Disability Y Or N

[SSG O]

I originally filled a claim with VA in 2006 for L and R knees Retropatellar pain Syndrome and L ear hearing loss. I received zero % I never refiled my claim till i started having issues while working in AFG as a contractor. I started having some disturbing thoughts and sought help after my contract ended. In Aug 2012 i went to VA and was diagnose with PTSD and was put on 60MG Fluoxetine, 1MG Risperdone and 200MG of Trazodone. My wife who also served had me refiled my claim and add PTSD to my original claim. Since returning back from AFG my symptoms are escalating and I've had my meds increase and started bi-weekly Psychiatric visits. I'm unable to function without my meds and maintain employment. I'm still in limbo waiting on VA to give me a rating. Is there anything i can do to expedite the process or does my condition even constitute a disability rating?

Alex

[63SIERRA]

not enough information provided to give an educated opinion, but VA will try to use the long " break in treatment " against you.

[Guest]

As 63s said, It really depends on what is in your service treatment records. By not knowing what you were exposed to or what happen to you, there is no way of giving an educated guess. Also it depends on if your psychiatrist can link your current symptoms to your military service.

[Commander Bob]

.... or does my condition even constitute a disability rating?

Alex

From what you posted and with the understanding that we need more info...

Yes.

C.B.

Edited May 26, 2014 by Commander Bob

[john999]

You want to keep your service as a contractor separate from your time in the military. You should connect all your current disabilities to your service, and make it clear you were having these symptoms before you time as a contractor. If you let the VA think that these symptoms (especially ptsd) started as a contractor they will say it is not service connected. They will tell you to take it up with the contractor and file worker's compensation. You could probably do this but I bet they have small print to protect themselves.

John

[SSG O]

Thank you all for the response.

Incident 1: During Operation Restore Hope (Haiti) i was on Guard Duty when a Mob of of 50+ had 3 men hog tied with a tire around their neck and they started to chop them with a machete and pour gas on them a light them up on fire. SOG had us fire to disperse the crowed to rescue them but could not as the crowed started fighting back. Have constant smell of burning flesh and watching them burn to death.

Incident 2: Convoy was hit during OIF III when pushing North from Kuwait to Baghdad around Scania. Was near Motor blast knocked me off my feet and hit my head.

Per record on my Blue button PTSD was linked to service. I refiled in December and still waiting for a response or approval from VA.

Alex