ptsd Just Looking For Answers - * Triggers *

[Rogue164]

Hello, I am a veteran of OIF 1. I drove an Abrams tank during the invasion of Iraq, fought the Republican Guards, and was one of those first men who siezed that piece of ground that everyone who came after us called the "Green Zone". When I looked through my periscopes, I looked with the assurance that there was no one out there in front of me but the enemy.

I am 50% service connected for PTSD, and 10% service connected for Degenerative Disk and Joint Disease. I am seeking an increase in both ratings as well as IU.

I have had problems with employers and and with educational efforts, with statements from former co workers, employers, educators, as well as grade transcripts from the school i attended to back me up. I have been seeking treatment through my local VAMC and have records there to back me up, including a letter from my VA psychiatrist stating " Mr. B's PTSD symptoms appear to be affecting his ability to work" and " Mr. B. has been compliant with all treatment and medication schedules but in spite of this his condition has not much improved." so I am hoping that things will work out. Of course, I would still find a reason to worry even if Shinseki himself wrote me a letter of support.....every day I wake up and think the sky is falling.

[carlie]

Rogue,

A vet is a vet - - one is not different or better or less than another.

All vets are nothing more to the VA than a liability.

FYI - RVN combat vets have been denied claims for years due to the VA

stating - you have to provide proof you were actually in combat.

Keep in mind that at least one "cook" has been taken as a POW.

All service members - in the rear with the gear - were providing support

for you to do - what ever you did - they also can easily have illness, injury or disease.

I served during peacetime and received 3 back to back concussions that resulted

in residual disability of seizures and TBI, among other disabilities.

Anytime you make any post that may contain information that might trigger other's

put the word "Triggers" in the topic title.

carlie

[carlie]

Rogue,

As to the homeless issue you might want to include that info in your claims.

The VAMC nearest you may have a residential PTSD program that houses program participants

in a domicilliary setting.

You may qualify for this program if your interested.

You might also want to check out the following link to see if it

provides any additional resources.

http://www1.va.gov/homeless/

[SLEDGE]

I feel all warm and fuzzy after reading --

" http://www1.va.gov/homeless/ "

I'm still waiting to see a list of the government employees who will be paid to identify, locate and transport the homeless to the best shelter that fits the circumstances of each homeless person.

sledge