4th Infantry Vet--ready To Tear My Last Few Hairs Out Re: Ptsd Claims Process

[Pleiku]

Howdy folks,
Was in-country from '68 'til '71. Rear area security and convoy escort. Short range recon around Pleiku and Banmethout. I've filed a claim with VA and hired ALPHA to represent me. Now I can't get a word out of either one. None of my calls are returned, any ideas?

 

[Jimmy1]

Hey Pleiku,

Welcome to the forum. Hope you find useful info here to help.
Maybe Sarg, or one of the Vietnam Vets or maybe one of the older veterans on here will be able to point you in the right direction. Our VA's are totally different.

 

[Zipperhead]

Welcome. Nice to see you found the right place. The DVA here isn't quite the same as down south. Here in Canada they actually have people assigned to help you. Don't count on a quick response though. Hope someone there can answer your questions. I think every visit to the VA is an individual case unfortunately. Doesn't seem any two people have the same story.

 

[K-9 Al]

Nice to see 4th Infantry here. I was attached to the 4th ID and the 1st on my tour. I was lucky enough to be attached to those units and also do missions wiht 101st and even the infamous 7th cav. Wish i could tell you about whats going on with the non returning phone calls....just keep calling and keep calling. They have to answer sometime.

 

[Sarg]

Pleiku, unfortunately, the VA wheels turn very slowly. I won't tell you how long it took me to get properly rated, it's way too depressing. O.K., who is Alpha? Lawyer, Service Org? The very best entity to represent you is you. Keep all your records organized, I used 3-ring binders and placed all documents in order in them so I could access any doc at any time.

I am assuming that you just filed and have not received a denial. If that's the case, keep leaning on "Alpha" until you get answers. Also know that the VA 800 number is useless, manned by operators with single digit IQs.

Two Veteran websites that are very helpful in assisting us with our claims are www.hadit.com and Veterans benefits network forums. Hadit, in my opinion is the absolute best. They know VA regs. better than VA employees and have helped countless Vets get their benefits. Go there with specific questions and get real answers.

The law just changed and the VA is currently processing Nemer claims (AO Blue water navy), then our Iraq and Afgan Vets and, as usual us Viet Vets come last.

Hang in there and feel free to ask me questions any time. If I don't know the answer, I'll find it!

Sarg