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

[deanbrt]

"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."

Yes, you are not alone.....

[mysticcherokee usn vet]

This may seem offtopic, but did ya get arrested there. Parking ticket, ANYTHING that could place you there.

Anything?! Mystic

[68mustang]

Have you tried to get buddy letter detailing what happened and verifying you were there at the time of the incidents? Did anyone keep copies of letters you sent home in which you described what happened? Did you get copies of performance ratings that show a decrease in your performance during the time in question? Are there any copies of request for transfers?

68mustang

Edited February 11, 2012 by 68mustang

[Hoppy]

Check dates in your medical records and personnel file. Maybe you went to sick call for some other reason or somebody wrote an evaluation that put you at Miramar.

Edited February 11, 2012 by Hoppy

[midnight340]

I'll try some of those things.... am thinking, but had not considered some of these.

Can't remember names of guys I was in with, except maybe two or three, and can't find a trace of them yet.

I tried to be realistic and not hope for too much, but complete denial was a blow.

[boomer2]

I know it is hard to do but, look at it as money in the bank except the VA is holding it for you right now. Don't forget to file a NOD as soon as you get the denial letter.You definitely don't want to let that slip. Another thing you may want to check is the crash investigation I'm sure the Navy did an investigation and during the investigation they may have mentioned what units, aircraft, and other things that may help you. Did anyone speak to you about the crash and what you saw, heard?

I would try and contact Miramar and ask about the crash and any investigation that happened.