ptsd Non-combat Ptsd

[Rick]

The local VA rep told me I can't file a claim for ptsd because I wasn't actually in combat. I was a hospital corpsman at the Naval Hosptial in DaNang. I had so many patients die I can't even remember some of them. But I remember many of them. Especially the kids. I have been diagnosed with ptsd at the VA hospital. I have only recently been able to keep from flying into rages when something sets me off. I've been in AA for 7 years now, so I don't combine rage and drunkenness anymore. But my life for over 30 years has been really screwed up by what I carry with me. When the rep told me I couldn't have ptsd I fled from the office so I wouldn't do anything really dumb. Now I'm afraid to go back there. I don't want to lose my control and I also don't want to be humiliated again. Especially by a civillian who's never had blood on her hands. Or her face. I stutter when I try to answer questions about what went down in Nam. I sound like an idiot. I hate it. Can I somehow submit a claim without having to grovel in the local office? Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[Vike17]

Rick,

The local VA rep is an idiot! You don't have to be in combat to have gotten PTSD. One can obtain PTSD from being exposed to traumic events.

To be succesful with a PTSD claim you need proof of an inservice stressor ( for example, an event or events that caused you to be in fear of your life ect...), a current diagnosis of PTSD, and a shrink to make a connection between your current PTSD diagnosis and your insevice stressor(s). If you have any combat awards such as a CIB, Purple heart, or Combat action ribbon ect..., the VA will concede the stressor part. If you don't have a combat award, then the VA is required to verify your stressor through the service department you served and you'll have to give them the info to verify through what is called a stressor letter. A stressor letter is a detailed explanation of the unit (Division, Brigade, Compnay/Battery) you were in and where and when the traumitc event took place. It may be painful, but is neede by VA to asist you.

If you have three elements I listed above, file the claim!!

Hope this helps!

Vike 17

Edited January 23, 2007 by Vike17

[Guest rickb54]

Rick,

I don't know who told you this, but he is wrong plain ans simple. Any veteran who experiences any incident to include but not limiited to auto accidents, rape, combat, beatings or anything any incident that is tramatic qualifies for a claim of PTSD. In your case the witnessing of many deaths and trama in a medical setting is a very strong case for PTSD compensation, especially when that veteran is a combat area veteran. I recommend that you find a good service officer, get the medical evidence together and get a claim in to the VA. I am confident based on what you said that you will win your claim.

[Testvet]

I was told by an SO that I also could not file for PTSD since it was non-combat, it is the only thing I am SC for at the 100% P&T rate so yes you can succeed, half the SO's don't know diddly, corpsman in a hospital in Nam you know what you saw, you have the diagnosis amd your service records should verify your assignment file it today or tommorow an informal letter to the local VARO anything to lock in Jan 07 and then worry about getting the paperwork together, FILE IT

[Philip Rogers]

Rick - Today, I want you to write a letter to the VA stating that you are filing a claim for service connected PTSD. This can be typed or handwritten. Keep a copy for yourself and mail it certified, return receipt requested or if your VA is nearby, hand deliver it. This should be done before February 1, 2007, so that when you win you won't have lost one months benefits. jmo

pr

[Pete53]

Rick:

Thank you for your service. I think that you have a claim that should be easy to win. Its a little tough but your MOS and duties should insure it. The dioagnosis and your life experiences after your service in Viet Nam also help your case. File your claim and file for Social Security if you are not working,

Many who suffer anxiety disorders turn to booze or drugs to medicate the symptoms. Congrats on being sober I was 9 years sober myself when I filed and was eventually awarded 100% and I served in Germany not Viet Nam.

Good Luck

[Berta]

Rick-

sounds like my former vet rep- a real A-- Hole-

how do these guys get their jobs!

I sure agree with the advise you got already-

make sure whatever you send to the VARO- pay a little extra for the tracking slip for certified or priority and you can then check on line to make sure the VA got it.

I am outraged at what this jerk told you- how many other vets did he tell this to---

With that MOS -and Danang- there is no doubt in my mind that you had significant stressors.

That is where the helos came in with so many wounded and many dead already-

Are you working at all?

If not you could file for TDIU right from the git go- (that advise would probably give your vet rep a stroke if he finds out but I would go toe to toe with him on that -I bet he tells vets not to apply for TDIU too when they should-let us know and I will attach the TDIU form-

If you are working the VA will rate you- and this will take quite some time-

as to how the disability you have from service affects and hinders your employability.

Do you have any private treatment records or any vet center stuff ? If not that's OK-

The VA based on your claim should give you the diagnosis you need via a C & P exam.

I am just beside myself thinking of what this rep told you- he should be reported to his main office-

we aren't kidding Rick-this guy is an idiot-

can you change your POA to the DAV or someone else?

PS Welcome aboard and by the way- that is quite a victory over alcohol-

and I too commend you highly for this-and anyone else who does this --

My husband was in AA when I met him-

12 years clean time when he died-

It took me quite some time to get what they were all talking about-

I went to hundreds of open meetings with him-

He said the drinking just brought more bears out of the Den-

It didnt help at all with his memories of Vietnam (Danang too)

Edited January 23, 2007 by Berta