ptsd Devastated, Worried.... Ptsd/all Denied.

[midnight340]

I don't even know where to begin. I'm shaking, and avoiding my emotional response as much as possible. I wanted to get some of this down before whatever happens next.

My case decided on Jan 27, and closed two days ago. One year (with last three months flagged for hardship), Today an American Legion person at my VARO was able to read my letter and tells me my PTSD and all other claims were denied. I am 65, so pension was awarded at $311/mo on top of my $702 social security check.

My initial claim went in with PTSD, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and a string of other claims. I have seen three VA psychiatrists, all of whom confirm PTSD. My C&P says PTSD is "severe and chronic" and "not likely to improve" and that I am "unable to work." My GAF score was 42. The VA added TDIU to my claim.

Everything was denied because they say I was assigned to the FDR (aircraft carrier) operating off the East Coast at the time of the major stressor in California. (We flew back and forth to the carrier) The records show that I was assigned to the carrier as my photo recon squadron was assigned to the ship, but home base was NAS Miramar in California where my major stressor happened. (I was present when a fighter crashed into a hangar, with 11 deaths, 26 to burn unit, etc.)

I had three other stressors while working the flight deck on the carrier, all of which my C&P says meet stressor standards. These were denied because I have no medical records from the time showing I experienced this. (Am I alone in not going to sick bay when someone got killed? This was 1970! ) I wrote careful and extended accounts of all stressors with notes on the impact on my life. I was very detailed and careful.

I am fortunate to have the best relationship ever in my life, and to have had support through all this, but financial stresses have been extreme with bankruptcy and foreclosure. I don't know if this is survivable.

The American Legion person at my VARO says I or they need to find flight logs from my squadron showing my being at Miramar at the time. I don't know if this is possible.

I don't know that anyone can help. But I needed to write this down.

Edited February 10, 2012 by midnight340

[BoatsFFG37]

Wow reading this thread was intense...  Bravo Zulu to all of you!

[mysticcherokee usn vet]

Hatemhatemhatemhatemhatemhatem! Mystic

Im sorry, but DONT GIVE UP. PUH-LEEEEEEEZE DONT GIVE UP!

Did you write a stressor letter with your claim?

Did you attach any documentation to the stressor letter?

Was any of it mst.

NO I didnt report the deaths at sick bay, but it sure as hell sickened me!

[Tbird]

This is survivable Ok so now we know what they want, let's think about ways to possibly find the information you need. The internet is a big place and that is a good thing, lot's of folks from squadrons we were in have web pages, start searching for them. My old squadron has Flight Schedules from 80's.

You may not have medical records of your other stressor, but there should be other records incident records and crew manifests, duties and other eye witnesses that saw you.

It could be a dilly of a research project, but do not abandon hope, I'm sure others will jump in with idea's I am sure you are not the only veteran in this situation.

I am guessing you have done everything you can think of to tighten your budget, but tighten it a little more. This could be a long and unforgiving road. In my area there are lots of churches that have food pantries, others that can help with utility bills, make sure you are reaching out to every resource you can find and make sure you are spending time finding every resource you can.

Put your pride on a shelf. Put your self critic in a closet. Do what needs to be done to survive and once you have survived THRIVE!

You are not alone.

[midnight340]

I did write an extended stressor letter. I explained my complete memories plus the fact that I am completely unable to recall events following. I wrote about the dramatic changes in my life before and after. I included much detail, and then later I wrote even more. I sent in info a number of times, with extended accounts of all stressors.

I also included a newspaper article calling the crash the "worst disaster in San Diego County history" that also listed the names of the deceased.

[mysticcherokee usn vet]

You are on the right track. Tbird is talkin much sense here. We understand. Have you checked your local veterans center to see if they help pay some bills, food chits. In Ohio when I was really down and out they helped me out, and I didnt even know about them givng food chits (like food stamps but a lot less embarassing), or pay rent directly. Contact yer local veterans services center. Good Luck. I know your not stupid, and have probably tried everything Im talkin bout, but if ya havent , like I was, it might help! Good Luck sister friend! Mystic

Edited February 10, 2012 by mysticcherokee usn vet

[carlie]

midnight,

From what you posted so far - it does not sound like they are saying

you don't have PTSD - it sounds like they aren't acknowledging proof that you were

where you say you were - when the stressor event occurred.

When you get the decision - post the exact reasons and basis.

For now - at least it seems like your monthly income will rise

by $311.00 per month, so that's a little more to help out financially for now.

Hang in there buddy.