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ptsd This Is More A Letter Of Support
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Question
Philip Rogers
In 1989, an acquaintance suggested I had PTSD and should file a claim. I filed a claim knowing nothing about PTSD. After I filed my claim, I read a brochure written by Jim Goodwin http://www.trauma-pages.com/a/goodwin.php and cried like a baby because I felt someone had been looking at my life. I won my claim, w/an initial award of 30%, and quickly joined the DAV, before they found out there was nothing, really, wrong, w/me (denial). I then entered a in-hospital PTSD program, at the VAMC in Togus, ME, which lasted 6wks,(actually two 21 day programs). During that time I found out just how screwed up I really was and that it truly dated back to my military service. My "normal" life was anything but normal! It was kinda like the abused spouse or child - in that you've never known anything else, so you assume everyone is like you. All my friends worked hard, drank hard after work & weekends, married,divorced/remarried, divorced/remarried, divorced again. I moved multiple times and, in fact, have had about 40-50 jobs and at least 25 moves, between ETS and filing claim (1968 - 1989).
Once I completed the in-house program, I appealed my 30% and continued to do so, until I won, at the BVA, in 1999, retro to 1989. All along they had said I was unemployable and at about 7 yrs I was awarded TDIU but I continued my appeal. It took 10 yrs and 5 months but I won! I never gave up. The VA made a grave mistake by not awarding what I really deserved, in the beginning. I learned an awful lot about the process and as a result have assisted vets personally, w/their claims, in addition to posting here for about 15 yrs +/-.
My point is never, ever, ever, ever, give up!!!! I know it's hard but anything worthwhile is. At least now claimants have the experience that we have faced before them. No one, not one VSO, ever told me what I needed to win.
Anyway, thanks all, for your service, your loss, and your camaraderie, here. Try to enjoy the day as you remember those lost and those who have been there both before and after us.
Airborne, all the way!!!
pr
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