ptsd Approved First Time!

[SouthpawVet]

I got back from deployment in 2012 and I went back to work right away. That only lasted a few weeks. I didn't want to admit it but something was seriously wrong. So I have been seeking treatment form the VA for my PTSD since 2013. I am on meds and I have went to cognitive therapy, group therapy and anything else they had to offer that I thought would help. I filed for disability through the VA at the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014. When I was eventually rated they said I was 50% for PTSD (80% overall). I appealed. Just went to another C&P exam about six months ago. Their answer was that I am still 50%. So they sent me a Statement of the Case. One of the reasons they said I didn't meet Individual Unemployablity is that I am not receiving Social Security Disability. I didn't know I was supposed to apply up to this point. Well, my wife and I went to the SS office and applied for me. Got a call last week that they decided that I am disabled and they want my wife to oversee my account. That's fine with me. We have been married since 1995.

Anyway I am waiting for the letter. Glad I finally caught a break. Oh and the people at the SS office were so nice and thanked me for my service several times (unlike the VA). I think one thing that helped me is that I have a file about two inches thick of medical records for the VA!

[silverdollar22]

Congratulations!

[SouthpawVet]

Didn't get the award letter in the mail yet. But I did find out you can create an account online with the SS office. Then you can print one up. Only problem is it doesn't say what my disability is for. I have several issues but the reason I stopped working is my PTSD.

I guess I need to call and request my SSDI file? Hey does that sound like the right step to take?

[armorer]

Good job! Give us newbies some pointers! :-o

[Fat]

Never give up.

[armorer]

On 7/2/2016 at 8:58 AM, Fat said:

Never give up.

Lol! Thanks.

Do you know where I can get 300 mg liquid sodium cyanide?

[broncovet]

Armorer...

    Hopefully, you are joking (that's good!), but, since this is about advising other Vets, I will take this opportunity to do so.  Our pastor spoke on this very issue recently.  Sometimes, when we see other's success, we view this as, "gee, how come I did not get this sucess?".    In other words this Vet got approved the first time, but many/most of the rest of us fought tooth and nail, sometimes for decades, and many still have not won.  That does not seem fair, right?  

    Well, we need to cry when our friends cry, rejoice when they rejoice.  Be happy when your brother does well.  On "Everybody loves Raymond", Robert is always jealous whenver his brother Raymond does well.  In real life, if we allowed this jealousy, it would consume us.  In Raymond, its funny.  I think its funny because many of us, at one time or another, have been jealous of other's success, so we relate.  Bill Gates is "into computers" and I am also, so why am I not worth $50 billion dollars?  

    Or, Bill Clinton cheated on his wife, so why does he get a million dollars to speak at an event, when I did not, and I have to pay $50 if I want to be admitted, and nobody cares what I say?    I have some advantages over both of these famous "bills".  BIg ones.  They would pay me to do what I can do.  What can I do they cant?  

    Years ago, Bill Clinton wanted to go to a McDonalds and get a Big Mac.  Can he do that?  Noooo.  Everyone will recognize him, and then, the next day, someone will want to know why BC is eating a Big Mac?  Is he broke?  Here come the tabloids analyzing why he had a big mac.  

    However, I can go get 5 bucks, and have a Big Mac.  No one will ask for my autograph.  Not one.  No one will approch me and ask me for 10 million dollars.  Nobody.  Sure a homeless man may be there and ask me for "small change", but few will care if I give him my change from the big mac or not.  I get peace.  Nobody wants my autograph.  The Paparazzi is not desperate to get my photo.  I go wherever I want, whenever, and no body notices.  If I go have a beer, it wont be in a tabloid the next day.  The famous bill's can not get, what I already have.  Peace.  Also, look at what they gave up to get what they got.  Wow.  I can see my grandchildren whenever I want.  I dont have to go on a campaign speech.  I have peace, they do not.  If you knew the other person who got his benefits on first glance, you may know what he gave up, and you may not want to trade places with him or her. 

    I had to fight for my benefits, too.  I also had to work to get my college degree.  My parents did not send me to college..I did.  Beleive me, I cherish my college..I polished and earned it.  It was not handed to me because I played basket ball football, or had rich parents.  I am proud of who I am.