From what I read elsewhere on this site and in other places, when someone files for an extra schedular IU, an increase in disability is automatically considered. In any event, my duty to assist letter stated that an increase in my service connected disabilities, both PTSD and degenerative disk and joint disease, were being considered, so they got the picture already one way or another. The letter from the psychiatrist is on the list of evidence they recieved, but I guess that list contains even the things that wont help my case at all? Shell games? Smoke and mirrors? I guess half their job is NOT to tell you what they really need from you, or make you think that what you have is enough? They only stated that "we need evidence" that a neck, shoulder and arm condition I am claiming was service connected, and that was the only thing they explicitly said they needed more evidence for. They said that " I may submit additional evidence" for the other things, including PTSD increase and IU, not "we need evidence" as they did for the one condition I am trying to get service connection for. There seemed to be a clear cut difference between the two. "We need evidence" was covered in a seperate section or paragraph of the letter. Deception? I know the VA does not volunteer any information, but deception? I do know that the way VA handles business with regards to disclosure and discovery would not be acceptable in a criminal or civil court proceeding.
Man, Im going to lose my place to live, my car, all my worldly posessions if something doesnt give. Seriously, before I see my life fall apart and wind up shivering under a bridge in the cold next to a bunch of alcholic and crackhead bums I'll kill myself , I'll just plunge a big knife in my gut and draw it across, samurai style. Dignity over disgrace. Not to lie in the gutter with dogs. I would leave a suicide note to tell my story about VA shrinks with no balls and a system that failed me and callously threw me out in the street on my butt when the evidence should have been clear (failing in school and getting fired from job after job, and having supporting statements from all manner of relevant witnesses) and they refused to acknowlege it because of some stupid nitpicky technicality that a shrink has to sign off on it. What if that shrink is a moron like the one I have? A little twerp who worries that he doesnt have the quaifications to make such a statement. Really? Then what is he doing in that position in the first place if he isnt qualified? OMG VA get your act together!
I am a veteran of direct combat from a combat arms MOS (19K) with verified stressors. I didnt need these new softie rules to qualify for my initial PTSD rating. In fact, I got 50% 2 years ago on the first try, under rules that were tougher....my first rating decision stated "your unit sustained casualties" and "your stressor is verified by evidence of record " and after all I have been through and am still going through, if I cant get an increase in my PTSD, or IU on account of it, then none of these other people, cooks, supply clerks, etc. with non verified stressors that the new rules opened the door for should ever get anywhere near the 50% I already have and certainly not IU.....not for PTSD, not ever. Period. But they will, while guys like me, the real , confirmed combat vets who really were in the middle of it all watching everything and everybody get blown to Hell for weeks on end will slip through the cracks. Typical. I can lose any number of jobs, flunk out of school, become homeless, hit rock bottom and lose it all, even the shirt off my back and VA will just give me dumb looks and wonder what could ever be wrong with such a perfect specimen. While I get to watch the cook who never fired a shot in anger and never lost a buddy drive by in Cadillac, just because he had a shrink who would rubber stamp his claim, while my shrink was an idiot and couldnt see the nose in front of his face..That I could have all the trouble I am having, apparent to everyone around me , many people, relavant witnesses support me, but the VA doesnt care all because ONE MAN wont sign off on it. ONE MAN whom I am not even sure knows what PTSD is. A moron. It is a grave injustice.