PTSD Diagnosis and treatment but denied benefits

[SSgt Ramsey]

I am just so confused and ****ed off now I just don't know what else to do.

I have been diagnosed with "severe" PTSD and am being treated by the VA Hospital in Johnson City, TN and just started the PTSD support group/class last week.

I just got a letter from the Roanoke RO that they denied my PTSD claim that "there was no evidence to support" benefits.

How the F U C K can you be diagnosed with something as "severe" and taking anti-depressants / anxiety medication prescribed by the VA??

Call me stupid, but that doesn't compute...

How the F U C K can we use the system that was created for us if the system is automatically against us from the get go??

The one thing that is ****ing me over is the fact that I don't have a CAR, even though I seen some horrendous stuff working with Combat Cargo on the USS Nassau when we evacuated the US Embassy in 07' w/26th MEU and later working in Sierra Leon in Africa. I guess seeing a 10 year old child have his head blown off and into a pink mist by some African idiot isnt' traumatic...

[Riven37]

Dude, claim down. This is the way its done. You're in PTSD treatment well the VA is telling you to open up tell them what went on to see just how F up you really are.

I went through our combat stress unit too while my increase claim was in Washington after 32 days the VA said you're really messed up therefore, you're permanent and total for PTSD this was after working for 42 years with a 20 % for PTSD. Today, I'm 80 % PTSD and 20 unemployable permanently.

You see its a system, hold on to your anger save it for your group settings or one on one's. The VA would not have diagnosed you with PTSD if they hadn't seen your symptoms in clear light trust me I'm a former Vet counselor.

[SSgt Ramsey]

Been there, done that....I have been seeing them...they prescribed me one medication that I became suicidal....luckilly I called my wife to come home...

This is AFTER begging for help for months, and finally after going to a routine appt the Dr asks me how I'm doing and if I'm ok...I tell her no, that I was frustrated because nobody would listen to me and I didn't know how to handle this, so she sends me to the ER....but Barney Fife (read, VA security) is waiting on me to handcuff me as I'm "crazy" and "a danger to everybody"....luckilly the PhD came down and rescued me.

I went through the bull**** PTSD screening with a counselor (note, NOT PHD or Dr) and she labeled me as "severe PTSD" and referred me to the PhD....after waiting 8 MONTHS to get into this program and attending only 1 class thus far out of the 8, I think I've done the preliminary steps to be deemed "positive" for PTSD...now the RO say's there is no evidence.

Do I need to check myself into the VA ER to be taken and seen seriously?

[RhodeIsland]

Did you have a C&P Exam yet???
Rocky

[SSgt Ramsey]

I honestly don't know...the last time I seen my PhD she specifically put in my file that I was PTSD severe and that I was unemployable due to this, and subsequently I'm also legally disabled by Social Security and can't work even if I wanted to, so I'm screwed there too.

[RhodeIsland]

You would remember if you had a C&P Exam!!!
You got your diagnosis.
You got put on meds.
Next you file a claim for Service Connection with your local DAV to represent you and help you with your paperwork.
Then you are scheduled a Compensation and Pension Exam with a PHD. ( This is the second most horrible thing you will go through for 3 hours digging up old S**T that you are trying to forget ).
Then you are given Axis Scores.
Example: 45 = 70% Service Connected.
There is a former C&P Examiner on this Forum so search the forum or put out the question.
I wish I could help you more My Brother but Obummer gave me a really bad day today and I am still trying to calm down some more.
Hang in there OK?????

Semper Fi,
Rocky
100% Service Connected P&T PTSD.

[DocGreek]

SAM.....TRUTH.....Officially, even if your G.A.F. score, is below 40, to receive AT LEAST 70% DIS., YOU HAVE TO HAVE A C.A.R., and several instances of typical P.T.S.D. symptoms, recorded over a "period" of time." YOU CAN RECEIVE A CAR, BUT YOUR COMPANY, THROUGH "AFTER ACTION REPORTS", AND YOUR 201 FILE, IS YOUR ONLY HOPE!! If you were involved in ANY action, and fired your weapon....situation FIXED!! If you were a close-by witness, to KIA'S, or WIA'S, testimony will be needed, to confirm your presence.....AT LEAST 3 WITNESSES.

What all this leads to, is that you're going to have prove that circumstances of battle, or witnessing the deaths of others, have produced your PTSD symptoms. NOT AN EASY ROAD TO TRAVEL!! BUT.....it is possible to find "others", who were witnesses, also!! A GOOD SHRINK, OR COUNCILOR, WILL HELP YOU FIND THE INFO, YOU NEED!!!!.....RAISE HELL, AND RUN WILD WITH YOUR SHRINK.....LET HIM SEE YOU AT YOUR WORST......CRY, SCREAM, SCARE THE CRAP OUT OF HIM, BUT....DO NOT STRIKE HIM!! TELL HIM FVCK THE MONEY, I JUST WANT MY "NORMAL LIFE BACK"!!!! When "they" see that you're NOT looking for a free ride.....attitudes WILL CHANGE!!! My prayers are REALLY with you!! GOD BLESS, SAM......DOC

[skypeople]

the VA is very reluctant to give a person any service claim for any disorder; the sad thing is that you have to fight for it. Do not give up and never let claim die or you will have to start over. Get the help of a service officer, and work on the claim also. Get information from your past that shows no problems before the service; get all your records from when you served until now; and submit the information that is related to your claim. It took me two years to get some service connection but I was lucky in sense that I had super service officer and a couple of more important people to help me; but had to work harder for higher percentage and finally P&T which is permanent and total meaning you never have to go through another exam again. I did this by focusing on what I needed in my life so often had to focus way down the road again (to know that all the (crap) was worth it. Do not, I want to say, do not give up, no matter how hard it seems at times. Working a claim often means the PTSD problems feel worse, but I will tell you and anyone else, it is all worth it in the long run.

Lynda

[Alisium]

Write your Senators and Congressmen.

And hang in there, SSgt.

[SSgt Ramsey]

Ironic that you mention Senators....

I received a phone call from my Senator's office earlier today after I e-mailed again on the 2nd denial of benefits to me.

That's OK...I have time, I'm only 38....I have time to fight these asshats tooth, nail, and claw.

The VA is using the "you don't have a CAR" so we dont' have to pay you benefits for PTSD as you're not a combat veteran.

Well, in 1997 when I was involved with Operation Silver Wake (the evacuation out of Albania) this was true, even though I was on the ground in Tirana and Marine's from 1/8 3 feet from me got the CAR, but because we were getting civilians into the helicopters we weren't eligible.

Fast forward to 2000, Maradmin 547/00 re-clarified the criteria for awardment of the CAR for peacekeeping missions as long as the criteria was met. I have contacted my former OIC who was a Capt at the time who is now a LtCol in the Reserve's about this and hopefully in the very near future will have my CAR by his submission and DD-215.

The Senators office wants a statement about what the VA has been doing to me since I left active duty in July of 2007....I'm letting it all out....

[skypeople]

that is such a lie from the VA, they do grant PTSD claims to people who have PTSD from non-combat situations. I know because I am service connected 100% from sexual assault trauma from 1966. Good, let it all hang out if you have to and most important never allow your claim to die or go dormant. continue to send in information as you get it. I understand that if you let it go dormant past their deadline, you will have to file again and so keep it alive. Best of luck and my prayers are with you in succeeding with your claim against the VA
Lynda

[SSgt Ramsey]

Oh, rest assured, I will not go away lol...I will become their worst nightmare and continue to pester both my Senator's and local Congressional representative until I have what I want, 100% disability as I can't work due to PTSD and this has been mentioned in my visits with my Dr from the VA.

But yeah, the VA flat out told me I was not a combat veteran because I did not have the CAR, even though my DD 214 has Operation Silver Wake and others listed and I was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for them.

I was not aware that the guidelines for the CAR have been amended since my retirement, or I would have actively pursued it from either my Battalion or Regimental Commanders assistance. Now that I have references and the criteria, and have contacted my old OIC from the float, I don't see a problem with being awarded the CAR retroactively to 1997 when Silver Wake occured.

The Senator's aide was just as confused as I was today when I asked the question: How can you be diagnosed with PTSD, be prescribed both anti-depressants and anxiety medication, and be enrolled in the PTSD classes/support groups but not have it?? Makes no sense to me. I was also physically in Sierra Leon in Africa after Albania staging for the NEO out of Zaire.

This is a collossal pain in the nuts, but I think I will win eventually....I have the documentation and awards to support it. I am reaching out to DFAS to get pay records during the period showing I received imminent danger pay. I am not stopping until I have what I want.

This may take years, but I have time...I've made the VA my hobby now :D Every time they deny me I am going to raise such a stink with elected officials and scream until I'm heard....

[Messenger]

SSgt Ramsey
I am sorry to hear about your PTSD denial, but I assure you that all isn’t lost. Upon receiving a denial from the VA you have a year to file a Notice of Disagreement (NoD), which is kind of like an in-house appeal, which makes the VA re-consider your claim.
I suggest that you first start by tracking down anyone that may have witnessed the events you think caused your PTSD. A good place to start is the Unit Pages at Military DOT com… http://www.*************/HomePage/UnitPageSearch (http://www.*************/HomePage/UnitPageSearch)
And right here at www.Leatherneck.com (http://www.leatherneck.com/)
Try using Google and other search engines to find the people that you served with.
Even someone that didn’t witness the incident may have contact information of someone that might have see it. Once you locate one or more witnesses, see if they would be willing to write a letter describing the situation. This is called a buddy letter and they can carry considerable weight in a VA claim for PTSD.
. . .
The three key elements of any VA claim is (1) documentation, (2) making all appointments on time, and (3) working within all deadlines.
All claims are decided upon the evidence or lack there of. They cant use the information of an exam if you never went to said exam, so it is extremely important that you attend all exams. Most initial claims are denied, a lot of claims under reconsideration after a notice of disagreement are also denied or given a lowball award. Those that keep fighting end up at the veterans board of appeals which remands or overturns over half of the cases.
Inform yourself…
I suggest that you visit the following link. A veterans advocate by the name of Jim Strickland has prepared a goldmine of information regarding filing claims with the VA.
http://knol.google.com/k/jim-strickland/a-military-veterans-guide-to-disability/i4hm0dxfnnzs/2 (http://knol.google.com/k/jim-strickland/a-military-veterans-guide-to-disability/i4hm0dxfnnzs/2)
Furthermore, spending some time at www.VaWatchdog.org (http://www.vawatchdog.org/) wouldn’t hurt either.
The absolute best way to deal with the VA is to be informed and prepared.
If you do not eel comfortable filing a Notice of Disagreement by yourself, most veterans services officers (VSO) are very capable of helping you file a NoD for you. Your state, county and various veterans organizations such as American Legion, VFW and DAV all provide this kind of service to veterans for free.
Just because you don’t have a combat action ribbon does not mean that you are not entitled to benefits for service connected PTSD, it simple means that your going to have to work a little harder for it.
As for Congress and Senate representatives, with the exception of the most extreme cases, our representatives are of little to no help at all in this process.
If you receive a second denial, it is strongly recommended that you seek the representation of an attorney experienced in veterans benefits law. Bergman & Moore is just one of many law firms that deal with claims like yours… their website is located at www.vetlawyers.com (http://www.vetlawyers.com/) but keep in mind that they really cant do much until your second denial.
I hope I have provided some information that will help you. If you have any questions feel free to PM me on this site or post in this thread if its not to personal.
Semper FI

[Messenger]

anotehr post worth looking at

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73314

[RhodeIsland]

Sam My Brother, That is incredible and accurate information.
Thank you Messenger for Helping Our Brother.
Because I am 100% SC P&T PTSD I tried to help Sam with my Knowledge but there is no way I could have put all that together for him.

God Bless You Messenger,
Semper Fi,
Rocky

[SSgt Ramsey]

Thanks...I have a lot of reading to do....but my records are inbound, pay records from the MEU, working on the retroactive CAR via Maradmin 547/00 with my old OIC....and my last few eval's from my Dr at the VA on my diagnosis/prognosis/ and employability.

There is also legislation being fielded on the definition of PTSD and who(m) can get it, and not just those with a CAR, CIB etc. from being in-theatre.

So, they're saying if you were a trauma surgeon working in either Iraq or Afghanistan, that you couldn't claim PTSD for seeing all the wounded civilians and military members...that makes about as much sense as 2 guys kissing....great logic there VA.

[sgt tony]

You will need to do a stresser letter tell them from when you was exposed to this stresser and how it is and dose effect you. If you had multiple you need to do this for each on and how it affects you.

[DocGreek]

This is what P.T.S.D. looks like!7349

[PANTHER50]

Yes it is.
John J

[Sgt Leprechaun]

I just found a book in the base library where I work called "The Veterans PTSD Handbook" that is very helpful. I'd suggest hitting 'amazon' for it at the minimum.

SSgt R, I was off the coast of Tirana November of 98 as well as Kosovo 99, AND at the Pentagon on 9/11. Not drawin anything, didn't put in for anything.....YET because I'm still a drilling Air Guardsman. My 20 hits in Jan so I'm prepping my casework now, and seeing the VA Social worker every other week, as my PTSD is 'severe' with underlying depression and a host of other crap. But at this point I'm still employed (with the Fed gummint) although realistically I'm not sure how much longer that'll last as I can't take much more of the crap.

But, gotta stick it out.

Anyway, keep plugging away, the book says stuff like this is 'normal' and gives you helpful hints and suggestions on how to file your claims.

Amazon link here:
http://www.amazon.com/Veteranss-PTSD-Handbook-Post-Traumatic-Disorder/dp/1597970646/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243418918&sr=8-1

[SSgt Ramsey]

Thanks Sgt Lep:

It's so cool and strange that we were basically in the same areas just in different times...Tirana was a nightmare...moreso for the "natives" than the US citizens and other friendly nationals....it was utter and complete chaos and destruction prior to the evacuation and the ensuing operations there...

There is important legislation in the works as part of a comprehensive bill to enhance and help Veteran's out in regards to PTSD and the de-regulation of having a certain award to be "presumed" as evidence vice the now nightmare of proving the truamatic occurance(s) to be compensated....that's the nightmare I'm having now....it's not right and it's not fair...the VA is exploiting and bastardizing the law enacted shortly after WW II and the criteria for "presumption" and their intrepretation of the wording...fu*cking rat bastards!!

I'm not giving up, I am not quitting, I will continue to pound the crap out of these fu*cktards via my Congressional and Senatorial elected officials in this...I will not be silenced nor disuaded in this...screw them:mad:

[Sgt Leprechaun]

BINGO! Frack the bvastards!

[dilligaf]

SSGT Ramsey
Have you talked to any of the service organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV)? This organization has helped me greatly for the past 19 years dealing with the VA and their endless red tape. IMO the VA drags their feet in the hope that we will give up and go away. The DAV’s National Service Officers (NSOs) are highly trained in the cutting through the red tape and will work your claim for you. Check out their sight, http://dav.org/veterans/VeteransAffairs.aspx (http://dav.org/veterans/VeteransAffairs.aspx)
Best of luck to you
Bob

[Petz]

This is what P.T.S.D. looks like!7349


this is what ugly looks like!!! hahaha... j/k doc, you opened yourself up to that one.

hey Ramsey, last I heard you don't need a CAR anymore for PTSD... not sure about references on that fact/fiction but I recall reading about it.

I truly hope everything works out for you.

[DocGreek]

THANKS....NUMBNUTS!!! I hoped that pic would get a few giggles!! Been charging up my camera's battery ALL day! Went to take some shots of my new ride, AND...OF COURSE....you know the rest!! Must be the BLONDE in my little peanut brain!!.....DOC

[ArtyOps]

Oh, and the next time you're in Johnson City and you need to relieve some stress, please look up my stepfather and beat the living sh!t out if him.

[DocGreek]

JOHNSON CITY.....I'll stop in with my baseball bat!! ARTY-AL..you're OK, gonna' make you one of my friends!....SEMPER FI....DOC

[PANTHER50]

A good VSO will have a list of Vet freindly Docs, mental and phycial. Yes long term PTSD can and will (STRESS) bring the two together! A letter in your favor will help your case. VA is not allways fair. You will see people who do not rate. then you will see them who rate (REALLY HAVE PTSD)who can't get the time of day from VA.It is important you help yourself every way you can even if you think you have it made.
John J

[Pete0331]

The one thing that is ****ing me over is the fact that I don't have a CAR, even though I seen some horrendous stuff working with Combat Cargo on the USS Nassau when we evacuated the US Embassy in 07' w/26th MEU and later working in Sierra Leon in Africa. I guess seeing a 10 year old child have his head blown off and into a pink mist by some African idiot isnt' traumatic...


Yeah, it's traumatic... but it doesn't qualify you for a Combat Action Ribbon.

Right now the VA/military is playing the numbers game with PTSD.
About 20-30% of people involved in actual combat will have PTSD to varying degrees.
About 10% of people who were not in combat will have PTSD to varying degrees.

By opening up a diagnosis of PTSD to those who haven't seen combat may be a slippery slope.
You will get guys years after being in the military falsly claiming PTSD for benefits.
There would be no real way to diagnose the real ones from the faking as some symptoms supposedly can surface many years later.
This will be unverifiable as all the pre-seperation psych exaluations will not show the new symptoms.

[PANTHER50]

Yeah, it's traumatic... but it doesn't qualify you for a Combat Action Ribbon.

Right now the VA/military is playing the numbers game with PTSD.
About 20-30% of people involved in actual combat will have PTSD to varying degrees.
About 10% of people who were not in combat will have PTSD to varying degrees.

By opening up a diagnosis of PTSD to those who haven't seen combat may be a slippery slope.
You will get guys years after being in the military falsly claiming PTSD for benefits.
There would be no real way to diagnose the real ones from the faking as some symptoms supposedly can surface many years later.
This will be unverifiable as all the pre-seperation psych exaluations will not show the new symptoms.
I agree with a lot of what you say.There are two or three around here who have not missed a day's work,but that's not what they tell VA! I know ten who are not with us anymore and that's out of a small community.I once ask a VSO who did not have the time of day for a spec something army Vet (ONE OF THE TEN NOW)but did for me, why? I got no answer and got up and left.I had rather see three get over on the system than ten die!If the Marine above think,s he has PTSD.He more than likely does. VA is well experianced and they have a budget.
John J

[Pete0331]

Just a quick though on the PTSD issue from a different angle.

People are pushing for opening more combat oriented MOS's to women,
they need to understand that women are twice as likely to have psychological problems after the experience of a traumatic event.
This is because the majority of healthy minded women more easily empathize with the misery of others.
A commendable quality if you are a regular civi, debilitating if you are military.

I do not like the VA, Shineski better fix it soon or there will be demonstrations akin to the Bonus Army.

[DocGreek]

If I get ANGRY, and raise HE!!...DO NOT take it personally...it's just me venting.

After spending 30 to 40 days on the line, with hardly ANY food and NO water...your Platoon is ambushed....couple hundred rounds fired, and a FEW grenades tossed...as a Corpsman, there's NO time to think, you've GOT to do your J.O.B. NOW!! Triage the wounded and KIA's, and do your BEST NOT to kill anyone! THEN...the baztards come back, and start a REAL firefight!!....you're over-run, and wounded in the process. "FVCK THE PAIN...I'VE GOT TO SAVE THESE MEN!!!" Jump AHEAD, 35 years....can't sleep, lot's of pain, and frightning nightmares...keep you awake. You're in your middle 50's, and still have to go to work, at the Circle-K conv. store at 7am. GEE!! Are "WE" a little jumpy, and crabby, this fine morning???

ALL of you AZZHOLES, under 35, who have NEVER been in REAL...that's REAL...COMBAT, just can't understand why this old fart just jumped you, and beat the crap outta' you....for NOTHING!! "PUT THAT NUT AWAY!!!" And "they" DID!!....BUT...NOW I'm BAAAAACK, AZZHOLES!!! They pay me 100% to BE a FVCKED-UP S.O.B. and guess what??? The blood, and bone, and brains...that were splattered all over me, when YOUR DAD WAS KILLED, BY AN AK ROUND....RIGHT NEXT TO ME......is still warm on my face, and arms......OH, I'm just a big whiner, and a PUZZY...."GET OVER IT, AZZHOLE!!!"

WELL.....take this post...as you will...I don't give a good GOD D*M!!! Next time you azzholes see an old fart, with a Viet Nam Vet hat, or t-shirt on....remember ME!!......Doc Greek

[Petz]

Just a quick though on the PTSD issue from a different angle.

People are pushing for opening more combat oriented MOS's to women,
they need to understand that women are twice as likely to have psychological problems after the experience of a traumatic event.
This is because the majority of healthy minded women more easily empathize with the misery of others.
A commendable quality if you are a regular civi, debilitating if you are military.

I do not like the VA, Shineski better fix it soon or there will be demonstrations akin to the Bonus Army.


womens brains are built differently so they can be a parent to children while men's are built for going from one woman to another and not feeling attachment... that's why man men feel like they died when they got married.

a woman can remember an event and recall the feelings she was having at the moment... when I say recall I should say re live/experience the very same feelings with chemicals flowing through the brain just like she was there the very first time.

this is why women should not be in combat or in theater during combat operations...

sorry CommDog... I'm using the politicians and DoDs current enthusiasim to pay out for PTSD and expanding it a bit more... they really don't want to pay the stuff out so to prevent it they should not have women in country since they are approxiamatly 80 - 150 % more likely to get PTSD when they go through the same situations as a man.

[DocGreek]

WELL....none of you young "combat vets" want to take me on?? CORPS VALUES....Honor, Respect, and Dignity....where's YOUR'S???.....DOC

[ArtyOps]

Well, first off I would like to start with Fvck You, not from me, but from all of the other corpsmen who in this war HAVE faced similar circumstances. Just because they didn’t have the same person’s blood, bone and brains on them doesn’t mean they’re not worthy of your respect.

From me I want to say THANK YOU. You’ve sacrificed more than most. You are one of the ones that came back alive and have to live with what you saw and I admit that I have nothing to compare it to. I lost two Marines in my time in, both in car accidents, none in combat (thank God). I cannot begin to imagine the **** you went through there and in the many years since. I’m going to remember you and EVERYONE LIKE YOU, from this war and all wars before. If you wanted a challenge from someone my age (29) I think you’re barking up the wrong tree. Combat veterans in my age group have too much respect for those that came before us. Probably something like what you felt for WWII veterans (I know I’m assuming and can’t speak about what you feel about them) . If you want someone to argue with call someone up at code pink or something. I want nothing for you but a good night of sleep for you and you let me know when it happens so I can stop praying for it.

[DocGreek]

ARTY....if you read some of the EARLIER posts, a FEW "young" Marines made statements saying that they felt a lot of the Vets claiming PTSD problems, were faking them. I should have been more specific as to who made those statements....I apologize to you, and any other Vets that took my post as an anti-young Marine tirade. SORRY!!....DOC

[ArtyOps]

I apologize to you as well, I should have looked harder to figure out where you were coming from there.

I hope what you gathered the most from my last post was how much respect and admiration I have for you and those of your ilk.

[FistFu68]

:evilgrin: Dealing with tha V.A. well put it this way the Wheel that makes tha' most noise get's the Oil!!!:evilgrin: :iwo:

[Petz]

that's funny... I said the same thing at work about the union....

the good workers were always wondering why they were getting sh!t on by the company but the turds kept slipping by... my response was just that.

many of them never heard that before, must be a military thing...

[PANTHER50]

I went to ANGEL FIRE NM Viet NAM Veterans memorial for five day's on and around Memorial day.Doc Westphall started building it in 1968 with his son's insurance money KIA at Con Thien May 1968, First Lieutenant David Westpall USMC. It has grown in size and recocongnized as a Memorial of National significance.Any Vet is well come!!There is what's called VETERAN'S camp near by were you can stay for a small donation if you have it. Most of the speaker's this year spoke about unity. All Vet's sticking together!!Devided we fall,together we stand!!!I personaly do not think that's what VA has in mind?
John J