank account or by check, before I even got their decisions.But I think you can expect something on the 1st of Sept- I hope....

What state is Orange County in? If we know the state we can help find a Neuro- but they will need to see copies of ALL VA and private medical records you have, and they also might need to read your SMRs ( Service Medical Records.)Do you have a complete copy of your SMRs? Do you have an inservice nexus for the Migraines? Do you have service connection for any disability that might have caused the migraines? Has VA denied a migraine claim from you? If so can you scan it and attach the denial ( and Evidence List) here) Cover your C file #, name and address, prior to scanning it.

To add, I believe I have found the Remand at the BVA. Are you comfortable with me posting the BVA link to the decision here?It holds no identifying into Of course it might not be your remand and I would need to verify with by PM , if it is yours. I will send you a PM- the PMs are shown with a little envelope at top right of the page, where your profile is. They are personal PMs.

This is STUNNING News!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing this with us. You gave everyone out there the BEST advice of all ---------NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!! You said "The RO failed to rate me for the PTSD in its decision." Do you mean the BVA failed to rate you- they usually leave that up to the RO on Remand. The downloaded letter says they included some other info on your entitlement start date and payment info. Did they send that info to you? It says they sent you the Rating Decision. Your Comp will begin on Sept 1st,2021,..... I hope. Are you employed? Have you ever applied for and been awarded SSDI ( Social Security Disability Insurance ) for PTSD? Do you feel comfortable in scanning and attaching the Rating sheet here ( Redact C file # name, address prior to scanning it. BVA Remands are public, at the BVA site -but they give no identifying info on the veteran. Can you tell us your Docket # and Citation # for the Remand? This is an extraordinary award- I commend you highly- I see you have no POA- did anyone help you get through this claims process? You might want to consider getting a POA at this point....only because it make make it easier to deal with your VARO. What a POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for your perseverance!!!!!!!! 40 years and now VICTORY!!!!!!.

Did you need a spinal tap at any point after the accident? Spinal taps can cause migraines. Does this affect your neck with pain? Also here is my search feature from google: https://www.google.com/search?q=Can+lumbosacral+intervertebral+disc+syndrome+cause+migraines&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS695US695&oq=Can+lumbosacral+intervertebral+disc+syndrome++cause+migraines&aqs=chrome..69i57.37678j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 I have to leave the PC due to work loudly being done here on my roof-but will go over that search as soon as I can Thanks for appreciating the help- I feel I have not helped you enough---- I now see exactly what you mean as to the PTSD.....I just didn't understand the nexus....

Was the SC PTSD due to an inservice car accident? If so did this accident cause most or all of the additional back and nerve problems you have, as listed in the IMO? Maybe the VA will do the right thing but the decision ,when it comes will tell us more. I just do not trust the VA to do things right- You said: " I was rated for the back issues back in 2014 and I was recently rated for PTSD in September of 2020. So in your opinion my IMO should have been geared toward the PTSD and not the other conditions." That is not what I meant-I meant the claim should include all of the condition that caused you to have PTSD, meaning any physical residuals of the car accident. I assume the back problems , as reported by the IMO PA , (which I assume caused the PTSD award) could definitely have caused the migraines. The IMO is fine- but it might need to be clarified-----others will chime in.

I see a problem with the IMO -unless you claimed the other conditions. If so have you gotten any C & P exams on them regarding this claim? The IMO is very well done but it is what you actually claimed----- as cause or aggravating the Migraine condition. The IMO PA-C stated: "I have personally reviewed his service records, VA records, and private medical records. I have also reviewed and have noted the circumstances and events of military service with the Navy. Veteran is seeking service-connection for migraine headaches secondary to chronic pain that he experiences from his service-connected orthopedic conditions. He is service-connected for lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome with spondylolisthesis and degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy with sciatic nerve involvement. His condition is further aggravated by his service connected post-traumatic stress disorder with adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depressed mood." She gave excellent references from the internet to bolster the opinion. BUT I thought you were seeking the NSC migraines as secondary to your PTSD. Did you claim all of the above conditions in addition to the PTSD? he states: "After a review of the pertinent records and current literature, it is my professional opinion that it is at least as likely than not that Veteran migraines have been aggravated by his service connected conditions. Specifically, his chronic pain and PTSD with anxiety and depression. Veteran began experiencing episodes of migraines triggered by pain episodes last year that have progressively worsened. This caused him to isolate himself from friends, family, and necessitated working from home. This has caused his PTSD with depression and anxiety to worsen and further aggravate his migraines. The medical literature supports his worsening condition through activating the hypothalamic and brainstem pathways in activating the pain response or lowering the threshold of the pain response. The evidence clearly shows that PTSD patients have a much higher incidence of suffering from migraines and its associated disabilities than migraine suffers without PTSD. There is a common pathophysiology through autonomic dysregulation. The evidence clearly shows that depression can aggravate migraine headaches, and vice-versa, and that research indicates that depression can be a causal factor in the development of migraine headaches. He will likely continue to experience difficulty with migraines and controlling them due to his service-connected conditions." She gave excellent internet references for the opinion. But in my lay opinion I feel the migraines might well stem from the "lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome with spondylolisthesis and degenerative arthritis" to possibly include the other Sciatic nerve problems, as listed in the IMO. I feel you can definitely get the migraines SCed as secondary but I hope others chime in, because there might be an easier way, then if the claim solely rests on the PTSD as causing the secondary. What I mean is this-the VA could read the opinion and then order C & P exams unless you might have had recent ones on the other conditions- BUT I dont expect the VA to do that ( it would be great) if you did not formally claim them as aggravating or causing the migraines. There is no VA case law or regulation that tells the VA to use Common Sense.

I just picked up on this: "I actually already did a supplemental before I did the HLR and that one was denied as well, so could I go back and do another supplemental or do I have to go to the BVA?" Can you scan and attach a redacted copy of the HLR decision? And the Evidence list- Sorry- I didn't catch this sooner----I had PC work done recently and it seemed to change everything---- but it is me- as well- I am extremely depressed over the Afghanistan situation-how are those people waiting at the gates ( or Americans who have not even gotten to the airport yet)- getting water and food- there are innocent children there-in his book "The Gallic Wars"- Julius Caesar surrounded a large fortress on a hill and waited for them all to die of thirst and starvation , as they could not get any supplies they needed, after they exhausted their food/water supply. History repeats itself. The American Legion, DAV etc has sent me their statements on Afghanistan. There is help out there for veterans affected by this catastrophe- and for survivors of veterans as well. The VA was more prepared for this then our Gov was. Sorry-----I am so angry----

Just to add, the examiner failed to consider this search of how PTSD veterans have migraines and headaches due to their PTSD: https://www.google.com/search?q=PTSD+in+veterans+affecting+or+causing+migraines&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS695US695&ei=j5sfYd3zC42PtAaLg5mICQ&oq=PTSD+in+veterans+affecting+or+causing+migraines&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAw6BwgAEEcQsAM6BQgAEJECOgsILhCABBDHARCjAjoOCC4QgAQQsQMQxwEQowI6DgguEIAEELEDEMcBENEDOgsIABCABBCxAxCDAToICC4QsQMQgwE6CAgAEIAEELEDOgQIABBDOggILhCABBCxAzoFCAAQgAQ6CAgAELEDEIMBOgUILhCABDoHCAAQgAQQCjoHCAAQsQMQCjoECAAQCjoKCAAQsQMQgwEQCjoECAAQDToECC4QDToHCCEQChCgAToICCEQFhAdEB46BQgAEM0COgUIIRCrAkoECEEYAFD2LVihiAJggJ0CaAJwAngGgAGwFYgBjuoCkgEMNS0xLjI1LjguOC4xmAEAoAEBsAEAyAEIwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=0ahUKEwid95bbyL_yAhWNB80KHYtBBpEQ4dUDCA4 And here is an excellent article by CCK- great lawyers for veterans claims: https://cck-law.com/blog/migraines-secondary-to-ptsd-va-disability-benefits/

These claims Can succeed- I need to correct myself- when you get the decision please scan it and the Evidence list and post it here-redact your C file # , name, address prior to scanning it) "ORDER Service connection for migraine, secondary to service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is granted. REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for sleep disturbances encompassing insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, to include as secondary to PTSD, is remanded." https://www.va.gov/vetapp20/files7/20049540.txt --------------------------------------------------- In part: "Entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches, secondary to service-connected PTSD on a causation basis, is granted." https://www.va.gov/vetapp20/files11/20075996.txt ----------------------------------------------------------- In part: "Entitlement to service connection for migraines, to include as secondary to PTSD, is granted." https://www.va.gov/vetapp19/files2/19112387.txt I noticed the C & P examiner went to Google ( Pub Med) to find anything to deny the claim. The IMO should have been in the record she had...... Can you scan and attach the IMO here? Cover C file, and name address etc. If the IMO conformed to the IMO criteria here, it should be considered by the VA. If not, they have committed a CUE . What proof do you have that they ( VA) received it? Some of us, with outstanding IM0/IMEs had them completely ignored by the VA. In my case the BVA did not ignore 3 IM0s I had years ago and awarded. It amazes me how the VA will Deliberately ignore our most probative evidence. The HLR resulted from a letter I sent to former VA Secretary Shulkin. You might need to have a HLR- they are trained, just as my letter requested, to seek CUE in decisions before the decision is sent to the veteran or survivor. That sure can reduce the BVA backlog because many claims are remanded by the BVA because the RO's made legal errors in the claim decision.... a Remand ( which adds YEARS to a claim) usually means a re-do of what the VA should have done in the first place.

Did they list the IMO as evidence in the decision? If so , did they give a rationale for not considering it? Did it follow the IMO IME criteria here at hadit? Can you scan and attach the decision here? Cover your C file and name, address prior to scanning it. Please include the Evidence list too.

Can you scan and attach the PTSD denial here? Cover your C file # and name, address prior to scanning it. MsRay is right- there must be a proven event, accident, etc. that caused the inservice PTSD. With more info we can help more. Do you have copies of your inservice Medical Records and also any 201 files ( aka personnel records?)

I just had an email response from the APUS Chaplain. They are well prepared to help with any student problem due to all this. APUS is the American Public University System and I know there are VA Voc Rehab vets in this program as well as GI Bill vets, etc etc. I think the VA is trying to do their best to help veterans with the situation. I called the Bath NY VAMC and could not reach their Chaplain yet- and when I called their MH # I got a programmed message to call 91 1 if an emergency and to call 1-800-273-8255 and hit # 1 to speak to a counselor. My neighbor is with this Hot Line and has started to work from his home to do it. I guess I could have left a message but I am CHAMPVA and not a VA patient. He-my neighbor- was working out of Canandaigua VAMC for years on the Crisis Hot line and is an Iraq veteran.

I spoke to Jerrel Cook today- I suggested we do a radio show on this maybe next week---and let vets call into the show with how they feel about it all. I feel angry because I dont know what to believe- --the videos of the airport are in conflict with the Pentagon's talking heads.----I think this was far more Snafued and Fubared than we will ever know. Our military still studies Lessons Learned from Vietnam-but the powers that be who tried to run the show, half way cross the world from Washington underestimated how smart the North Vietnamese were. Hell -they had been fighting the French for a Long time-and new how to fight well. The Cu Chi tunnels had everything from bathrooms to clean air vents-bedrooms and and War Rooms. They started digging those tunnels ( all over Vietnam-not just at Cu Chi) in the 1940s. I am angry and very Sad too .

The President of APUS, sent this to all AMU students or AMU graduates like me. ( American Military University) and I am sure all APUS students got it-maybe not---- Dear Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff, While I have not written to all of you very often, there are moments in the life of the country and the university that call me to start a conversation. I am reaching out to share some thoughts regarding the withdrawal of U.S. troops and the events happening in Afghanistan, as well as the upcoming 20th anniversary of September 11. Many veterans have strong feelings from memories of service and sacrifice, as will all those old enough to remember what unfolded on Sept. 11, 2001 at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The outcome of those events changed our lives, including those of many brave men and women who voluntarily put first the mission of service. I believe the world is a safer place because of your service. The sacrifices our country and our citizens made were not made in vain. The last 20 years of greater security at home, and greater freedom in Afghanistan, are remarkable accomplishments that few predicted at the outset. We might all wish for more, but, still, we can be grateful for what was done. Our nation often calls upon the military when politics and policy run out of options. My grandfather served in World War I. He was heartbroken to see the next generation return to Europe to finish the work, but he never doubted that he had done the right thing in his service. He risked his life, helped bring a terrible conflict to an end, and the solution worked – at least for some time. He lived cheerfully into old age knowing he had done what duty asked of him. Nothing I can offer will change what you might be experiencing, but please know our community is filled with people who would want to talk about the events happening today and over the past two decades. We hope we can share experiences with each other, a squad mate, battle buddy, friend, or family member. I encourage you to consider connecting with a friend who lost someone – even if it has been years since your last communication. Connecting and discussion can heal. It can help someone you may not have realized who needs to reconnect. It can even save a life. There are many resources to help, and several are listed below. Your APUS faculty and staff are affected as well. We are here to listen and support those who might need it. We need you to be part of the conversation today and always. Thank you and God bless you. Sincerely, Wade T. Dyke President, APUS Please reach out if we can provide support and consider the below resources: U-Will Teletherapy – https://www.uwill.com/ APUS Chaplain Services – chaplain@apus.edu Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ or send a text to 838255 For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care. Vet Centers – Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you. RallyPoint – Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement? VA Mental Health Services Guide – This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services. MakeTheConnection.net – Visit for information, resources, and veteran-to-veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues. VA Women Veterans Call Center – Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET & Sat. 8 a.m to 6:30 p.m. ET) VA Caregiver Support Line – 1-855-260-3274 (Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET & Sat. 8 a.m to 5 p.m. ET) Together We Served – Find your battle buddies through unit pages. Team Rubicon – Find a local support squad. VA Self-Help Apps – Download tools to help deal with stress, sadness, and anxiety. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – Request a Peer Mentor. American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network – Get peer support and mentoring. Team Red, White & Blue – Hundreds of events weekly. Find a chapter in your area. Student Veterans of America – Find a campus chapter to connect with. www.apus.edu 877-755-2787

I agree that this could have a terrible affect on our nation' young people ,who want to serve. I feel this has exacerbated SC PTSD in many of our nation's veterans, who already have had enough stressors ,as it is. It is heart breaking.

I checked out the TAPS link www.taps.org and someone immediately came on line to chat with me and was glad I posted the GSW info here. The woman I chatted with did have the VA News release too and was glad the VA is tryin to do all they can. She wanted me to be sure I posted their TAPS #1-800-959-8277. I am not sure what to believe on TV........................

"Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. United we stand to win, Divided we fall - and are forgotten Dear Gold Star Wives, The events in Afghanistan have been heartbreaking these past 24 hours. Our members whose spouses lost their lives to this war, those still trying to get out, our allies, our members who are flashing back to memories of Saigon, Vietnam and other wars where similar endings occurred. My heart goes out to you all during this time. We have many partners we collaborate with and who support us. If you are struggling with frustration, anger or hurt and would like emotional support of any kind, I encourage you to reach out to our partner, TAPS who provides free services to survivors. The following is a message they sent this morning. “The true lessons of war are not in what our warriors died for but for what, and for whom, they lived. And it is our sincere hope you will allow us to walk beside you, help bear any burden you may be feeling, and remember your loved one with you. Day or night, no matter what you are feeling, your TAPS Family is here.” www.taps.org or call 800-959-8277 We are stronger together, please lean on each other and feel free to reach out to me anytime. Warmly, Tamra Sipes National President Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. www.goldstarwives.org info@goldstarwives.org Direct: 360-914-0800 Office: 888-751-6350 Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is a non-profit 501(C)4 National Military Widow/Widowers Service Organization chartered by the United States Congress. Donations are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes but may be deductible as trade or business expenses.

This question in the IMO forum regards getting an Independent Medical Opinion/but often an IME ( Independent Medical Exam) in person, is required. What is your service connected rating now? And what for? This link will show the Criteria for SSDI benefits: https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/ Have you ever been denied by SSDI? The IMO/IME criteria is here in our IMO forum. https://community.hadit.com/topic/53826-read-first-if-getting-an-imo/

This link above might help and Fenderson is searchable here-

Many of you received this email from the VA ( I hope) "Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan, such as the U.S withdrawal and the takeover by the Taliban. You are not alone. Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service. It’s normal to feel this way. Talk with your friends and families, reach out to battle buddies, connect with a peer-to-peer network, or sign up for mental health services. Scroll down for a list common reactions and coping advice. Resources available right now Veterans Crisis Line - If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care. Vet Centers - Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you. VA Mental Health Services Guide - This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services. MakeTheConnection.net - information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues. RallyPoint - Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement? Download VA's self-help apps - Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) - Request a Peer Mentor VA Women Veterans Call Center - Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 6:30PM ET) VA Caregiver Support Line - Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 5PM ET) Together We Served -Find your battle buddies through unit pages George W. Bush Institute - Need help or want to talk? Check In or call:1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes - Join the Community American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network - Peer Support and Mentoring Team Red, White & Blue - Hundreds of events weekly. Find a chapter in your area. Student Veterans of America - Find a campus chapter to connect with. Team Rubicon - Find a local support squad. Common Reactions In reaction to current events in Afghanistan, Veterans may: Feel frustrated, sad, helpless, grief or distressed Feel angry or betrayed Experience an increase in mental health symptoms like symptoms of PTSD or depression Sleep poorly, drink more or use more drugs Try to avoid all reminders or media or shy away from social situations Have more military and homecoming memories Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service. Veterans may feel like they need to expect and/or prepare for the worst. For example, they may: Become overly protective, vigilant, and guarded Become preoccupied by danger Feel a need to avoid being shocked by, or unprepared for, what may happen in the future Feeling distress is a normal reaction to negative events, especially ones that feel personal. It can be helpful to let yourself feel those feelings rather than try to avoid them. Often, these feelings will naturally run their course. If they continue without easing up or if you feel overwhelmed by them, the suggestions below can be helpful. Strategies for Managing Ongoing Distress At this moment, it may seem like all is lost, like your service or your sacrifices were for nothing. Consider the ways that your service made a difference, the impact it had on others’ lives or on your own life. Remember that now is just one moment in time and that things will continue to change. It can be helpful to focus on the present and to engage in the activities that are most meaningful and valuable to you. Is there something you can do today that is important to you? This can be as an individual, a family member, a parent, or a community member. Something that is meaningful to you in regard to your work or your spirituality? Such activities won’t change the past or the things you can’t control, but they can help life feel meaningful and reduce distress, despite the things you cannot change. It can also help to consider your thinking. Ask yourself if your thoughts are helpful to you right now. Are there ways you can change your thinking to be more accurate and less distressing? For example, are you using extreme thinking where you see the situation as all bad or all good? If so, try and think in less extreme terms. For example, rather than thinking “my service in Afghanistan was useless” consider instead “I helped keep Afghanistan safe.” Finally, consider more general coping strategies that you may want to try including: Engage in Positive Activities. Try to engage in positive, healthy, or meaningful activities, even if they are small, simple actions. Doing things that are rewarding, meaningful, or enjoyable, even if you don’t feel like it, can make you feel better. Stay Connected. Spend time with people who give you a sense of security, calm, or happiness, or those who best understand what you are going through. Practice Good Self Care. Look for positive coping strategies that help you manage your emotions. Listening to music, exercising, practicing breathing routines, spending time in nature or with animals, journaling, or reading inspirational text are some simple ways to help manage overwhelming or distressing emotions. Stick to Your Routines. It can be helpful to stick to a schedule for when you sleep, eat, work, and do other day-to-day activities. Limit Media Exposure. Limit how much news you take in if media coverage is increasing your distress. Use a mobile app. Consider one of VA’s self-help apps (see https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/) such as PTSD Coach which has tools that can help you deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time. PTSD Coach Online. A series of online video coaches will guide you through 17 tools to help you manage stress. PTSD Coach Online is used on a computer, rather than a mobile device, and therefore can offer tools that involve writing. If you develop your own ways of adapting to ongoing events and situations, you may gain a stronger sense of being able to deal with challenges, a greater sense of meaning or purpose, and an ability to mentor and support others in similar situations. AFghanistan Afghanistan: How Veterans can reconcile service" READ MORE VetCenter Afghanistan: How Veterans can learn from Vietnam Veterans" READ " ---- The VA Blog has a separate statement- Afghanistan: How Veterans can reconcile service | VAntage Point

Buck that is GREAT NEWS!!!!! My church is praying for you and your wife - me too! I think the dependent parent info is here some where- if not I will post it again... You are a GOOD Man Buck! I dont know if a mother in law would qualify and there is an income limit as well. https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/misc/DependentParent.pdf

It sounds like the NOD was filed within the year NOD date. Can you scan and attach the denial here? (Cover C file #, name, address prior to attaching it) Did the VA question the inservice nexus ( link) to the disability ?