Ptsd Percentage Question

[MrMayor]

Hello, I am a Vietnam vet and getting 30%. Is that normal or am I being screwed? I have to go see a phycologist this week to review my claim percentage. Thoughts? Thanks

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Welcome, well it depends on an individual basis.
How much trauma did you endure and how has it affected your life after combat?

 

[MrMayor]

Got rocketed on a regular basis, mortared during TET, had a moron LT fire a .45 into a footlocker full of ammo that went off all around me in the Arms Room, had a burn barrel blow up a few hundred feet away because some nitwit dropped an M79 HE round into it. Shot at every time we crossed a bridge in an open Jeep. Sleep sucks, numb, sad, nightmares. Etc.

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Yea I'd say you're getting shafted, but you've found the right place. :)
Much respect from us younger vets.

 

[MrMayor]

Thank you. We are truly happy that you get positive recognition when you serve and return.

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Thanks to you Nam' vets for sure.
I would just let the psych know what it is that is negatively effecting your life now as you said the trouble sleeping, numbness of emotions, sadness and nightmares. The all too present symptoms of life after combat that greatly impact our lives. They should understand that. If not keep fighting to get it upgraded and let me know how it goes on here if you will.

 

[MrMayor]

Roger that!

 

[Grizzly]

So it sounds like you are getting a new C&P exam for a new increase claim. Right?

There are many facets to these exams. The C&P examiner will also look at your past. How many jobs you've had, any points where you had legal issues etc. You can google the VA's rating criteria for PTSD.

Trauma isn't based on what you were exposed to. That's partially irrelevant. It's more about how you've interpreted the trauma and react to it. This is for a doctor to decide.

My advice would be to explain to the examiner what your worst days are like. Look up the rating schedule.

 

[RTO]

File for an increase and/or get a rep to advocate for you. My approach was to never exaggerate and be myself. I firmly believe the Docs can see right through that stuff. My symptoms and my record speak for themselves, but you have to be persistent in many cases when dealing with the VA. Don't let the bastards have the satisfaction of delay, deny, and seeing you die.

 

[vikingr24]

To give you an idea of my experience: para into Laos and Cambodia on cross border ops. Almost came home in a body bag. 15% and a handshake. Appealed for higher a few years later and was denied since I got my degree and was working. Barely.
Shows how the VA viewed "battle fatigue" then.

 

[YATYAS]

I have no sage advice on this topic but do echo what those above me said, fight for it man. Other than that i just wrote to say welcome home MrMayor
C.Huffstutler
USMC '01-'05

 

[Johnny1]

Got rocketed on a regular basis, mortared during TET, had a moron LT fire a .45 into a footlocker full of ammo that went off all around me in the Arms Room, had a burn barrel blow up a few hundred feet away because some nitwit dropped an M79 HE round into it. Shot at every time we crossed a bridge in an open Jeep. Sleep sucks, numb, sad, nightmares. Etc.

Main thing is to not hold back, I say that and I hold back on these evaluations in order not to look like the stereotypical Viet Vet. Tell the doc how it bothers you today, the traumatic event has already been established if you draw any PTSD, now it is to determine the damage it does to you today. The VA uses a rubric in the evaluation process.