ptsd No Service Treament Records While In Combat Zone

[DejDan]

In Nov 2014 I filed claim for PTSD resulting from my tour in Iraq in 2005. I submitted all of my STR's through the VFW when I filed my claim. I've had my C and P exam in April 2014 and it resulted in a diagnosis on Ptsd with a "more likely than not" cause by my military service in Iraq.

Currently I'm receiving treatment from the VA for PTSD after starting and stopping treatment back in 2006 after my tour in Iraq.

Today the VA sent me a letter asking for STR's for the exact time frame that I was in Iraq in which they stated that they have exhausted all means to secure. Now...... I was in area that did not have running water for more than 8 months straight let alone a facility where you could get medical care.

The short of it is I do not have medical records for this time frame. I was an activated reservist so therefore I received a PHA right after my deployment and answered some questions positively concerning seeing killed (civilian) and fearing for my life.( which I don't think they have and I'm prepared to send them) if the PHA is considered a type of medical record.

My Questions are:

1.How detrimental is this to my claim that these records does not exist?

2.Is it a standard form that I have to proclaim that these records does not exist or do I just call the VA or notify the VFW ( my representative) to let the know? In which I may add haven't been very active since I filed with them.

Any suggestions or advice will greatly appreciated. Thanks

[DejDan]

Berta,

Yes after reading further I have 10 percent for tinnitus......so you were right about them wanting treatment records for something other than PTSD. No I'm not umemployed. BTW...... I don't think my monthly rates reflects my dependents, how do I correct that. Another question: When can I expect my retro

[Berta]

Dan, I think I was wrong, not right about that.,somebody else was........not sure.....

It just concerned me that the 'missing" records might have been proof of your stressor.....

I would start checking your bank account...they seem to often get retro in there before the actual award comes.

You could email the director and use the initials that appear in the award letter (in the numeric,alpha thing in the re: in the upper right hand side of the letter, and tell them if they forgot to add your dependents.

If you need contact info for your VARO tell me which one it is....

Or email the director by First name. (period) last name @va.gov and that should reach them

This has been a big problem for vets... VA wants often updated info...I guess they have a point...kids turn 18, sometimes spouses get divorced etc etc, or could even die...during the long process of VA claims.....

Edited June 10, 2015 by Berta

[DejDan]

Berta,

All I see in upper right hand corner is my social that XXX out and the "27/eBenefits". My regional office is Philadelphia if you can help with information for that.

[TALON II FE]

Congratz, DejDan!

[DejDan]

Another Update

Claim close on 9 June, received retro pay on 12 June. BTW I'm not a retiree so I guess it didn't have to go through DFAS audit. Filed in Nov 2014 for PTSD and tinnitus. Awarded both claims. Filed out of Philadelphia. Hope this will be and inspiration to others. I know all cases are different but for the ones that have a few contentions this may serve as a blue print. Heard and read so many stories on the retro, it actually came before the BBE. Thanks again to all of you for your advice and comments.

[Patrick428]

One of the ways you can recover your medical records and other pertinant military records, is not to send an inquiry to the National Records Center in St. Louis, but to write and request them from your branch of service Personnel Command. The addresses for each branch of service:

Navy: Navy Personnel Command
(PERS-312E)
5720 Integrity Drive
Millington, TN 38055-3120

Telephone: 901-874-4885

Air Force: Air Reserve Personnel Center
HQ ARPC/DPTOCW (Contact Center)
18420 E Silver Creek Ave Bldg 390 MS 68
Buckley AFB, CO 8001

Telephone: 1-800-525-0102

Army: U.S. Army Human Resources Command
Attn: AHRC-PDR-VIB
1600 Spearhead Division Avenue Dept 420
Fort Knox, KY 40122-5402

Telephone: 1-888-276-9472

Marine Corps: Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps
Personnel Management Support Branch
(MMSB-10)
2008 Elliot Road
Quantico, VA 22134-5030

Telephone: 1-800-268-3710

Coast Guard: Commander CG PSC-bobs-mr
USCG Personnel Command
4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100
Arlington, VA 22203-1804

Telephone: 1-703-872-6392

Patrick428