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rdmckeown

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Hello All. My name is Ryan McKeown. I have been out of the military since 2002. I was discharged with a General Under Honorable Conditions classification due to alcohol dependency. I self medicated myself with Alcohol during my 4 years in the Army. I was a great soldier but had mental issues that I was covering up with Alcohol. My superiors worked hard to get me this discharge as they knew I was a great soldier. I suffer from PTSD/depression from a non combat incident that happened when I was in-processing my first and only duty station, Ft. Stewart, GA.  I never out-processed fully as my alcohol issues landed me in jail and I was out-processed while in jail. I am trying to make a claim now and I still have my medical records. Who do I turn them into so that they can be put into the system or do I hold onto them? Thank you all for whatever help I can get. I do appreciate it. 

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rdmckeown,

Welcome to Habit.  First and foremost under no circumstances ever, do you give your originals to anyone!!!  They very well may disappear for good.  Then you will truly be between a rock and a hard place.

So then, what to do...make a complete copy of every thing in your medical jacket.  The copy will then be your working STR, from which you will make copies of treatment records for each claimed contention.  For example if you are claiming a knee issue for service connection you would make copies of treatment for you knees.  Which you would send in as evidence for your claims.

Most importantly is the first step, which you've already taken by coming here.  There are others here that can guide you beyond what I've told you.  You will be successful following their guidance.

Semper Fi

Andyman

 

 

 

 

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  • HadIt.com Elder

welcome to hadit rdmckeown.

I will move your post to the PTSD SPECIAL CLAIMS  it will be read there more

 

................Buck

I am not an Attorney or VSO, any advice I provide is not to be construed as legal advice, therefore not to be held out for liable BUCK!!!

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  • Content Curator/HadIt.com Elder

Welcome to Hadit!

1. Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the in's and out's of the claims process and terminology. Here is a good place to start: http://www.hadit.com/category/veterans-affairs-claims

2. If you choose to be represented by a Veterans service organization, remember that you are still responsible for your claim - not them. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion.

3. Don't include any medical records that they don't need to know about.

4. Check both sides of all of your medical records. Back in the paper days, some docs loved writing on both sides. It can get by you if you don't know.

5. If you have multiple entries of medical records on one piece of paper, only submit the section that is pertinent.

6. Make sure you have a full copy of your military personnel record. It can be helpful and you can get it here: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

7. Be patient. The VA is not known for speed. They are also not known for accuracy. Some claims may be approved on the first try and others may require appeals. VARO raters are humans and work for the government, thus they might miss things.

8. If you can get an independent medical opinion from your treating physician, it can really help. However, for initial PTSD claims, the VA will need to have one of their doctors confirm PTSD.

9. If you have been treated by non-VAMC physicians, get copies of your medical and prescription records regarding conditions you wish to claim. Some docs may only keep records for 6 to 10 years. Get them as soon as you can because once they purge them, then they are gone.

"If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid."
- From Murphy's Laws of Combat

Disclaimer: I am not a legal expert, so use at own risk and/or consult a qualified professional representative. Please refer to existing VA laws, regulations, and policies for the most up to date information.

 

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