Sufferer Starting Claim

[hotrod351]

well i have a appointment 3/3/16 to see the mental Dr. see what he thinks of me.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

Hopefully it goes well :hug:

 

[hotrod351]

well spent a 1/2 hour on the phone yesterday with the Sargent that was in my platoon in Vietnam. said i only need my service rep. he will do thee paper work. ill go see him Monday, he has a office t the American legion building in town.

 

[Neverthesame]

That's good news. If their operating out of a legion hall, it's probably safe to say it's not a scam.

What are the odds that you would run into someone from your platoon?
Small world.

I'm glad it's going well for you so far.

 

[hotrod351]

That's good news. If their operating out of a legion hall, it's probably safe to say it's not a sca...

hearing form someone that was actually there is different. actually met up with someone about 7 years after i got out of the service who was in my platoon, just found out he still alive, also on PTSD, but this guy im talking to was a Sargent in my platoon, funny thing is that i hardly remember him, remember everyone else, just not him, but he was there because of all the memories. didnt really concern myself with filling a PTSD claim until now, im 65, before i figured to h*ll with it. but all and all id be the only one that isnt getting a PTSD disability that i know. guess years of working by myself so as to avoid others isnt normal. like using a walking stick if you have a bum leg, you just do what you have to and deal with it. this Sargent has stayed in contact with all the men from my platoon and knows which ones are alive and which ones have died. and there all on some kind of disability form the service. now i know this will take years, he told me i should of started years ago, but better late than never, i also think not giving a damn is one of the symptoms.

 

[Forgetful]

Welcome @hotrod351
The service reps with the American Legion are well trained, at least they are in NJ. The 12 years I held that position I had to go for training every year. He's right, it will take years and may be difficult to prove. However, if you're still in contact with others from your platoon and they've all been granted service connection for PTSD that can help alot. They may be able to fill in any blanks you have regarding places etc. Also medal citations will help. Best of luck.

 

[hotrod351]

Welcome @hotrod351
The service reps with the American Legion are well trained, at leas...

well i know i have something and if it isnt PTSD then im an anomaly. it takes what it takes. at my age i might die before i get it.

 

[Forgetful]

My suggestions

• Use the American Legion rep. You don't even have to be a member. Your local rep will start the claim and assist you along the way. If you need to file an appeal they will file that for you too but at that point the state level rep will attend the conference with you. They can guide and assist all the way up until you reach the highest court level (can't think of the name right now. It's been awhile) At that point you'll need a lawyer. It won't cost you anything until that level.
• File by mail. The Internet may seem faster but the VA has been known to lose those claims.
• Keep a copy of everything. Sometimes you may have to resend stuff. They have a way of playing games like this.
• Get letters from your platoon buddies stating dates and places you were in combat detailing events if you can.
• Letters from a spouse, children and friends can help explain behaviors, difficulties and symptoms they've wittnessed can help.
• Don't get discouraged. Keep fighting. You've earned this.
• Even if it takes years to be granted you will receive retro pay from the 1st of the month after your initial application.
• Talk to other vets. They can give you tips on how they've handled the process. They may mention something you've forgotten or didn't think of.

Thank you for your service!
Stay strong. Remember you've EARNED this.
Best of luck.

 

[hotrod351]

saw the rep this morning, said the same thing, i owed, being a combat vet and all. i see the psychiatrist next month.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

@hotrod351 Glad it's working out :hug:

 

[Gadgie]

Has the American government recognised PTSD as an illness it itself, so that the vets can claim compensation?

I don't think they have here in the U.K, and with the new cuts by the government on metal health in itself, I don't think they ever will.

This cuts are the reason that there being are so many waiting lists for therapy and counselling, it's obvious that this government doesn't care about people with mental health problems, they have made that obvious by the massive cuts in funding for it!

Mind you, going by the time I've been waiting for my operation, I don't think they care for physically sick people either?

If this kidney drain goes septic, I am going to sue them, as it's only supposed to be inside a person for a max of three weeks, and mine has been in for two months and counting!

 

[hotrod351]

i live in the United States.