ptsd 9/11 PTSD - Not Service Connected

[R762]

Are there any other Veterans on here that were at the Pentagon 9/11-9/30 for search and rescue/recovery? I was denied PTSD in 2005 (VA said it wasn't service connected), I appealed it, but never received a letter that the appeal was denied, at that point I said f-it and gave up on the VA. I created an ebenefits account recently (December 2015) and it says that appeal decision (denied) was made in March 2006. I am still having issues. I am reopening the claim for PTSD. I have the VA ROI from 2005 that shows all the VA Psychologist and LCSW notes on file chronic PTSD and GAF:40. I was going to that VA clinic 2004-2006. went back in 2009 to get prescription for nightmares and flashbacks. shit is still not going away.

[R762]

Berta,

I did not find the denial letter on e-benefits.

[Silent Uproar]

On April 11, 2016 at 6:28 PM, R762 said:

We were across the St. I have about 10 buddy statements from other soldiers that were there "next to me", yes, there were a lot of remains/bodies that we came in contact with and moved (I prefer not going into detail out of respect of those that died). I have 2 military awards and a Noble Eagle certificate with facts on it. I did not go to counseling while I was in (my mistake), I was a PFC and was doing my best to fulfill my duty and didn't want to deal with the peer pressure BS. None of us admitted we needed the help when we did/nor did some of us realize that we should have really sought that help. They held a meeting at Conmy Hall at Ft. Myers. No-one was going to freaking stand up and be called out by their peers, during that meeting too we also signed a packet disclaimers that were collected at Conmy Hall. I don't remember if that was during or after the search and rescue efforts. I think it was shortly after our duty was over at the pentagon. Our unit was sent to JRTC following 9/11 as OPFOR (probably to get our unit's mind of things)... then we really didn't talk about it.

Brother I understand, believe me. I know how it is no one will ever come out and say anything especially when you are a young soldier. As time goes by and you see more and more traumatic events things get worse. It's a shame how you were treated, I am sorry to hear that. All of what you stated should be enough, the reason I asked about the meeting is its just more evidence to help yor case. You have more than enough,  I can't believe you were denied. It's a shame. Thankfully you have Berta helping you. I wish you the best of luck, thank you for your service brother.

 

 

 

[R762]

On 4/12/2016 at 7:46 AM, Berta said:

Please scan and attach here a copy of their denial letter if you can. Cover the C file #, name, address, etc prior to scanning it.

Were the packet disclaimers some sort of phony BS waivers?

That GAF is very low...my husband's was at 40 and then at 34..(100% P & T SC PTSD).but they don't use GAF anymore.

Is it possible that a copy of the denial is in your ebenefits historic claims area?

Your C file would hold a copy of the denial too.

Something is wrong here.

We can help if we can read the Reasons and Bases and Evidence list for the denial.

 

I searched through our records cabinet at home and still couldn't find the denial letter from 11 years ago. I am pretty sure I did toss it. I was so upset at the VA.

BUT..............

I FOUND THIS..........

A copy of my original DD2807-1 (Report of Medical History); in which I was actively seeking help for the nightmares I was having while in service starting after 9/11. The regional medical officer noted that I was having occasional nightmares from operations at the pentagon. This was signed by myself and the officer 3 months before I got out of the army. Please tell me this is helpful. I would assume that the VA would have that on file; or would have at least seen that I was seeking help back then or planned to seek help from the VA when I got out. Before I got out I had faith that the VA would help me, it's evident in my verbiage on the for. "At the present time, do you intend to seek department of veterans affairs (VA) disability?" my answer was, "Yes, (Backpain, sleeping disorder)"

But, I was still documented as "not service related".

 

 

Edited April 13, 2016 by R762
taking out personal documents

[Berta]

WOW, that is a beauty----- you will need New and Material evidence for the re open of the PTSD claim and this and anything else you can find will cause them to re open it.

Is the DAV repping you again on this?

The potential CUE rests on a future SC for PTSD. No time limits for that type of claim which I could help with....and please refer any vet rep you get to those BVA decisions too...

BVA decisions cannot be used for evidence but sometimes they reveal the errors VA made in past denials.

[Berta]

Just to add before I forget....I am thinking this might well be a 38 CFR 3.156 situation...just as good as CUE....

but the SC for PTSD is the most important thing to focus on now.

And make sure if you mail VA anything, send them copies only......

sometimes it is amazing what we find when we take the time to go through old paperwork.

I found a whole lot for my SMC CUE claim, particularly to the 100 % P & T status, to include a letter from a former VA secretary to my husband dated around 1993.Although it was not in his C file, or at the RO, and it came from VA in DC, it was still in VA's possession per CUE regs so they had to honor it.

I have never thrown anything from VA away but it is a big pain in the butt to have to go through stuff  to find specific stuff for VA claims..

I often completely forget what I am looking for, but nevertheless I diligently continue the 'search' ....

so I don't waste time.

 

[R762]

28 minutes ago, Berta said:

WOW, that is a beauty----- you will need New and Material evidence for the re open of the PTSD claim and this and anything else you can find will cause them to re open it.

Is the DAV repping you again on this?

The potential CUE rests on a future SC for PTSD. No time limits for that type of claim which I could help with....and please refer any vet rep you get to those BVA decisions too...

BVA decisions cannot be used for evidence but sometimes they reveal the errors VA made in past denials.

The DAV is repping me. I will message you direct.