Hello all, first a short introduction. I served in the Air National Guard for 10 years, of which I volunteered/activated under title 10 active duty orders for 8 of the 10 years I served. During my final year in the service I began seeing a psychiatrist at my local VA, after many visits I was diagnosed with PTSD, it was advised at that time by the psychiatrist that I speak with my commander and medical personnel at my duty station on my next drill weekend. Long story short I was discharged two years short of completing my contract with a diagnosis of PTSD. This was in 2011.
My questions:
1. It has been three years since my discharge, does the VA not look favorably on those who file claims so long after being discharged? I didn't file because I felt and still feel that there are others who are much more deserving of these benefits than myself.
2. I have been reading over the past week or so about some people advising to not tell the VA about their alcohol use, while others I have read say to be completely upfront with every issue, should I be upfront or avoid answering questions about my current situation with regards to this?
3. How long should I expect it to take for my claim to be processed?
4. Lastly, I have been prescribed medications post diagnosis yet decided personally not to continue taking them, nor have I continued going to the VA to seek treatment. Am I required to attend therapy sessions or take medications if I want to obtain a service connected disability rating?
Thanks to all of you who respond, and I am sorry for being so long winded. I am sure I will have questions to follow up with, during my journey to get this taken care of.
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SSGTBarnett
Hello all, first a short introduction. I served in the Air National Guard for 10 years, of which I volunteered/activated under title 10 active duty orders for 8 of the 10 years I served. During my final year in the service I began seeing a psychiatrist at my local VA, after many visits I was diagnosed with PTSD, it was advised at that time by the psychiatrist that I speak with my commander and medical personnel at my duty station on my next drill weekend. Long story short I was discharged two years short of completing my contract with a diagnosis of PTSD. This was in 2011.
My questions:
1. It has been three years since my discharge, does the VA not look favorably on those who file claims so long after being discharged? I didn't file because I felt and still feel that there are others who are much more deserving of these benefits than myself.
2. I have been reading over the past week or so about some people advising to not tell the VA about their alcohol use, while others I have read say to be completely upfront with every issue, should I be upfront or avoid answering questions about my current situation with regards to this?
3. How long should I expect it to take for my claim to be processed?
4. Lastly, I have been prescribed medications post diagnosis yet decided personally not to continue taking them, nor have I continued going to the VA to seek treatment. Am I required to attend therapy sessions or take medications if I want to obtain a service connected disability rating?
Thanks to all of you who respond, and I am sorry for being so long winded. I am sure I will have questions to follow up with, during my journey to get this taken care of.
Regards
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