ptsd Va Proposes To

[Berta]

Recent VA News Releases

"Secretary Shinseki Moves to Simplify PTSD Compensation Rules

WASHINGTON (Aug. 24, 2009) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K.

Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking

steps to assist Veterans seeking compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress

Disorder (PTSD).

"The hidden wounds of war are being addressed vigorously and

comprehensively by this administration as we move VA forward in its

transformation to the 21st century," said Secretary Shinseki.

The VA is publishing a proposed regulation today in the Federal Register

to make it easier for a Veteran to claim service connection for PTSD by

reducing the evidence needed if the stressor claimed by a Veteran is

related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Comments on

the proposed rule will be accepted over the next 60 days. A final

regulation will be published after consideration of all comments

received.

Under the new rule, VA would not require corroboration of a stressor

related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity if a VA

psychiatrist or psychologist confirms that the stressful experience

recalled by a Veteran adequately supports a diagnosis of PTSD and the

Veteran's symptoms are related to the claimed stressor.

Previously, claims adjudicators were required to corroborate that a

non-combat Veteran actually experienced a stressor related to hostile

military activity. This rule would simplify the development that is

required for these cases.

PTSD is a recognized anxiety disorder that can follow seeing or

experiencing an event that involves actual or threatened death or

serious injury to which a person responds with intense fear,

helplessness or horror, and is not uncommon in war.

Feelings of fear, confusion or anger often subside, but if the feelings

don't go away or get worse, a Veteran may have PTSD.

VA is bolstering its mental health capacity to serve combat Veterans,

adding thousands of new professionals to its rolls in the last four

years. The Department also has established a suicide prevention

helpline (1-800-273-TALK) and Web site available for online chat in the

evenings at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans

<http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans/> ."

[Commander Bob]

my god ! where did you file that claim? that is beyond absurd to deny you your benefits!

My friend Skunk,

you are an inspiration. Thanks for your support.

CB

Edited August 24, 2009 by Commander Bob 92-93

[gp747]

Over four decades ago, when I was 18 years old, serving in a light weapons infantry line company, I entered a mine field with my company commander, to render aid to the wounded. Incoming fire was reported. I was wounded after the fourth explosion. Last year the VA denied my request for a PTSD rating. The denial letter said ..." Your service treatment records show no complaint, treatment, or diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder".

now by god this makes me ,mad,mad,mad. how ridiculous can they be? i would love to know where this claim was denied. if i were you i would write a letter to the editor about this and be getting a hold of my senator and congressman. i would also make damn sure the people who worked on that claim were fired and or humiliated to no extent.

i promise you they would not get away with that from me somebody would pay and pay dearly. i have had to read what you said a dozen times and am still shocked!

those bastards would remember me for a long time because when i got through with them they would hang their heads in shame and be known publicly.

[Commander Bob]

now by god this makes me ,mad,mad,mad. how ridiculous can they be? i would love to know where this claim was denied. if i were you i would write a letter to the editor about this and be getting a hold of my senator and congressman. i would also make damn sure the people who worked on that claim were fired and or humiliated to no extent.

i promise you they would not get away with that from me somebody would pay and pay dearly. i have had to read what you said a dozen times and am still shocked!

those bastards would remember me for a long time because when i got through with them they would hang their heads in shame and be known publicly.

The problem appears to be system wide. I tracked my claim through three states. I promise you Skunk, I will get My congressman and other friends involved. Yes, some of the VA employees should hang their heads in shame, and I will make every effort to tell their families and their friends, how they treated the vets. My mishandled claim is just one of many. Please don't distress yourself about my case. I don't want you to get agitated over this one. You can take comfort in knowing I will kick their asses all the way to D.C. I assure you I will prevail.

[gp747]

The problem appears to be system wide. I tracked my claim through three states. I promise you Skunk, I will get My congressman and other friends involved. Yes, some of the VA employees should hang their heads in shame, and I will make every effort to tell their families and their friends, how they treated the vets. My mishandled claim is just one of many. Please don't distress yourself about my case. I don't want you to get agitated over this one. You can take comfort in knowing I will kick their asses all the way to D.C. I assure you I will prevail.

by god that is what i like to hear! every body that stands up for him or herself makes it easier for the next one who comes along.