ptsd Help If You Can

[spcsumrall]

I was discharged in Apr. 2007 for Axis-1 Bipolar. I did not even know about the VA and what they do for vets until Sep. 2010 which is when I called and researched everything. So I filed early in September for SC Dis. Compensation and TDIU also pension, basically everything available. I have been unable to work since I lost my job in Jun. 2010 for being Bipolar with an extreme Anxiety condition. I was checked into a hospital for my condition and they summed it up as I should NOT have been working and that would explain why i have had literally 13 jobs since 2007. I submitted all forms I had including the diagnosis from a military doctor while in service official DA DOC stating Axis-1 Bipolar. So to bring it all together I have been off work for over 13 months now. I have 2 civilian doctors stating it is ptsd and bipolar with generalized anxiety disorder, and major depression and agoraphobia and I know from experience I am in no condition to work because sometimes I am suicidal, violent, and obscenely aggressive when uncomfortable. Now my family is hitting hard times, I do not have any family support system at all. I have sold everything I own other than personal items just to make ends meet. So I had an exam by a doctor back in may. I am not sure if this was c&p exam or not, she checked my reflexes and asked some personal questions, and said I could go. I gave her information on my mental state and she wrote it down but it seems all she was worried about was physical. So now I am within 16 days of being delinquent on my rent. My bills are set to turn off before then and I have no money at all whatsoever. My bank account is dramatically negative. I received a VCAA letter stating a decision will be made in 30 days after i sent them the last 2 forms. I IMMEDIATELY got them the forms by-mail checked and delivered to my regional VA office as of the 1st of July 2011. Also enclosed was my letter of hardship and all bills to support it. I was told by a rep over the phone it could still take 90 days. I know they are not supposed to give time frames because of all the variables, however I do not have 90 days and that makes my position feel even more bleak. So I called and called and finally got through to someone and they informed me of the American legion and TFA grant. Filled it on July 12th out and still no response. My situation has become desperate as I do not want to see my family in the homeless shelter. I just need someone, anyone, to evaluate the information given and see if there is anything I can do or am not doing. The VA has confirmed on 3 accounts they have absolutely everything they need. Also I am open to constructive criticism as well as any advice you can give. Kind words help to, just need re-assuring. I'm afraid and lost. It has become too much for us to bear. Thank you in advance

[broncovet]

Specs...

I think what you are asking is "How long will it take to start getting my checks?" None of us really know this, but some may venture a guess. The more information you supply, the better the guess. For example,

1. When did you apply? Do you have a VSO? Did you discuss these issues with him?

2. Did you receive a "VCAA letter" acknowledging you application for benefits, and, if so, when? Have you received other letters from the VA? What did they say? Did you sign and return your VCAA election form?

3. Did you move and not tell the VA your new address? You should fix this pronto if this is the case.

4. Does the VA have your banking information so they can direct deposit your checks?

5. Did you have a C and P exam, and what was the result? Do you have that all important "nexus", that is a docs statement that says your condition is at least as likely as not due to military service.

If you post these things, then we can give a much better idea.

[broncovet]

Why do you think you are in the "decision phase"? That is, who told you that? The 800 number? Your VSO? Yes, there are things you can do to limit your benefit delays. I listed some of them.

1. Sign up for direct deposit. Its faster than mail.

2. Give the VA your new addresses when you move pronto. Not doing so can sabatoge your own claim. Example: If you fail to show for a C and P exam because you did not give a new address, its gonna delay your claim.

3. Sign and send in whatever documents the VA requests pronto.

4. Dont be hostile with a Va employee. While this is not in the handbook, your claim could well be "accidently" placed in the bottom of the pile or even the shredder bin if you are hostile to the wrong VA employee. You wont know which employee will do this either. You may not even find out a few pages of critical evidence "was lost" until years later.

I will comment here there are 2 ways for you to get help here. You choose:

1. You can tell nothing about your own situation and just ask for "general" information. You will get "general" answers, not specific to your case.

2. You can post details about your case. Some people post their VA decisions, with their name and private information deleted. This way, you will get the best, specific advice.

The thing we cant do is provide your case specific help, if you provide no specific details.

Edited July 17, 2011 by broncovet

[spcsumrall]

Yes I have recieved a VCAA letter, and I returned it with the last 4 items deemed necessary immediately, checked and received by my regional VA office on July 1st 2011. No my address has not changed. Yes I have given the VA my bank account # for direct deposit. Yes I have a VSO. I have and will always be calm and collected when talking to or responding to anyone. I feel no reason to disrespect those trying to help. I posted all this previously but no big deal. I do have the nexus because 2 doctors as well as a ruling from an Army doctor While IN SERVICE that clearly shows the same diagnosis. And the C&P exam is a mystery, I did go to an exam, She checked all my physical being, then I offered information on my illness. She wrote all the info provided under the "other findings" and said I was free to go. I have no Idea what the results were. I will keep waiting and appreciate the responses. Again Thank you all

[boomer2]

Don't know how far away you live from the VA hospital where you had the C & P but, you can get a copy of it from them in the records dept. I got a copy of mine. You want to get that anyway in case you have to file a NOD, appeal or a CUE.

[spcsumrall]

Thank you for that info, I can definitely see how that will be useful. But my exam was by a contracted office, I am not quite sure it was a VA office, it was definitely not a VA hospital. Does this sound like a C&P? And is anyone allowed to say that there's hope for me? I don't want anyone to say numbers, dates or anything else. I am just in need of encouragement and don't want to be fighting a pointless battle. I understand it takes years sometimes and people aren't always satisfied. I am not looking for an answer, simply some advice. Just need to know if I am headed in the right direction. It is not easy to go this long without help and I'm nothing short of amazed I have gotten this far. All of your help is appreciated and thanks all of you who even look my direction.

Edited July 18, 2011 by spcsumrall

[john999]

My advice is to keep fighting. You could hire a lawyer. What kind of discharge did you get and how long were you in the service? Were you found to be medically unfit? What did your discharge physical say? Do you have your service medical records?