ptsd VA System/Ratings Assistance

[chgofire]

To whom it may concern:

 

I came here to get some assistance, after doing 2 combat tours in the middle east, enduring an IED blast, losing some of my brothers, and the list goes on.  I've been on a battle for benefits since upon my return in late 2005/6 first rating was 30% then it has been an uphill battle since then I am currently at 90%.  However, it's almost next to impossible to get your 100%, I swear sometimes that the VA wants you to be dead instead of providing you with the benefits and entitlements that you deserved.  It's frustrating to say the least, personnel at the VA have the worst attitudes, and the thing is that they are there to provide us with a service but they don't care and these people have a job because of those who served their country.  But anyway, enough of my ranting.  How do I figure or calculate where I am as far as rating goes? These are my ratings 50% PTSD, 50% Headaches associated with TBI, 40% Residual from brain injury, 10% for wrist fracture.  I've been fighting to upgrade my rating for PTSD to max it out at 70%, I have lost my wife since I came back from combat, I have suffered from erectile dysfunction, upset stomach, pains in all of my joints, indigestion problems, weird rashes on my skin and red marks.  I have a terrible insomnia, the worst nightmares, I am prone to get extremely angry and upset, depressed, etc etc indulged in heavy drinking, suffer from panic attacks, and I tend to be loner.  My family doesn't understand me let alone my friends, well, not that I have that many friends to begin with anyway.  I get the worst migraines that I end up in the hospital, well I don't want to get too descriptive because I am not looking for a pity party nor do I want anyone to feel sorry for me.  That's not the case, I am just a fellow brother that's looking for assistance, I have lost my family due to my issues and its truly been a struggle.  I am sure that most whom I here share my same experience but I need help.  The American Legion assisted me with my claims process, now at this moment I am working with DAV.  So I am looking for guidance, suggestions.  To all of my fellow brothers and sisters who have served in combat, thank you for your understanding and support.

 

 

[USMC_VET]

To whom it may concern:

 

I came here to get some assistance, after doing 2 combat tours in the middle east, enduring an IED blast, losing some of my brothers, and the list goes on.  I've been on a battle for benefits since upon my return in late 2005/6 first rating was 30% then it has been an uphill battle since then I am currently at 90%.  However, it's almost next to impossible to get your 100%, I swear sometimes that the VA wants you to be dead instead of providing you with the benefits and entitlements that you deserved.  It's frustrating to say the least, personnel at the VA have the worst attitudes, and the thing is that they are there to provide us with a service but they don't care and these people have a job because of those who served their country.  But anyway, enough of my ranting.  How do I figure or calculate where I am as far as rating goes? These are my ratings 50% PTSD, 50% Headaches associated with TBI, 40% Residual from brain injury, 10% for wrist fracture.  I've been fighting to upgrade my rating for PTSD to max it out at 70%, I have lost my wife since I came back from combat, I have suffered from erectile dysfunction, upset stomach, pains in all of my joints, indigestion problems, weird rashes on my skin and red marks.  I have a terrible insomnia, the worst nightmares, I am prone to get extremely angry and upset, depressed, etc etc indulged in heavy drinking, suffer from panic attacks, and I tend to be loner.  My family doesn't understand me let alone my friends, well, not that I have that many friends to begin with anyway.  I get the worst migraines that I end up in the hospital, well I don't want to get too descriptive because I am not looking for a pity party nor do I want anyone to feel sorry for me.  That's not the case, I am just a fellow brother that's looking for assistance, I have lost my family due to my issues and its truly been a struggle.  I am sure that most whom I here share my same experience but I need help.  The American Legion assisted me with my claims process, now at this moment I am working with DAV.  So I am looking for guidance, suggestions.  To all of my fellow brothers and sisters who have served in combat, thank you for your understanding and support.

 

 

PTSD - you are not maxed out if you reach 70%, PTSD can go up tot 100%.  If i were you i would go and get a good IME with a DBQ from someone (pm me for someone, but you may need to take a long drive, but they are worth it).  I dont know your whole story and how your claim went last time around etc.  I would go and get sworn declarations from yourself, from your ex (if willing) any girlfirends since, parents, friends, guys you were in with, former co workers, former bosses. etc.

yourself - how it affect syou all that you ahve lost, how you cant hold down a job, relationships ending and how that affected you, etc.  no diagnosis or technical definitions, just the facts.

ex/girlfriends - how your relationship suffered, why it ended, the hurt they saw in you.

coworkers/boss - how you were, why you were let go or why you quit, how it was impossible for you to stay working.

a DX of PTSD is the only thing to get SC for it, however you have that.  how high you are rated is COMPLETELY BASED ON HOW YOU FEEL AND HOW YOU ACT.  so there is no "test" to see reflexes.  sworn declarations from yourself and others are going to be key here in showing how BAD it is and how it has messed with your life and being able to function.  If the EX is not willing, maybe someone else from her family, or a close friend who knew you both before and after combat, etc can help shed light on what happened.  The Va has no idea if you dont tell them.

If you get a bunch of well written and descriptive sworn declarations and a good IME/DBQ you will have no issues getting a higher rating. 

I would also try and get copies of missed days, sick leave, no shows at work if you can, helps to show the pattern of not being able to hold down a job.

Even if you got 70% you will still be 90% overall, so I would do this.  go on ebenefits and start a application for increase of PTSD and TDIU.  dont submit, just start it and save once you get to the part where you select increase, etc. Then save it and let it be.  It will save your spot in line for retro with a "intent to file".

You now have a year to get all this evidence together.  so now take your time, get the declarations, get any and ALL psych related stuff together from mil/va and civlian, get a good IME/DBQ and then submit it all.

If they end up giving you 100% schedular for PTSD the TDIU will be a moot point.  then you will need to make sure that you continue to go to regular therapy and after a few years get a new IME for Permanent and Total if that is appropriate to your condition.  go to therapy anyways, find a psych that isnt just going to ask how your week was, let you ramble for an hour then "adjust" your medications and call it a day, get someone that takes you out of your comfort zone, makes you confront things, gets you angry at times.  In the end its better to be 10% better in your life and maybe lose some % in your rating. 

i have attached my book on how to gather and submit evidence.  Also a draft copy of my how to get a IMO (remember its a draft, in fact they both somewhat are, but the IMO one is not complete and sections just "end" but should help a bit)

HOW TO SUBMIT EVIDENCE IN A VA CLAIM.pdf

HOW TO GET IMO DRAFT.pdf

[MarkInTexas]

Welcome and good luck!  Thanks for your service!

Mark