ptsd Success

[exitflagger]

It's taken me about two years to get 100% TDIU [PTSD & major depression is the med diagnosis on the award], but last week it came. I started the process not knowing much about VA disability. Unfortunately I had two poor VSO's representing me; one was just too new at the game but a decent guy, the other was just an oxygen thief. I also learned that VSOs from another organization won't speak to you if you take a different organization VSO.

I decided to do the whole app for VA disability myself without a VSO. I paid a pretty steep price emotionally and psychologically but after reading some of the experiences here I probably would have as well even with a good VSO I suppose.

My psy-doc and counselor at the MHC in Seattle were amazingly supportive [with them for four years]. They wouldn't write a recommendation--I think they're gun-shy probably an admin thing--but each put their opinions on my ability to gain employment in the medical notes. I used those medical notes containing the clear statements on their professional opinions of my employability as part of the evidence for the TDIU app.

I also utilized my family in contacting congressmen which was a dead end. Both a dem and repub representative's staff seemed helpful but not hopeful, this wasn't their first rodeo with the VBA process. I used Iris as well. After waiting 12 months I would check in once a month and let them know exactly how many days I'd been waiting ("It's been 345--or whatever the number was that email--days since I sent my initial packet and request for TDIU in..."). I sent in a note to the regional office every month with a reminder of how long I'd been waiting, always nicely phrased with a 'thank you for your efforts on this' included (even when I was fuming).

I'm not sure what Iris did if anything but I knew something was up when I'd requested a contact from the office handling my claim--just someone tell me what's going on--and they responded by telling me the office had not yet responded to their request but to wait, which was a first.) I got a call from the regional VBA office telling me of my award two weeks later. Greatest phone call in the last few years.

Maybe some of my stuff worked, maybe it would've taken that long anyway.

I finally got it last week, back dated to Sept 9, 2009 with a nice chunk of back pay as well. I can't tell you how relieved I am, the stress of finances and of living off of family charity is over and I can maybe even give back now. Frankly I'd have been living under a bridge if it weren't for my family, the VBA process takes so long.

In the long run the process does work and doing it myself with no guidance but a lot of research (I lurked here for a couple of years) taught me a few things. Exhausted but vindicated and happy.

[Berta]

This is Wonderful News!

And the 2 years isn't too bad when you consider how much longer many here wait for a proper decision.

"I also utilized my family in contacting congressmen which was a dead end" That can hold up a claim for many months.

COngress people can't help claims succeed-only evidence can.

[hdela]

It's taken me about two years to get 100% TDIU [PTSD & major depression is the med diagnosis on the award], but last week it came. I started the process not knowing much about VA disability. Unfortunately I had two poor VSO's representing me; one was just too new at the game but a decent guy, the other was just an oxygen thief. I also learned that VSOs from another organization won't speak to you if you take a different organization VSO.

I decided to do the whole app for VA disability myself without a VSO. I paid a pretty steep price emotionally and psychologically but after reading some of the experiences here I probably would have as well even with a good VSO I suppose.

My psy-doc and counselor at the MHC in Seattle were amazingly supportive [with them for four years]. They wouldn't write a recommendation--I think they're gun-shy probably an admin thing--but each put their opinions on my ability to gain employment in the medical notes. I used those medical notes containing the clear statements on their professional opinions of my employability as part of the evidence for the TDIU app.

I also utilized my family in contacting congressmen which was a dead end. Both a dem and repub representative's staff seemed helpful but not hopeful, this wasn't their first rodeo with the VBA process. I used Iris as well. After waiting 12 months I would check in once a month and let them know exactly how many days I'd been waiting ("It's been 345--or whatever the number was that email--days since I sent my initial packet and request for TDIU in..."). I sent in a note to the regional office every month with a reminder of how long I'd been waiting, always nicely phrased with a 'thank you for your efforts on this' included (even when I was fuming).

I'm not sure what Iris did if anything but I knew something was up when I'd requested a contact from the office handling my claim--just someone tell me what's going on--and they responded by telling me the office had not yet responded to their request but to wait, which was a first.) I got a call from the regional VBA office telling me of my award two weeks later. Greatest phone call in the last few years.

Maybe some of my stuff worked, maybe it would've taken that long anyway.

I finally got it last week, back dated to Sept 9, 2009 with a nice chunk of back pay as well. I can't tell you how relieved I am, the stress of finances and of living off of family charity is over and I can maybe even give back now. Frankly I'd have been living under a bridge if it weren't for my family, the VBA process takes so long.

In the long run the process does work and doing it myself with no guidance but a lot of research (I lurked here for a couple of years) taught me a few things. Exhausted but vindicated and happy.

My husband started a claim in 2000, we fought it until he died in 2007. He worked on the flight line in Lakenheath AFB in England, working in the jp4, developed diabetes mellitus, then heart condition, neuropathy, hearing loss, etc. The last condition he developed was dementia with balance control, staggered gait, loss of speech, died in 2007. Kept the claim open, our VSO incomptetent, the whole lot of them was fired a couple of months ago, new group brought in but was advised to take files to Houston VSO office which I just returned from there. Husband had gotten a remand few years ago, VSO talked him out of dropping it. VSO in Houston has requested a hearing and says with the supporting documentation we have that I have a good case. An internal medicine doctor had written a letter stating it was more likely than not that his condition was service related. Have supporting research that confirms all his symptoms. Anyone that has any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm 64, can't get a job.

[jachay]

Congratulations on your award. It shows those still waiting that they must not give up. Relax now and make life worth living.

Thank you for your service to our country.

It's taken me about two years to get 100% TDIU [PTSD & major depression is the med diagnosis on the award], but last week it came. I started the process not knowing much about VA disability. Unfortunately I had two poor VSO's representing me; one was just too new at the game but a decent guy, the other was just an oxygen thief. I also learned that VSOs from another organization won't speak to you if you take a different organization VSO.

I decided to do the whole app for VA disability myself without a VSO. I paid a pretty steep price emotionally and psychologically but after reading some of the experiences here I probably would have as well even with a good VSO I suppose.

My psy-doc and counselor at the MHC in Seattle were amazingly supportive [with them for four years]. They wouldn't write a recommendation--I think they're gun-shy probably an admin thing--but each put their opinions on my ability to gain employment in the medical notes. I used those medical notes containing the clear statements on their professional opinions of my employability as part of the evidence for the TDIU app.

I also utilized my family in contacting congressmen which was a dead end. Both a dem and repub representative's staff seemed helpful but not hopeful, this wasn't their first rodeo with the VBA process. I used Iris as well. After waiting 12 months I would check in once a month and let them know exactly how many days I'd been waiting ("It's been 345--or whatever the number was that email--days since I sent my initial packet and request for TDIU in..."). I sent in a note to the regional office every month with a reminder of how long I'd been waiting, always nicely phrased with a 'thank you for your efforts on this' included (even when I was fuming).

I'm not sure what Iris did if anything but I knew something was up when I'd requested a contact from the office handling my claim--just someone tell me what's going on--and they responded by telling me the office had not yet responded to their request but to wait, which was a first.) I got a call from the regional VBA office telling me of my award two weeks later. Greatest phone call in the last few years.

Maybe some of my stuff worked, maybe it would've taken that long anyway.

I finally got it last week, back dated to Sept 9, 2009 with a nice chunk of back pay as well. I can't tell you how relieved I am, the stress of finances and of living off of family charity is over and I can maybe even give back now. Frankly I'd have been living under a bridge if it weren't for my family, the VBA process takes so long.

In the long run the process does work and doing it myself with no guidance but a lot of research (I lurked here for a couple of years) taught me a few things. Exhausted but vindicated and happy.

[john999]

Are you permanent and total? If you got Chapter 35 benefits you are P&T. This has many benefits for your dependents.

I was on SSDI and yet it took me about 18 months to get TDIU. I was rated 70% and I had to get extra IMO's to get TDIU. Then I had to get another one to get P&T. Two years is not a bad timeframe for the VA. It is not as easy as some may think just because you are unemployable and it seems obvious. The VA can throw a monkey wrench into that thing in a hurry.

[Berta]

Hdela-I can try to help you in our DIC forum.

This is the success story forum.

I will ask a mod to move the post there.