ptsd Enough Evidence?

[thisangel]

In jun 2006 i was sexually assaulted, by nov 2006 I was medically discharged from the Air Force for major depression among other things. In 2007 I filed my disability claim. I received 20% for chronic back pain and ankle problems. My claim for PTSD was denied because I didn't submit any evidence(too traumatic). Needless to say it has really physically taking a toll on me. If I submit the following evidence do you think my personal statement about the event can be less in depth? I really really don't want to write it at all.

Rape treatment center notes, OSI (air force investigator) notes, and current PTSD diagnosis.

While on active duty I was treated for major depression because of the assault I guess it hadn't progressed to PTSD until a little later or I did an okay job of hiding it.

Also, I have been going to school since Nov 08. I informed the school of this medical condition with supporting documentation and they have been working with me. But a few weeks ago I received a letter from my school stating they are aware of my medical condition but I am missing too much school and not progressing. They told me i had to take a leave of absence or they would kick me out. Is this something I should also submit with my claim?

I also had another incident in jan-feb 05. A guy was stalking me and threating mine/and my daughters' lives. I had my reporting date to my new assignment moved from jun to Mar and my daughter stayed with her dad for a mo until until we left. The local PD did nothing but the base Judge Advocate banned him from the base for 5yrs. Is this something I could include in my claim?

I've been trying to walk around like everything is okay and I just can't do it anymore. I'm tired, my body is tired. I need help

[sharon]

In jun 2006 i was sexually assaulted, by nov 2006 I was medically discharged from the Air Force for major depression among other things. In 2007 I filed my disability claim. I received 20% for chronic back pain and ankle problems. My claim for PTSD was denied because I didn't submit any evidence(too traumatic). Needless to say it has really physically taking a toll on me. If I submit the following evidence do you think my personal statement about the event can be less in depth? I really really don't want to write it at all.

Rape treatment center notes, OSI (air force investigator) notes, and current PTSD diagnosis.

While on active duty I was treated for major depression because of the assault I guess it hadn't progressed to PTSD until a little later or I did an okay job of hiding it.

Also, I have been going to school since Nov 08. I informed the school of this medical condition with supporting documentation and they have been working with me. But a few weeks ago I received a letter from my school stating they are aware of my medical condition but I am missing too much school and not progressing. They told me i had to take a leave of absence or they would kick me out. Is this something I should also submit with my claim?

I also had another incident in jan-feb 05. A guy was stalking me and threating mine/and my daughters' lives. I had my reporting date to my new assignment moved from jun to Mar and my daughter stayed with her dad for a mo until until we left. The local PD did nothing but the base Judge Advocate banned him from the base for 5yrs. Is this something I could include in my claim?

I've been trying to walk around like everything is okay and I just can't do it anymore. I'm tired, my body is tired. I need help

What exactly is your diagnoses. If it is for major depressive disorder, then that is what you need to file for. The rules have changed for PTSD that was diagnosed while on active duty. Wings is the local expert on MST.

[LarryJ]

In jun 2006 i was sexually assaulted, by nov 2006 I was medically discharged from the Air Force for major depression among other things. In 2007 I filed my disability claim. I received 20% for chronic back pain and ankle problems. My claim for PTSD was denied because I didn't submit any evidence(too traumatic). Needless to say it has really physically taking a toll on me. If I submit the following evidence do you think my personal statement about the event can be less in depth? I really really don't want to write it at all.

It would entirely depend upon how much detail and how in depth the treatment center, the OSI and the PTSD documentation is.

You may have to go into more detail than you would like, depending upon how well documented the reports are. Do you have anyone who could, perhaps, give a "buddy statement" covering the event, thereby keeping YOU from having to go into it, in depth?

Do you currently have a diagnosis of PTSD? If so, upon what is it based?

Rape treatment center notes, OSI (air force investigator) notes, and current PTSD diagnosis.

While on active duty I was treated for major depression because of the assault I guess it hadn't progressed to PTSD until a little later or I did an okay job of hiding it.

Have you filed a claim for Major Depressive Disorder?

If so, where is it filed and have you heard anything back from the VA?

Also, I have been going to school since Nov 08. I informed the school of this medical condition with supporting documentation and they have been working with me. But a few weeks ago I received a letter from my school stating they are aware of my medical condition but I am missing too much school and not progressing. They told me i had to take a leave of absence or they would kick me out. Is this something I should also submit with my claim?

Yes.

I also had another incident in jan-feb 05. A guy was stalking me and threating mine/and my daughters' lives. I had my reporting date to my new assignment moved from jun to Mar and my daughter stayed with her dad for a mo until until we left. The local PD did nothing but the base Judge Advocate banned him from the base for 5yrs. Is this something I could include in my claim?

No. At this time to do so would be simply "muddying the waters".

I've been trying to walk around like everything is okay and I just can't do it anymore. I'm tired, my body is tired. I need help

Yes, you do, and that is what we are here for.

[Commander Bob]

... Also, I have been going to school since Nov 08. I informed the school of this medical condition with supporting documentation and they have been working with me. But a few weeks ago I received a letter from my school stating they are aware of my medical condition but I am missing too much school and not progressing. They told me i had to take a leave of absence or they would kick me out.

Welcome aboard, 'thisangel'.

Are you going to school through a VA voc. rehab. program, or any Gov. program that pays you monthly to go to school? As you may know, if you are not in school, an "overpayment" will create additional stress and finical issues.

Best wishes on a successful resolution to your VA claim.

Edited October 18, 2009 by Commander Bob

[john999]

Was their a criminal investigation of the rape? Did the rape happen on a military base or installation? You need every scrap of evidence you can get to back this up. Your medical discharge did not mention depression or MST at all? I would push this claim with all my might and quickly. Time is important in these things because other things happen that can muddy the waters as Larry says.

[Wings]

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If the AF OSI documents the assault as a matter of FACT, then that is enough evidence for your PTSD "stressor". You MUST write your "Stressor Letter", but get some professional support while you purge all of the details. It is painful, and will set off a series of flashbacks and emotional anguish. ~Wings

[thisangel]

Thank you all so much. Your replies have been very helpful.

Side note** I was diagnosed with major depression while on active duty as a direct result of the assault but I'm not sure if it was denied or I was given 0% (I'll have to chech my papers). I wasn't diagnosed with PTSD until a year after I was discharged but it was noted in my medical records that the stressor was the assault. Again thank you all so much If you think of anything else that would help please let know.