ptsd The Va Challenge

[pigdriver]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and new to the VA process. I am a Marine Vietnam combat veteran and I am experiencing extreme difficulty with the current financial rating process while attempting to get care for service connected issues such as PTSD, hearing loss etc. I applied for benefits in October of 2008 after my employer closed his business and I lost health insurance benefits, the income the VA is using for eligilbility is our 2007 income which is slightly over the maximum for zero services copay. My 2008 income is below that threshold and my current income is way below the threshold. My problem is now I am on a fixed income with Social Security and I can not afford the

$ 15.00 copay per Doctor visit nor can I afford to pay the hospitalization fee of $ 1,068.00 for resident PTSD treatment which I desperately need. In other words I'm screwed. My attitude is I filled my part of the contract with Uncle Sam and now its time he filled his!! Any ideas??

[john999]

I am not sure but I believe you should get the care for PTSD and worry about paying later. The in-patient care for PTSD will go a long way towards helping you get service connected for PTSD.

[Manny]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and new to the VA process. I am a Marine Vietnam combat veteran and I am experiencing extreme difficulty with the current financial rating process while attempting to get care for service connected issues such as PTSD, hearing loss etc. I applied for benefits in October of 2008 after my employer closed his business and I lost health insurance benefits, the income the VA is using for eligilbility is our 2007 income which is slightly over the maximum for zero services copay. My 2008 income is below that threshold and my current income is way below the threshold. My problem is now I am on a fixed income with Social Security and I can not afford the

$ 15.00 copay per Doctor visit nor can I afford to pay the hospitalization fee of $ 1,068.00 for resident PTSD treatment which I desperately need. In other words I'm screwed. My attitude is I filled my part of the contract with Uncle Sam and now its time he filled his!! Any ideas??

[Manny]

The best answer I can give you is to immediately contact a Veterans Service Officer or a Veterans Service Organization such as the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion or the Vietnam Veterans Organization. These people can help you at no charge. Good luck to you

[carlie]

pigdriver,

Welcome to Hadit.

Concerning Medical Treatment, I do not feel a VSO or POA

is the way to go inorder to get Medical Care.

You can get your VA medical care and work with their financial debt,

(debt recovery) on getting the co-pays waived.

I feel this would be your shortest route to get the care you need now.

If you are in desperate need of Mental Health Services and are meeting walls,

I would go to your nearest VAMC Emergency Room.

If you have someone in your life who is supportive such as a spouse, family member

or friend, have them take you and have them be prepared to stay until they admit you.

jmho,

carlie

[trailblazer]

I agree with Pete. some mental problems get worse over time. Talk to the VA and show them and show them your reduced income records, get statments from your friends, familey and anything else you can come up with to support your claim. I think you have a good chance of winning which ] could and most likely will take care of your past medical expense. BTW thanks for your sevice and welcome to hadit. The people here will help you work your way thru the va system. Remember, don't ever give up. You can win this.

[Jim MAC]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and new to the VA process. I am a Marine Vietnam combat veteran and I am experiencing extreme difficulty with the current financial rating process while attempting to get care for service connected issues such as PTSD, hearing loss etc. I applied for benefits in October of 2008 after my employer closed his business and I lost health insurance benefits, the income the VA is using for eligilbility is our 2007 income which is slightly over the maximum for zero services copay. My 2008 income is below that threshold and my current income is way below the threshold. My problem is now I am on a fixed income with Social Security and I can not afford the

$ 15.00 copay per Doctor visit nor can I afford to pay the hospitalization fee of $ 1,068.00 for resident PTSD treatment which I desperately need. In other words I'm screwed. My attitude is I filled my part of the contract with Uncle Sam and now its time he filled his!! Any ideas??

Pigdrive

Just one question when did you get out of the service. Anybody discharged after October 01 gets 5 years with no copays if it might be service connected

Jim