ptsd Ptsd Claims And C&p Exams

[Guest Ginger]

I am attempting to assist my husband in his claim for SC PTSD but am lost in a process and world I do not understand. His claim was initially filed in June 2004. It was quite by accident as I went to the County VA Rep. attempting to get him treatment through the VA. After several years of treatment through private psychiatrists and psychologists, two psychiatrists finally diagnosed his problem as PTSD which resulted from his buddy being killed in a tank which was known to malfunction. It would do things after the main power was cut off but they were ordered to use it anyway. His buddy was caught in the turret. Although my husband and another friend tried to save him, he passed away. When the interview with the Rep was completed, the Rep. told me he had filed a claim for compensation and to go over to the VA Med Center to apply for treatment which is where he has been treated since that time for which we are most grateful. We gave the Rep. names of the witnesses and the victim as well as informing him my husband was told there would be a CID investigation and he and the other buddy who found their friend were ordered to guard the tank that he was killed in that night. I even did research and found the SS# for his deceased friend in the SSDI and conveyed that to the VA. I was most dismayed when he received a denial earlier this year stating they found no record of the death, or any CID report nor record of the existence of his other buddy witness or the Sgt. who came running to help extricate the victim. I was to understand THEY would help locate the information. Although I was unsure how to proceed, I began doing research on the internet and found the widow who kindly provided a copy of Certificate of Overseas Death, and the CID report. I also found his other friend who was a witness and the Sgt. who, to my UTTER DISBELIEF considering he wasn't supposed to exist, was a Retired Sgt. Major of the Army who also wrote a buddy statement. I also submitted the scant military records my husband still had showing he was receiving high scores and praise prior to his friend's death in June but after his performance deteriorated to the point that by November of that year he was receiving penalties ( I don't know the technical term) for being AWOL and not in formation, etc. and lost his rank. He has stated he went to medical for help and they gave him small pills (which he thinks were Melloril) and was told he would be alright. He begged to get out of tanks and back to his MOS of Forward Observer but was denied. The VA claimed there is no record of either his requests for transfer or the medical visit. Unfortunately, that is the only documentation I have not managed to access to refute what they say. The status now is that the new VA Rep "resubmitted" it under a "failure to assist" and my husband has an appointment for a C&P exam here in Western North Carolina, but they are not sending him to the VA psychiatrists who treat him but to a private psychiatrist contracted by them. This concerns me. Given the performance of the VA thus far, I'm not sure I can trust a doctor on their payroll and even if ethical, how can they assess my husband's condition in one appointment? I have had so much on me in the last 2 years, I feel as though I'm drowning. It's difficult enough to deal with his illness and all of our financial and personal things as well as keeping a home operational. For those of you who understand PTSD, I don't have to tell you he refuses to leave the house most of the time except for mandatory errands and bill paying. Any information you could give me on the claims process in re: PTSD, C&P exams, or support groups for PTSD Vet's wives, I would appreciate. I've asked at the VA Med Center but they know of nothing for the wives. The last couple of months he has been what I refer to as "closed for business" or "checked out" punctuated by fits of rage. The last couple of weeks it has worn so thin I feel as though I would like to crawl in a hole and not come out. Unfortunately, I don't have that luxury.

[Guest Berta]

Have you sent the NARA an SF 180 yet?

I would send them another one if you already have- requesting all personnel records to include all disciplinary action reports.

(as well as SMRS)

when someone experiences severe trauma their behavior can change quickly and radically and these reports and the dates they occurred would help prove the claim.

I am baffled- if they have all of this evidence, the denial seemed inappropriate-

can you tell us the exact wording VA used to deny the claim?

[Guest Berta]

PS Ginger -I forgot- our local VAMC- Bath NY has a PTSD spouse group-

One of the vets who works there has PTSD and his wife started it and the VA gave her the community room to use for meetings.

We put up flyers and the meetings I attended were pretty good.

We have the BEST PTSD Shrink in the VA system-Dr. Quirion-a Vietnam vet himself- and he has spoken to this group. The group tries to meet the same night that the PTSD group for vets meets, this gives spouses a place to go while their significant others are in the vet group meeting.

It did not take much for this spouse to start this group- she was pretty frustrated at the need for it and yet there was nothing the VA itself offered.

This is not a group to sit around and gripe about PTSD vets- the idea is certainly to share but also to understand what a spouse can do to live with PTSD as it is a contagious disease in many respects and NOT the fault of the veteran.

Many spouses are happy just to be with others for a while who understand as so many people really dont understand PTSD.

It might not be too difficult to start a group like this yourself- even on the web- and actually there might be websites for PTSD spouses already.

[Guest Susan S]

Ginger,

Just wanted to add in that you have done everything perfectly well thus far in the process; and SUPER job locating and collecting critical evidence on your own!

The VA claims process is TOPS in frustrating, annoying and generally wearing down claimants and families, hoping they will give up and just go away. Don't fall into that trap. Keep the concise and intelligent thought processes reflected in your post no matter how devoid of logic the VA decisions are. (I know, easier said than done!) You're doing a fine job so far. Bless you for your patience...

Walter...LOVED the ginger Avatar! Had to stare at it awhile, though...

--Susan

[lizgwvet]

I am attempting to assist my husband in his claim for SC PTSD but am lost in a process and world I do not understand. His claim was initially filed in June 2004. It was quite by accident as I went to the County VA Rep. attempting to get him treatment through the VA. After several years of treatment through private psychiatrists and psychologists, two psychiatrists finally diagnosed his problem as PTSD which resulted from his buddy being killed in a tank which was known to malfunction. It would do things after the main power was cut off but they were ordered to use it anyway. His buddy was caught in the turret. Although my husband and another friend tried to save him, he passed away. When the interview with the Rep was completed, the Rep. told me he had filed a claim for compensation and to go over to the VA Med Center to apply for treatment which is where he has been treated since that time for which we are most grateful. We gave the Rep. names of the witnesses and the victim as well as informing him my husband was told there would be a CID investigation and he and the other buddy who found their friend were ordered to guard the tank that he was killed in that night. I even did research and found the SS# for his deceased friend in the SSDI and conveyed that to the VA. I was most dismayed when he received a denial earlier this year stating they found no record of the death, or any CID report nor record of the existence of his other buddy witness or the Sgt. who came running to help extricate the victim. I was to understand THEY would help locate the information. Although I was unsure how to proceed, I began doing research on the internet and found the widow who kindly provided a copy of Certificate of Overseas Death, and the CID report. I also found his other friend who was a witness and the Sgt. who, to my UTTER DISBELIEF considering he wasn't supposed to exist, was a Retired Sgt. Major of the Army who also wrote a buddy statement. I also submitted the scant military records my husband still had showing he was receiving high scores and praise prior to his friend's death in June but after his performance deteriorated to the point that by November of that year he was receiving penalties ( I don't know the technical term) for being AWOL and not in formation, etc. and lost his rank. He has stated he went to medical for help and they gave him small pills (which he thinks were Melloril) and was told he would be alright. He begged to get out of tanks and back to his MOS of Forward Observer but was denied. The VA claimed there is no record of either his requests for transfer or the medical visit. Unfortunately, that is the only documentation I have not managed to access to refute what they say. The status now is that the new VA Rep "resubmitted" it under a "failure to assist" and my husband has an appointment for a C&P exam here in Western North Carolina, but they are not sending him to the VA psychiatrists who treat him but to a private psychiatrist contracted by them. This concerns me. Given the performance of the VA thus far, I'm not sure I can trust a doctor on their payroll and even if ethical, how can they assess my husband's condition in one appointment? I have had so much on me in the last 2 years, I feel as though I'm drowning. It's difficult enough to deal with his illness and all of our financial and personal things as well as keeping a home operational. For those of you who understand PTSD, I don't have to tell you he refuses to leave the house most of the time except for mandatory errands and bill paying. Any information you could give me on the claims process in re: PTSD, C&P exams, or support groups for PTSD Vet's wives, I would appreciate. I've asked at the VA Med Center but they know of nothing for the wives. The last couple of months he has been what I refer to as "closed for business" or "checked out" punctuated by fits of rage. The last couple of weeks it has worn so thin I feel as though I would like to crawl in a hole and not come out. Unfortunately, I don't have that luxury.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ginger, You are doing a terrific job in basically doing the VA's job!! Unfortunately your case is pretty much what usually happens, you can not assume that the VA will really provide assistance. I believe the "Duty to Assist" for most VA RO's means sending a "Duty to Assist" letter to the veteran !!

Make copies of everything that you send to the VA, you will win in the end!!

Your husband is very lucky to have you as his advocate.

regards, Liz

[Guest VetWife Advocate]

I am attempting to assist my husband in his claim for SC PTSD but am lost in a process and world I do not understand. His claim was initially filed in June 2004. It was quite by accident as I went to the County VA Rep. attempting to get him treatment through the VA. After several years of treatment through private psychiatrists and psychologists, two psychiatrists finally diagnosed his problem as PTSD which resulted from his buddy being killed in a tank which was known to malfunction. It would do things after the main power was cut off but they were ordered to use it anyway. His buddy was caught in the turret. Although my husband and another friend tried to save him, he passed away. When the interview with the Rep was completed, the Rep. told me he had filed a claim for compensation and to go over to the VA Med Center to apply for treatment which is where he has been treated since that time for which we are most grateful. We gave the Rep. names of the witnesses and the victim as well as informing him my husband was told there would be a CID investigation and he and the other buddy who found their friend were ordered to guard the tank that he was killed in that night. I even did research and found the SS# for his deceased friend in the SSDI and conveyed that to the VA. I was most dismayed when he received a denial earlier this year stating they found no record of the death, or any CID report nor record of the existence of his other buddy witness or the Sgt. who came running to help extricate the victim. I was to understand THEY would help locate the information. Although I was unsure how to proceed, I began doing research on the internet and found the widow who kindly provided a copy of Certificate of Overseas Death, and the CID report. I also found his other friend who was a witness and the Sgt. who, to my UTTER DISBELIEF considering he wasn't supposed to exist, was a Retired Sgt. Major of the Army who also wrote a buddy statement. I also submitted the scant military records my husband still had showing he was receiving high scores and praise prior to his friend's death in June but after his performance deteriorated to the point that by November of that year he was receiving penalties ( I don't know the technical term) for being AWOL and not in formation, etc. and lost his rank. He has stated he went to medical for help and they gave him small pills (which he thinks were Melloril) and was told he would be alright. He begged to get out of tanks and back to his MOS of Forward Observer but was denied. The VA claimed there is no record of either his requests for transfer or the medical visit. Unfortunately, that is the only documentation I have not managed to access to refute what they say. The status now is that the new VA Rep "resubmitted" it under a "failure to assist" and my husband has an appointment for a C&P exam here in Western North Carolina, but they are not sending him to the VA psychiatrists who treat him but to a private psychiatrist contracted by them. This concerns me. Given the performance of the VA thus far, I'm not sure I can trust a doctor on their payroll and even if ethical, how can they assess my husband's condition in one appointment? I have had so much on me in the last 2 years, I feel as though I'm drowning. It's difficult enough to deal with his illness and all of our financial and personal things as well as keeping a home operational. For those of you who understand PTSD, I don't have to tell you he refuses to leave the house most of the time except for mandatory errands and bill paying. Any information you could give me on the claims process in re: PTSD, C&P exams, or support groups for PTSD Vet's wives, I would appreciate. I've asked at the VA Med Center but they know of nothing for the wives. The last couple of months he has been what I refer to as "closed for business" or "checked out" punctuated by fits of rage. The last couple of weeks it has worn so thin I feel as though I would like to crawl in a hole and not come out. Unfortunately, I don't have that luxury.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Guest VetWife Advocate]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ginger,

Yes, We know!! Same old same old!! It is a frustrating journey. Email T bird and I will tell her to give you my email address, apparently we don't have that capacity on this system?

Here are some other sites: Veteran Benefit Netowrk, VBN @ ezboard.com. Can be helpful, but has a lot of Alpha A!!!

Vetwives@yahool.com group of vetwifes, sign others dealing with PTSD, etc. Terri, a vetwife at this site has her own website.

Try Chris at www.the AftermathofWarPTSD2@msn.com

combatptsd@aol.com

She has other vetwives links at her site as well.

I have found hadit and its members to be very friendly and very helpful. They do not mind questions. I am still learning. Been here a little over a year now. Good folk, here. Some get a little testy at times, but hey, that is what I deal with at home.

What type of Vet was your husband? Vietnam? What type of meds is he own, any sideaffects?

You are dong great!! It is exhausting, the PTSD and dealing with the Claim. Trust me, no one is going to care more than you about whether he gets his just due.

My husband as countless number of other vets, did not get the advice from the DVA SO that he needed. He was in denial for a long time. He still is!! Now we are starting to "deal" with the issue around his weight. He is a dry alcholic, the 2nd MOS of a young Army Vet!! I am pooped!! Now I have to learn how to unplug, but this is difficult as....financially we are too tied together, and he now has an ever increasing problem with his memory and cognitive skills!! PTSD? Yes, and the A/O and other herbecides.

Good support here, try the other groups and see what fits best. With my own PTSD, not much does!! LOL!!

This is fambly, yes, spelled correctlyas this fambly like all "families" is a littel screwball at times!! But I have seen a lot of caring good people on this site. They email each other outside, they call, they respond to posts. Not perfect, but none of us are. Keep doing a bang up job, I think you will make a GREAT Vetwife Advocate!!!, In fact, forget that, you ARE a great Vetwife Advocate, you are DOING IT!! Now as the funny boys say, "GITTER DONE!"

1. Make sure you get all of his records. All SMR's, All VAMC. Everytime he goes to an apptmt, get a copy. Get a copy of all of his C&P's.

2. Copy of his full and complete C-file

3. Read all old applicable posts from hadit. Wally is right about this, as there is so much you can learn by just reading these. B) Find and keep a sense of humor, it has been my salvation from Nutsville!!

4. Read about PTSD and Oh, by the way, you probably have Secondary PTSD and if you didn't quite have it, you do now since dealing with the VA!!

5. Make the rounds with the different Vet groups/ Vetwife groups. You will find where you are most comfortable.

6. Get completely comformatable with the Duty to Assist ruling.

7. Post exactly the words they denied him with.

8. Ask for a letter from your VAMC Dr. regarding his inability to work and his PTSD.

9. Anythig your SO send, have him send you a copy.

l0. Anything you send to SO/VARO, make a copy, send Certified RR and put on the receipt what is was!!!

11. Hadit teaches the importance of a papertrail.

Hang in Ginger. Brenda