ptsd % Needed To Appeal

[Cavman]

Concerning my appeal to the DRO that I just sent in along with the IU form they sent with decision letter. I was rated 50% SC for PTSD. I appealed for a higher percentage and filled out the IU form they sent for unemployability. Doctor states I`m unemployable. My question is I`m only 50%, does that mean I will be denied because of low percentage for filing the appeal for IU or could I be given a 70% rate along with IU at the same time?

Cavman

[olenavygoat]

How closely did you look at your medical record for other conditions that may have arisen while in service? You may luck out and find something like tinnitus [ringing and temporary hearing impairment in the ear(s)] or some other that folks don't usually think about unless it's mentioned.

[john999]

Good point since my medicl records are a mess. I did not get copies when I got discharged and had to try and get them piece by piece over the years. Some big chunks are missing. The only stuff I cared about was the psychiatric stuff for my initial claim. Record keeping during the Vietnam era was just terrible. I don't think most got copies of their records at discharge and many did not get discharge physicals.

[Cavman]

How closely did you look at your medical record for other conditions that may have arisen while in service? You may luck out and find something like tinnitus [ringing and temporary hearing impairment in the ear(s)] or some other that folks don't usually think about unless it's mentioned.

I have since filed claims for tinnitus and 2 claims secondary to ptsd (insomnia & gerd/barretts esophagus. I went to a hearing test today and the doc says my hearing is bad in writing. I probably should have filed a hearing claim also. I just remembered I was blown off an infantry track in Nam when we hit a mine and I now have 3 herniated disc. I probably have filed enough for now with the letter saying I`m unemployable coming soon from my head doc.

Cavman