While serving in iraq in 2005 I was tasked in route clearance in and around Baghdad. My buffalo received several direct RPG strikes, small arms strikes, and on one occasion I was in a humvee when a 5 array efp detonated. I received shrapnel, was knocked unconscious, and lost my driver that day. I had problems with memory when I returned however dealt with it and finally a couple of years later I sought answers as to why my memory was so bad. It turns out I was informed that I have damage to the left side of my brain after an MRI. I also suffered from depression since coming home and eventually began taking meds to combat that. When it came time for my compensation exam the psychologist stated that she doesn't believe I have ptsd and that the mri shows tbi. I agreed with her that it was probably the leading factor to my issues and went on to my next appt. with the neurologist. He informed me that I don't have TBI and that I could of possibly moved during the MRI and he believes I have Ptsd. So in short I get issued a 40% rating for tinnitus, a condition under ptsd, 0% for my knees as I was in an airborne unit with alot of jumps, and a 0% for my high blood pressure. I requested a DRO through my VA rep who never filed for it. I had joined the national guard and was selected to go to a mobe site as I was flagged for another possible deployment. While there the doctor opens my file and says I'm non deployable due to my TBI, and that I have to file for a medical retirement. He links me up with some Colonel who starts that process. After 6-7 trips to Ft. Campbell I'm told by the last person I saw down there that I meet the criteria for a full retirement, however since I'm successful in the civilian world now I don't. Again I'm told I can file an appeal and that I could do so after I receive all my medical documents from them and I would have 60 days to do so. Paperwork or appeal paperwork never came. As I don't have time with my civilian career I rolled over and just took it on the chin. Now after getting a divorce I've found more time and been thinking about how my issues from deployment are primarily responsible for my divorce that I should look back into filing an appeal. I'm at a loss I suppose and just dis-heartened with the treatment received. Any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
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duke3913
While serving in iraq in 2005 I was tasked in route clearance in and around Baghdad. My buffalo received several direct RPG strikes, small arms strikes, and on one occasion I was in a humvee when a 5 array efp detonated. I received shrapnel, was knocked unconscious, and lost my driver that day. I had problems with memory when I returned however dealt with it and finally a couple of years later I sought answers as to why my memory was so bad. It turns out I was informed that I have damage to the left side of my brain after an MRI. I also suffered from depression since coming home and eventually began taking meds to combat that. When it came time for my compensation exam the psychologist stated that she doesn't believe I have ptsd and that the mri shows tbi. I agreed with her that it was probably the leading factor to my issues and went on to my next appt. with the neurologist. He informed me that I don't have TBI and that I could of possibly moved during the MRI and he believes I have Ptsd. So in short I get issued a 40% rating for tinnitus, a condition under ptsd, 0% for my knees as I was in an airborne unit with alot of jumps, and a 0% for my high blood pressure. I requested a DRO through my VA rep who never filed for it. I had joined the national guard and was selected to go to a mobe site as I was flagged for another possible deployment. While there the doctor opens my file and says I'm non deployable due to my TBI, and that I have to file for a medical retirement. He links me up with some Colonel who starts that process. After 6-7 trips to Ft. Campbell I'm told by the last person I saw down there that I meet the criteria for a full retirement, however since I'm successful in the civilian world now I don't. Again I'm told I can file an appeal and that I could do so after I receive all my medical documents from them and I would have 60 days to do so. Paperwork or appeal paperwork never came. As I don't have time with my civilian career I rolled over and just took it on the chin. Now after getting a divorce I've found more time and been thinking about how my issues from deployment are primarily responsible for my divorce that I should look back into filing an appeal. I'm at a loss I suppose and just dis-heartened with the treatment received. Any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
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Berta
Thanks, the tinnitus at 40 didnt make sense: "I was awarded 30% for a dysthmia condition for a depressive disorder, and 10% for tinnitus. My rep supposedly sent in the appeal paperwork but come
Gastone
Duke, the list of Vets that relied exclusively on their VSO-reps, stretches around the block. Trust is OK, but verify everything they do on your behalf. You should have a copy of every Document that i
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