Loss of Use

[carlos_v]

Hi, my husband’s health has poorly deteriorated and has been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder. The doctors say he developed this because of his PTSD. He had severe PTSD and was an alcoholic. He attempted to kill himself many times before. He finally stopped drinking after therapy after many years but since December has developed this disorder. The PTSD was service connected back in 2011 at 70%. He is now experiencing loss of use of both lower extremities, Lou of right arm, he cannot see out of right eye and cannot hold bowel or urine. How should I go forward with his claim? Can someone give me some advise please. Thank you so much for any input because I’m kind of loss.

[carlos_v]

On 3/28/2022 at 1:13 PM, john999 said:

Are  you getting Caretaker benefits. You should be getting them!!!

I’m confused with caregiver and aid and attendance. I was told to apply for aid and attendance and have the doctors fill out the paperwork but is caregivers something else?

[carlos_v]

15 hours ago, yoopergirl said:

I am rated for a Functional Neurological Disorder secondary to my PTSD, I have psychogenic seizures which are a FND.  They  are rated like regular seizures and I am also rated for loss of use for my legs secondary to a balance disorder that is service connected.  I waited over a decade to file my first claim and some have been added as recently as last year so over 25 years after service.  Time didn't actually hurt me and I didn't receive treatment for many of my disabilities for a long time, I did get low balled in the beginning but that was mostly because they didn't have a lot of records to go by, the records they did have supported a higher rating but well we all know how heavily that cp examiner weighs in

My husband also has psychogenic seizures.. can you please tell me if this was a separate claim? Thank you

[carlos_v]

21 hours ago, john999 said:

There is a lot more wrong with her husband than PTSD or a brain disorder.  Maybe liver failure or heart failure.  Is he a RVN vet?  Some of that stuff might be presumptive for AO.

Sorry what is RVN vet?

[Dustoff1970]

RVN vet means a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Many years ago I read medical literature that FND type diseases and seizures can be due to alcoholism that in turn then is due to PTSD if he is both PTSD and alcoholic. You need to confirm this thru other persons and resources.

My advice is not legal advice as I am not a lawyer, paralegal or VSO.  

Edited March 30, 2022 by Dustoff 11

[asdf]

Caregiver is different than aid and attendance.  Caregiver is a VHA program while Aid and Attendance is VBA program which adds a benefit to either a pension or disability.  You may want to ask your VA PCM about Veteran Directed Care, a program that provides a budget for their needs if they qualify. 

[Mr cue]

I would talk to the social worker at the VA hospital about the caregiver program.

The aid @attendance I would call a veteran service organization. Vfw American legion etc. To start the claim process.

I would also read and get as much info on the programs as you can.