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Help me get on the right track

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bbackus0113

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bbackus0113 Rookie

bbackus0113

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Hello, first time posting in these forums.

I'll briefly explain my situation and elaborate with additional posts as needed.

Me: 28 year old MO Army Guard still currently in (ETSing May 2017). I served in Iraq as a combat engineer in 07-08 and Afghanistan in 09-10. 

My former platoon sgt is now a VSO that I think set me up for failure. He submitted claims with out really telling me what I needed to develop my claim in order to "win".

Claims submitted 06/22/15:

  1. bilateral hearing loss (connected 0%)
  2. tinnitus (connected 10%)
  3. Anxiety disorder (Not service connected)
  4. Right wrist pain (Not service connected)
  5. Left knee pain (Not service connected)
  6. IBS (connected 0%)

I have had little to no military or civilian medical treatment to substantiate these claims as I was a stubborn grunt, so it would make since most were denied. I appealed the anxiety disorder and the IBS rating. I had a C&P for IBS 07/19/2016 that went very well. I do have a single record from a civilian provider supporting my IBS as well as a burn pit letter. Not sure if that's going to be enough to put me at 30% though.

I have a C&P 07/27/2016 for PTSD, but what concerns me is that I am wasting my appeal. I have nothing in my military or civilian medical records really diagnosing PTSD. I do meet some screeners from the VA, but there is nothing glaring. Is there anything I can do before this appointment to strengthen my claim?

My main questions are:

  1. Did I screw myself by allowing more than a year to pass regarding my knee/wrist appeals?
  2. Is there any way to add more medical evidence after the post appeal C&P is done? (ebenefits?)
  3. What else can I do to help my cause?

I can't thank you all enough for what I have already learned and am sure will continue to learn. Your help is truly invaluable.

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Tbird Grand Master

Tbird

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Check out this article on PTSD Stressors

Tbird
 

Founder HadIt.com Veteran To Veteran LLC - Founded Jan 20, 1997

 

HadIt.com Veteran To Veteran | Community Forum | RallyPoint | FaceBook | LinkedIn | About Me

 

Time Dedicated to HadIt.com Veterans and my brothers and sisters: 65,700 - 109,500 Hours Over Thirty Years

 

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I am writing my memoirs and would love it if you could help a shipmate out and look at it.

I've had a few challenges, perhaps the same as you. I relate them here to demonstrate that we can learn, overcome, and find purpose in life.

The stories can be harrowing to read; they were challenging to live. Remember that each story taught me something I would need once I found my purpose, and my purpose was and is HadIt.com Veterans.

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bbackus0113 Rookie

bbackus0113

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Thanks, Tbird.

I have a couple buddy statements backing up the stressors. Will I be able to add them to my file via ebenefits after the C&P or should I bring them with me to the C&P?

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Tbird Grand Master

Tbird

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  • Founder
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Bring copies to the C and P and submit them also.

Tbird
 

Founder HadIt.com Veteran To Veteran LLC - Founded Jan 20, 1997

 

HadIt.com Veteran To Veteran | Community Forum | RallyPoint | FaceBook | LinkedIn | About Me

 

Time Dedicated to HadIt.com Veterans and my brothers and sisters: 65,700 - 109,500 Hours Over Thirty Years

 

diary-a-mad-sailor-signature-banner.png

I am writing my memoirs and would love it if you could help a shipmate out and look at it.

I've had a few challenges, perhaps the same as you. I relate them here to demonstrate that we can learn, overcome, and find purpose in life.

The stories can be harrowing to read; they were challenging to live. Remember that each story taught me something I would need once I found my purpose, and my purpose was and is HadIt.com Veterans.

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  • Founder
Tbird Grand Master

Tbird

Posted
  • Founder
Posted

I recommend reading the following articles if you haven't

Things to do at your VA Disability Compensation and Pension Exam

Preparing for your C&P Exam – I encourage you to keep the exam in perspective

8 Steps to Improve Your VA Disability Claim

PTSD Stressors

Proving a Non-Combat Stressor in a VA PTSD Disability Claim

PTSD Discussions on the Forums

Tbird
 

Founder HadIt.com Veteran To Veteran LLC - Founded Jan 20, 1997

 

HadIt.com Veteran To Veteran | Community Forum | RallyPoint | FaceBook | LinkedIn | About Me

 

Time Dedicated to HadIt.com Veterans and my brothers and sisters: 65,700 - 109,500 Hours Over Thirty Years

 

diary-a-mad-sailor-signature-banner.png

I am writing my memoirs and would love it if you could help a shipmate out and look at it.

I've had a few challenges, perhaps the same as you. I relate them here to demonstrate that we can learn, overcome, and find purpose in life.

The stories can be harrowing to read; they were challenging to live. Remember that each story taught me something I would need once I found my purpose, and my purpose was and is HadIt.com Veterans.

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