ptsd Ptsd Claim Letter

[Whirly Bird]

Hi all. I'm filing a claim for ptsd and my wife wrote the following letter to submit. Please take a look at it and let me know if I'm missing anything. I have a ptsd diagnosis, verified combat award, and notes from the va psych linking them together. Do I need anything else?

thanks,

To whom it may concern,

I am filing a claim for service connection of PTSD.

I have been diagnosed to have combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by a VA Psychologist, and I am currently undergoing treatment for the disorder at the VA Medical Center. The VA Psychologist has linked my PTSD to my combat related stressors.

I served in combat as a Marine Helicopter Machine Gunner, and was awarded the Combat Aircrew Insignia with 3 bronze stars. I was also awarded the Air Medal with 2 Strike Flight Awards for these missions.

My original DD-214 did not have the Combat Aircrew Insignia listed on it when I was discharged, so I contacted the Navy Personnel Command Retired Records Section and requested that the Combat Aircrew Insignia be added to my DD-214.

I recently received a corrected DD-215 that has the Combat Aircrew Insignia with 3 Bronze Stars added to my record. I have attached a copy of it as evidence for my claim.

I have also attached a copy of M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.D.13.e, which states that my award of the Combat Aircrew Insignia qualifies as proof of my combat experience.

I have also attached a copy of M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.D.13.f, which states that If a Veteran received one of the combat decorations cited in “e”, but does not expressly state the nature of the stressor, the VA should assume that the stressor is combat-related.

I have been having nightmares & panic attacks 3 to 4 times a week for years since returning from the war. I can’t stand to be in crowds of people. Before the war, I was very outgoing and had many friends, but I now have very few, if any “real” friends (besides my buddies that were over there with me), and I stay at home most of the time when I’m not at work and avoid all social events. I have trouble getting along with others at home and at work. I am always on alert, always... I constantly have this weird feeling that something bad is going to happen, even though I know that it isn’t rational to think this way. This disorder has severely affected my social and work life.

Thank you,

xxxx

Edited October 23, 2012 by Whirly Bird

[carlie]

WB,

Maybe it's time to just take some deep breaths and stay away from your VA

issues for a week or so - let things run their course so to speak, and give your

nerves a bit of a break.

It may OR may not post into your health records, no way to know right now.

For now, you are still in a holding pattern but will most likely have some resolve,

in the next few months.

[Whirly Bird]

Thanks for the input everybody. I appreciate it. The exam was done by the VA medical Center Psychologist C&P examiner, so hopefully it will show up on myhealthevet soon. Will keep ya'll posted. Thanks again.

That's some good advice Carlie. I def need a break from this mess. To dang cold to fish this time a year though. LOL

Edited January 19, 2014 by Whirly Bird

[usdart]

I had a huge arguement with my Nurse because she refused to fill out a one page form. She said she did not have time to fill out forms all day. I pointed out that it was her job to help Vets and that this form HAD to be signed by my Doctor. Still refused so I changed my Team and there was a meeting at the VA with my VSO. Bottom line I would have to go to Walla Walla 60 miles away.

All the form was asking is if my PTSD and Hyper tension were related.

3 months to get an Appt and I would have had to wait to get my claim started. And no gaurantee the form would help or even be filled out then.

I dropped the whole thing and decided not to muddy the water with addirional issues YET!