After my initial question in 2013, I'm finally filing and I have more questions than I thought. I've been naive in the past, please help!

[jayb5224]

Thank You in advance! (First question after reviewing this book I wrote here should probably be, do i need to separate all of these questions into the different subject forums or is this OK ?)  I've been procrastinating now for almost 10 years (mainly because of denial, I volunteered, tough guy, I know guys that seen/did worse and horror stories with the VA) and have just this year decided to attack this VA Claims Process.  Putting it off for too long and ready to get the information needed to hopefully (fingers crossed) have a smooth process.  

I have not filed for anything, have no medical records or injuries documented while active or since (I have just requested my military records from the right place after all these years, because I assumed the VA would have them and keep them safe, so I didn't need a copy. MISTAKE #1, Naive I know) and have not been to see a private doctor for anything. I medicate with over the counter and always have, but have never been officially diagnosed with anything.  

Just last month I made an appointment with advice from an amazing local veteran group with a psychologist outside of the VA and she diagnosed me with PTSD.  It was extremely hard to even talk to her, I've never talked to anyone about it just denied it or pushed it back. (I know I'll still need a VA exam).  I was also seen by an outside, but VA referred hearing specialist and was diagnosed with tinnitus in the 3k range and hearing loss.  6 months after release from active duty in 2007 I was seen at the local VA for hemorrhoids and treated.  I have had issues with roids, constipation, diarrhea etc ever since.  This is also the only thing I have ever been seen for at the VA.  My wife has also complained for years about sleep apnea and me startling her in the middle of the night when I sleep, should I get an evaluation for sleep apnea.  She doesn't remember ifI did it when active or not, but does that matter for service connection ?

I have already made the intent to file as of last month and am wondering how I should proceed from the above mentioned.  I have not been seen for IBS, by any professional but it reads like that is a high possibility, so do I need a diagnosis from outside of the VA or should I get one prior to filing?

Should I file IBS, if diagnosed under "presumptive illness" (BALAD IRAQ 2005-2006) ?

Should I get on the Burn Pit or Gulf War Registry (Is there anything I should know prior to going to these registry appts) ?

Should I file for PTSD with just an outside evaluation (How are stressors confirmed, all mine are personal accounts and encounters) ?

Should I file for hearing loss or tinnitus or both I served as a firefighter and have read that as being on some list hearing related jobs ?

And finally, Should I file for all of these now at one time or should I wait and do them individually ?

My main concern is going into this and not being fully prepared, if there is anything you believe would aid in the above filings please let me know.  I know there is a long road ahead, but I don't see any point in going alone and appreciate you all. Thanks again!

[Berta]

I will take 3 of the questions...others will chime in on the rest of them:

"I get on the Burn Pit or Gulf War Registry (Is there anything I should know prior to going to these registry appts) ?"

It is a good idea to get on any registry,but best to know what disabilities you might have, either due to burn pit exposure or to the Gulf War.

I agree you should file for IBS, and VA will give you a C & P exam for that.

"Should I file for PTSD with just an outside evaluation (How are stressors confirmed, all mine are personal accounts and encounters) ?"

The outside evaluation might help but the PTSD diagnosis Must come from a VA MH professional.

I have an article here on stressors.

They must be proven events unless you have the PH, CIB, or CAR on your DD 214.

The VA will run your stresssor info through JSRRC ( Joint Services Records Research Center) so try to be clear as to dates and places they occurred at, and in the meantime I am sure your unit has a web site and it is a good time to seek buddy statements...I have an article on that as well and will post the links.

"Should I file for hearing loss or tinnitus or both I served as a firefighter and have read that as being on some list hearing related jobs ?"

You mean the VA PIES list. I will try to find that list here too.

Also you need to read over Fast Letter 10-35 as to HL and tinnitus ,which is searchable here.

Defining stressor:

https://community.hadit.com/topic/51577-new-post-defining-a-stressor/#gsc.tab=0

Buddy statements: ( this link says Lay statements but I added what buddy statements require)

https://community.hadit.com/topic/53810-lay-statement/#gsc.tab=0

 

 

 

Edited September 27, 2017 by Berta
found links

[Berta]

to add

If you  google  these words

duty afsc noise exposure listing

then go to the pdf , [PDF]Duty MOS Hearing Loss Probability Chart-VA Fast Letter 10-35

3e3wit1jv3691nltvx1r85n3.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/.../Duty-MOS-Hearing-Loss-P...

1.      

2.      

Based on the Veteran's records, each duty MOS, Air Force Specialty Code, rating, or duty assignment documented will be reviewed for a determination as to the probability of exposure to hazardousnoise on the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing.

[PDF]The Duty MOS Noise Exposure List

 

And click on that link and then click on the Xls ( it will be on the bottom left of the screen and you can open it there- if you have Windows 10- probably all versions of windows will pick it up, then click on the Spread screen specifically for USAF on one of the bottom tabs- the spreadsheet for hearing loss and MOS will pop up--- sorry I still say MOS for AF and my daughter ( USAF ) always corrects me.

 

I cannot copy the whole thing( protected mode  in Word  Excel) and don’t know what (MOS  ooops) AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) you had.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jayb5224]

Thanks Berta, you are an absolute Angel and we are all lucky to have you!  I feel like I know you because of all the reading i've been doing over the years you are always there supporting and pointing people in the right direction. Thankful and appreciative!