ptsd Tdiu

[kim8888]

i would like to find out how to correctly file for tdiu. i have been awarded 70% disability for ptsd military sexual trauma. i would like to know how to apply for the tdiu correctly the first time so that i do not have to experience reapplication at a latter date. our local veteran representatives are really uninformed and caused a four year delay for my original claim for ptsd. i have several questions i would like to get information on.

1. when they ask for medical records for the last year, do they have access to the ones i have given them for my claim or do i have to recopy all records again and resubmit them?

2. does it help to write explanations about my hospitalizations or have letters from my doctors stating that i have been unable to work for 6 years? i am currently on ssi due to mental depression.

3. will they obtain the information from my psychiatrists for my sessions or do i have to obtain these records and send them myself?

4. will it affect my claim if my dates of jobs are approxiamted or i am incorrect about the wages earned? it also asks for number of days missed and i am not sure that i can obtain that information from some of my previous employers because it has been a long time since i worked for them?

i would appreciate any help in filing this claim successfully the first time because i need the money to pay for my psychiatric appointments. i cannot get to my va hospital for treatment there because it is too far away and everytime you go you have a new counselor and i cannot get the help that i need. i have to pay for these sessions myself. thanks, kim

[Berta]

Kim-Welcome aboard-

When the VARO awarded you the 70% they should have considered you for TDIU in that decision.

What was the reason they denied TDIU consideration?

I will attach the TDIU form-

Under Remarks # 25 tell them to refer to an additional page and then tell them how you fit into the TDIU criteria- inform them of any treatment records and hospitalizations for your SC condition and attach-if you can- any copies of hospital discharge certificates and any other info that they have not considered yet.

Would you doctor be willing to write an IMO for you?

There is a criteria for this type of evidence here under "Getting and Independent Medical Opinion" under the search feature at top of this page.

If a doctor who treats you states you are unemployable due to a SC condition and gives a full medical rationale -this is excellent evidence for TDIU.

On the attached statement tell the VA of the side affects of your meds and how these side affects prevent you from working.

The side effects usually are explained in enclosures with the meds but you can access the meds on any good medication web site for more information.

The SSI- tell VA about this- and make sure you stress that-if you get this SSI award for depr-ssion DUE to the MST you are SCed for-

the VA must consider this as probative evidence.

In the box the form says to check for Disability retirement or SSA- check Yes and then refer them to the attached additional statement and explain what the SSI is for and if it is directly due to the SC condition.

SSI is a supplement income based program.

You get 70% now so I am thinking you mean SSA?

With SSA (SSDI) you can rertain full VA comp and SSA disability benefits-

SSI is limited by income.

Here is the TDIU form.

TDIU_form.pdf

TDIU_form.pdf

Edited August 12, 2007 by Berta

[Pete53]

Kim:

Welcome to Hadit. If you are already 70% and not able to work you are almost there. Berta gave you good advice and if the VA does not award TDIU they have to tell you why and you can go from there.

Good Luck and the heavy lifting has already been done.

Ask for Fee Service to pay for your shrink. If you live to far they should pay for it but you have to ask. Just either right a letter to your VA Medical Hospital or the next time you are there go to the Fee Service Office usually hidden from most and ask them to help you. Your SO should have told you this a long time ago.

Edited August 12, 2007 by Pete53