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Mortuary Affairs Ptsd

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kowa

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I was in 92-97. Non combat PTSD. Have had the diagnosis by no less than 4 Dr.'s. I have seen the results of many violent deaths while on duty, the majority civilian. Kids were the hardest. I was locked down on the tarmac to jump into Haiti in '94 but that's as close as I came to combat.

I had it when I got out but it became really bad in 2000 when my dad suffered a heart attack in front of me. Due to lack of knowlege and bad advice I didnt get into the VA system until '05 or 06.

My current Psych guy told me I should put in a claim a year and a half ago but I put it off because I feel bad for having it and not being a combat vet and I was working at the time..I am "laid off" now with no chance of going back I have had trouble every job I have been on because of the anxiety attacks.

I have many questions now that I have finally filed a claim. I see a bunch of guys getiting denied who seem to me to be far more deserving, so I'm really stressing the board when it happens. Maybe I should feel validated knowing 2 psychs have recommended me putting in a claim but I dont.

1. Is there a chance I get any compensation?

Since I have been having trouble at work...I have anxiety attacks at work, people look at me different, (ie. "yeah, you were a paratrooper" or "you are a liability") I have trouble going back. For one out of embarresment and two because I want to hurt these people that give me grief.

2. I am worried about my future and have considered applying for disability with the state. Can I do that with my VA records? Would the VA doc sign off on that?

3. I cant find most of the guys I was stationed with. Our numbers were few, especially when I went to Bragg and Campbell. The DAV guy says I dont need proof of a stressor, do I bring in paper clippings of a friend I lost as a towed jumper, or the tornado that collapsed a Wal-Mart an we recovered 4 casualties (no awards, we were doing our jobs) How does the VA know if I dont bring these to the board?

Any advise appreciated. Welcome any Questions if it helps provide a more informed answer for me.

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My name is Russell Lambert, USMC, Lance Corporal, you can find me on the net, search Orange County CA, and congress.

I was recalled back into Desert Storm, involuntarily sent to CJMAO Chief Joint Mortuary Affairs Office, Dove Air Force Base, Delaware.  I refused this assignment the first day I arrived.

I was demoted, lost rank, and pay for complaining, I hated this place.

I never had a day off, was forced to work 8 to 10 hours a day in the mortuary, and another four hours in the barracks, then I was given an OTH for minor disciplinary infractions.

I'm now seeking help, over 27 years later.  Find me, contact me, I can give you advise.

Russ Lambert

 

 

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I don't know about the VA stuff since I'm just now getting started, but file for ssdi immediately. We sent in every record, especially VA records, and were successful first go around. Even if you think something is insignificant, someone else might not. Send everything you have!

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  • HadIt.com Elder

File for the PTSD. What you need is a diagnosis of PTSD from the VA. Do you have a diagnosis for PTSD from a VA psychiatrist and are you gettting treatment for PTSD? Your state disability and VA are different.

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Welcome to Hadit,

I will answer your question as best as I can.

"Non combat PTSD.

Have had the diagnosis by no less than 4 Dr.'s.

I have seen the results of many violent deaths while on duty, the majority civilian. Kids were the hardest.

I was locked down on the tarmac to jump into Haiti in '94 but that's as close as I came to combat.

I had it when I got out but it became really bad in 2000 when my dad suffered a heart attack in front of me."

Did you have an actual diagnosis of PTSD on active duty, in writing from a

mental health doctor ?

In writing, what exactly have the PTSD diagnosis "by no less than 4 Dr.'s" been attributed to ?

What are the pedigree's of these 4 doctor's ?

You father suffering a heart attack in front of you will have no bearing on your claim for PTSD,

in fact, if not diagnosed on active duty, the VA may try to state that this is the nexus of your current PTSD.

My current Psych guy told me I should put in a claim a year and a half ago but I put it off because I feel bad for having it and not being a combat vet and I was working at the time..I am "laid off" now with no chance of going back I have had trouble every job I have been on because of the anxiety attacks.

I suggest going to your VAMC or PCP every time you have these "anxiety attacks".

I have many questions now that I have finally filed a claim. I see a bunch of guys getiting denied who seem to me to be far more deserving, so I'm really stressing the board when it happens. Maybe I should feel validated knowing 2 psychs have recommended me putting in a claim but I dont.

There is no need to feel guilty about filing a truthful claim.

Once you are a vet - that's what you are ... is a vet, combat, peacetime, you are a vet.

1. Is there a chance I get any compensation?

Yes, there is a chance.

You will need proper medical evidence and documentation that relates

your current condition/s to active duty. This is called a nexus.

Since I have been having trouble at work...I have anxiety attacks at work, people look at me different, (ie. "yeah, you were a paratrooper" or "you are a liability") I have trouble going back. For one out of embarresment and two because I want to hurt these people that give me grief.

Do not hurt "these people" or yourself - go get treatment at either a private doc,

the VAMC or a Vet Center.

2. I am worried about my future and have considered applying for disability with the state. Can I do that with my VA records? Would the VA doc sign off on that?

That would be totally dependent on your States Statues.

3. I cant find most of the guys I was stationed with. Our numbers were few, especially when I went to Bragg and Campbell.

The DAV guy says I dont need proof of a stressor, do I bring in paper clippings of a friend I lost as a towed jumper, or the tornado that collapsed a Wal-Mart an we recovered 4 casualties (no awards, we were doing our jobs) How does the VA know if I dont bring these to the board?

Your "DAV guy" may not be completely accurate in making such a broad statement,

we would need to know more information before being in agreement with that statement.

Also, you might want to research the homepage for a wealth of information.

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I agree that the DAV guy didnt make an accurate statement unless he knew more about your military background and feels you would fall into the new PTSD criteria:

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