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

[SP4RVN1971]

Never give up, your day will come. This just another test in life and thanks VA for finding any reason to F*** with this person life.

[midnight340]

Carlie, you are correct as far as what I know at this point. I will post the details when the letter comes.

My History of Duty Assignments from my records show my being with VFP-63 (photo recon squadron).

I just don't know how to show that VFP-63 was back at Miramar during this time between deployments.

(and thanks for the help tips...)

[carlie]

"Carlie, you are correct as far as what I know at this point. I will post the details when the letter comes.

My History of Duty Assignments from my records show my being with VFP-63 (photo recon squadron).

I just don't know how to show that VFP-63 was back at Miramar during this time between deployments.

(and thanks for the help tips...)"

Have you googled other people there with you ?

[midnight340]

I know a lot of you have been through this (over and over in some cases) so I know you understand, but the idea of facing another year like this last one is tough right now.

Carlie, I will do what I can... I'm very bad with remembering names, especially from that long ago. I did find the name of my squadron leader on quarterly marks.

Mystic, I am not sure where the "sister" part came from as I would have a hard time being that. But you sound like you'd be a good sister to have! (it's hard to tell the male/female thing on here... doesn't really matter anyway.) And thank you for your support.

Tbird, thanks for the support and ideas. I will spend my weekend searching for any sites with info on my squadron, or trying to remember names, and such.

I will check back in if I find something. Midnight

VFP-63, Miramar NAS, San Diego CA 1968-1971

NAS Pax River, MD

[carlie]

midnight,

If you still have any copies of old orders or ANYTHING

read thru them several times, carefully and with a magnifying glass.

[Pete53]

Sorry that you did not get what you wanted but as Tbird said at least now you know what you need to fix your claim. Many look at first denial as the worst thing that could happen but you have Hadit and Hadit will help you perfect your claim.

Don't give up, roll up your sleves and lets get to work.

God Bless You