ptsd Next Line Of Attack

[SouthernBelle]

Okay, so here's what I've been thinking on lately: I want to try to service connect my husband's ED, which is caused by his PTSD medications. ALSO, he had (while in service) some pretty severe kidney issues. I want to get them service connected. **I am not going to start this claims process until the other is completed, I am just trying to plan my attack and have everything prepared to go out as soon as we get the decision.** Here's the problem service connecting the kidneys: His SMR's are missing. I've called everyone under the sun and nobody can find them. They are NOT in the C-File. Records Management NEVER got the records, they said the records were sent directly to the VARO in Atlanta from his last duty station. In searching for his records, I have contacted National Archives, National Personnel, Records Management, the VARO in Atlanta and the actual hospitals where he was treated. Nobody can locate the records. With my husband's memory problems, he couldn't tell me who he knew back then to try to find to get buddy statements written up. He can't remember the doctors names, either. I'm going to have a really hard time proving that his current kidney issues are service connected without the records, but I'm going to KEEP trying to find the records. I just sent an IRIS complaint about the missing records.

As far as the ED, he's taking medication to treat the ED which is caused by his MH meds. They don't help.

I guess what I'm getting at is how do I go about getting stuff service connected? Do I just send the VARO a letter and ask them to SC the stuff?

Thank you SO MUCH in advance for any help with this.

Edited December 11, 2008 by SouthernBelle

[jbasser]

File it as a new claim. Submit all the info and make a time line showing the treatment history. Lay this regulatuion at the top of the page that shows when the entitlement began. That should close any loopholes in the system.

If you have never had to file a claim before, you can do it on a claim form ont he VA home page or you can put it on a Statement in support of claim. You cna also go on line and do it from your PC on VONAPP. ( FILE ON LINE))

It is a little lengthy but at least you know they get the claim.

J

Edited December 12, 2008 by jbasser

[SouthernBelle]

I have filed a claim before, but never had to prove service connection. He was discharged for PTSD so service connection was already established. I love the online application process, and I have used that, I just didn't know what to do to SC stuff. Thank you so very very much!<br /><br /><br />

File it as a new claim. Submit all the info and make a time line showing the treatment history. Lay this regulatuion at the top of the page that shows when the entitlement began. That should close any loopholes in the system. If you have never had to file a claim before, you can do it on a claim form ont he VA home page or you can put it on a Statement in support of claim. You cna also go on line and do it from your PC on VOPAPP. ( FILE ON LINE)) It is a little lengthy but at least you know they get the claim. J

Edited December 12, 2008 by SouthernBelle

[LarryJ]

I just asked the live-in-lover-nurse-mother-wife and she says that there is not, at this time, a nationwide database of patients that any individual hospital can access (she's now working on her Masters Degree in Nursing Infomatics and she "knows things").

[SouthernBelle]

Thanks a million Mr. Larry!

[Pete53]

I bet that the Insurance Companies can access anything regarding health of anyone in US.

[SouthernBelle]

Pete, you can count on it!