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Is This Real?

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hedgey

By hedgey
in Success Stories

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hedgey Experienced

hedgey

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The decision letter says I've been rated 70% for PTSD. With the 20% they gave me for my feet (still working on the NOD for that), I'm at 80%. Guess the clerk at the travel office was reading it right.

The letter came on Monday and when I read it I cried. I put it away and kept forgetting it had come. I'd told my husband about it and I keep feeling surprised when he mentions it. What's wrong with me? I should be happy, right? Why don't I feel happy about this?

I should feel relieved that my PTSD has been SC'd; the battle to prove my stressors actually occurred has been won. But all I keep thinking is that I'll get another letter saying they made a mistake. It's definitely me they're talking abut in the letter, but I keep thinking this can't be real.

They also sent paperwork about an inferred TDIU claim. I hadn't finished the form to submit for it, and now it turns out that a claim is in process for me already. My husband says do it right away, get the form in, right now. My heart just pounds like crazy every time I look at it.

I put this in the Success Stories section, cause I guess it belongs there. I don't feel like a success, though. Sorry to be such a downer when I should be dancing on air.

Let us be kind, one to another, for we are each of us together in our pain.

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JustPLS Community Regular

JustPLS

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I'm sure the decision was long in coming but well earned. I'm thankful for your win. Now relax, and try to enjoy life a little more.

Pat

I wonder if I would have all the medical conditions that I have now if I had never joined the Army. I'm pretty sure the answer would probably be no. When I look around and see others my age who were not in the service, most of them look pretty healthy.

Do you think all the employees of the VA really understand that it is ONLY because we served that their positions even exist?

'67-'68 1st Cav, '69-'70 101st Abn

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pacmanx1 Grand Master

pacmanx1

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Posted (edited)

For a lot of veterans, sometimes getting a rating that pushes them closer to 100% TDIU or granting 100% TDIU/100% schedular, there is a feeling of overwhelming, shock and sometimes they even feel worst because they have just received a letter that confirms what they have been going through. I think it is normal but keep in mind not to lose focus and fill out the TDIU form as soon as possible. This should be in the success forum because it is a win even though you may not feel like it is but other veterans are still in the fight trying to do what you just did. You can try to help someone that may be in a similar situation. I love to read any kind of success story. It proves again that all the stuff that veterans have to go through is "Not in our heads". Please don't take this the wrong way, to say it better is that the reason why we are going through what we are going through is because something happened to us, we were exposed to something, or we witness something that completely altered our lives and will never be cured. It may not be a full vindication but it means that VA had to agree that whatever we claimed is real and warrants service connection.

Sorry for the rant

As Always Hope the Best

Congrats.

Edited by pacmanx1

My intentions are to help, my advice maybe wrong, be your own advocate and know what is in your C-File and the 38 CFR that governs your disabilities and conditions.

Do your own homework. No one knows the veteran’s symptoms like the veteran. Never Give Up.

I do not give my consent for anyone to view my personal VA records.

 

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jbasser Grand Master

jbasser

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Hedgey, I have seen hundreds of Vets win their claims and a whold lot of them have a period of depression after the claim is decided.

Dont stress too much over it it is a natural reaction.

J

A Veteran is a person who served this country. Treat them with respect.

A Disabled Veteran is a person who served this country and bears the scars of that service regardless of when or where they served.

Treat them with the upmost respect. I do. Rejection is not a sign of failure. Failure is not an option, Medical opinions and evidence wins claims. Trust in others is a virtue but you take the T out of Trust and you are left with Rust so be wise about who you are dealing with.

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Gardener Explorer

Gardener

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Posted

hedgey,

Congrats on your win! Sorry for your disabilities, but at least you are somewhat vindicated.

Also, it is quite normal to feel a little overwhelmed with the new decision, but in the long run you will realize that you are only getting what you so rightfully deserve.

Fill out and turn in the IU form ASAP in order to perserve your effective date, but afterwards take a few days to just relax and have some hard earned fun!

Congrats again,

Gardener

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Pete53 Grand Master

Pete53

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Its major to get PTSD rated. Now you are going downhill

Veterans deserve real choice for their health care.

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