News PTSD Victims No Longer Required To Prove Trauma to VA

[anthony]

The Veterans Affairs Department has dumped a policy requiring combat vets to verify in writing that they have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event before filing a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder, said the chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“This change provides a fairer process for veterans with service-connected PTSD,” Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, said in a written statement. It “leaves claim adjudicators more time to devote to reducing the staggering backlog of veterans’ claims.”

In the past, a veteran has had to provide written verification — a statement from a commander or doctor, or testimony from co-workers — that he or she was involved in a traumatic situation in order to receive disability compensation for PTSD from VA. The Defense Department uses the same rules in evaluating PTSD for disability retirement pay.

In Iraq, troops joke about keeping a pen and paper on hand in case they witness a shooting or explosion or are injured themselves. That way, they can run around and have all their buddies sign a quick statement saying it really happened. The joke loses steam when a Marine has to prove he was involved in a traumatizing event when he had a hand blown off in that event, or when a soldier has to prove he watched his friends die to qualify for benefits.

The rule also slows the process as veterans wait for yet more documentation before their claims may be processed.

Akaka said he asked VA Secretary James Peake if the rule was necessary, and asked that it be removed. Peake agreed.

“I am pleased that the secretary took quick action to reverse this requirement after it was brought to his attention,” Akaka said.

In the future, veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD through a medical examination with no further proof necessary, Akaka said, adding that he’s been told that Peake has already informed VA regional offices of the decision.

VA officials were not immediately available for comment Monday, a federal holiday.

Source: Air Force Times

 

[MindFkd]

I know this post was posted in 2005 - And here it is in 2008 and this is totally NOT the case for my husband trying "prove" his PTSD claim...It's been a year and a half. He is an Air Force combat vet (which proves to be an automatic raise of a suspicious eyebrow it seems)...He has submitted truck loads of quantifying paperwork requested and still, they keep asking for more more more...I would like a little more feedback on this if anyone knows anything...Please advise.

 

[MindFkd]

Found The Article On Airforcetimes.com

Ok...so I found the article mentioned in the post. This should be very very helpful for those current in the military or just separated. I don't know how it applies to vets from prior conflicts who are trying to get INTO thet VA healthcare system in the first place...very helpful info. Thanks.


http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/02/military_ptsdproof_update_080219w/

 

[patrick]

I've just started my application for disability. I have no idea how long it will take, or what's in store for me. I just got a form from the VA wanting a mountain of information. The Veterans of Foreign Wars organization is helping me with all of this and acting as my advocate in the process. I'm not counting on getting any financial assistance, in fact will be amazed if I do. It was all so long ago, and I've survived since then, so it's hard to imagine that I'm eligible for anything now. Sure would be nice. I'm getting older, and my financial future is pretty grim.

 

[Ernie]

About Time...

I applied for VA disability 15 years ago and the process I had to go through then was humiliating and degrading. Ultimately I was approved for disability for PTSD by the VA but at great emotional cost. Perhaps now the VA will begin to employ qualified trauma therapists since it's "fashionable."

 

[anthony]

Ernie, I believe the US VA have only gotten worse with PTSD applications due to the high influx of sufferers due to Iraq.

I remember from the Australian support to East Timor in 99, from over 5000 troops sent to cease that issue in its tracks, only just over 100 where actually approved for full benefits due to PTSD from that. East Timor was the first classified "War Zone" since Korea I believe it was. Many have been approved to have their medications provided for free, which is called a white card here, and honestly the majority of those with a white card should have a gold card with full entitlements for life, pension, etc... The only difference is because they didn't say something correct in their application or discharge, thus they got them on some technicality which enabled DVA here to reduce their liability. It happens in all armies all over the world. Some are better than others, though all are still not their to totally favour the injured soldier, physical or mental, they are their to save their Government money.

 

[patrick]

Let's see, I applied to the U.S. VA three months ago for disability from the Vietnam war. I have been scheduled for Independent Medical Evaluations for hearing loss and PTSD. Those are at the end of this month. It will be interesting to see how long the process takes and what the outcome is. Be happy to keep anyone posted who is interested in the process.

Pat

 

[fin]

I find it appalling that our veterans are treated in this way. I am so sorry that governements seek to add insult to injury like this. Unfortunately I am also not surprised to read this either, it always seems to come down to finance.

I would be interested in reading further Patrick, which might seem odd as I am not a vet. I know there will also be others I'm sure, at some point that come here and will want to know. So please post if its ok to.

 

[Lisa]

I find it appalling that our veterans are treated in this way. I am so sorry that governements seek to add insult to injury like this. Unfortunately I am also not surprised to read this either, it always seems to come down to finance.

I would be interested in reading further Patrick, which might seem odd as I am not a vet. I know there will also be others I'm sure, at some point that come here and will want to know. So please post if its ok to.

I second everything said here.

I think anybody who fights for their country should be treated with more respect. These people are coming away without limbs, without freedom from their mind...it's criminal that they are treated like this. Kick in the teeth. I'm not a vet either.... but I guess this goes to show that those not affected by this system can even see the unfairness in it.

 

[Tinyflame]

I totally agree. I think it's ass-backwards and disgusting and a good example of great potential for "secondary wounding and isolation", despite the fact most people in the non-military as well don't agree with how Vets and their concerns are frequently treated, mistreated, dismissed or iignored.

Family I had in the military were treated the same way for the most part. It was like that I know even when I was a kid. I think it's long overdue that it changes.

Here in North America they are almost being forced to address it because of sheer numbers and people having the courage to get their stories out. I think there are going to be changes in the future; this is a different generation. I sure hope so.

 

[suzie q]

What if you are a veteran during peace-time but some of your PTSD happened while you were active duty?

I was raped by an awhol person who was caught after the incident trying to leave the base. I had 2 witnesses who identified him following me after the attack. I went thru all the testing and lived in a motel room for a long time before the trial was started. They let him go on a technicality that was bogus. Almost 2 months of trial.

They sent him back to his original location and he raped and almost killed another girl. Because of my testimony, they were able to convict and sentence him. I was never the same and became very sick. Because of my lack to proscecute he damaged another persons life.

 

[2quilt]

suzie q you should apply for disability benefits from the VA today. Get help from the PVA or the DAV or whatever organization you feel comfortable with. You don't have to go to war to get PTSD!