ptsd Friend With Ptsd

[jessejames]

My friend that I grew up with was in Nam in 66-68 (2 tours), one year 25th Infantry, 6 months Door Gunner on Huey. His only brother was with the Big Red 1 at the same time he was in Nam. Anyway, I have all his records and filed a claim in early 80's for PTSD and gunshot wound to knee. Never was able to get more than 10% on his gunshot wound for scars, even though he has lots of pain from probably arthritis. I did get him 50% PTSD around 1988 or so. He is still working full time, but it's taking a big toll on him, especially the PTSD. He has had job modifications, moved to an area where he doesn't have much contact with people. He has VERY severe problems with startle response, nightmares, and being around groups of people. His wife divorced him because of his PTSD problems with lack of trust and I know he has pretty severe depression. I don't think he should be working and was considering filing for an increase in PTSD. Just wondering how much of an affect the fact that he IS still hanging on and working will have on the claim?? He would quit tomorrow if he could get TDIU or 100%, but he's in a situation like most nowadays, takes all the weekly check to pay the bills. Any suggestions?? I was fortunate in that my C&P doctor wrote in my exam report that, " I recommend he stop work immediately," and I turned in my disability papers to the Post Office the next day....but I had enough sick and annual leave to hold me over until my claims were approved...I had three kids at home at the time, but I felt I would literally die if I had to stay working especially at the Post Office. I went into treatment, which just gave me an idea, if he goes in for in house PTSD treatment....does't he get 100% VA pay while in there??? That my buy him some time on keeping the bills paid. He's tried treatment before, but it just wasn't good for him and he quit.

[StarVista888]

Your friend can file for tramautic arthritis secondary to gunshot of knwee which will continue to degenerate over time.

[Berta]

He probaby would not have any problems getting TDIU-if he becomes unemployed eventually-

The inhouse- PTSD Program- that could help him a lot and most likely he would be given the temp 100% for one month-it never took too long -years ago -for them to award the 100% Temp check-

depends on your VARO-

Also this generates more evidence of PTSD at a higher rating level.

I know vets who got leave of absence from their job for the PTSD program-3 worked for the VA-can he get a leave?

Otherwise he could go into the VAMC program, come out, and then get fired.???

[Jay Johnson]

PTSD treatment is very subjective...if he hasn't improved over the last 20yrs chances are he won't see much improvement over the next 20 yrs. If I were him I would first push for a 100% schedular and start getting all of the medical evidence he can. Also, start seeing a civilian specialist (someone who specializes in anxiety disorders like PTSD) and get some good info stating that work is making his condition worse (don't need to be unemployed if you can prove that part of the reason for your decline is working). Make sure you have a pretty solid case before filing though...it's always better to have to much info then not enough and put yourself in an uphill battle of appeals.

P.S. - He could also check himself into a hospital or two if he feels that he's even remotely close to suicidal ideation......suicide and hospitalizations are a key component to a higher rating in my opinion.

Edited March 31, 2006 by Jay Johnson