Questions

[Brian Jones]

Ok, Im not sure I really have this in the right area. But, I have some questions in which this group will prob. be able to help with better than most lay persons.

I am a gulf war vet and I was diagnosed with PTSD by a VA doctor about 15 years ago after an incident with my ex-wife where the local fire department hit their sirens under our apartment and I tossed her off the bed and dove over the top of her and started looking for my gas mask and MOPP gear. Turns out the sirens sounded just like the scud alarms... One of my main stressors is that I was the NBCNCO and everyone depended on me while in the sands so anything concerning soldier health and welfare when it came to chemical actions was all on me. Just a little stress, uh? LOL.

Anyhow I did the counseling and groups along with the dope they prescribed until I couldnt afford the gas and all as the closest VA was about 100 miles away. Since then my local Dr. had no problem getting my dope to me which help me through the hard times (about 6 months out of the year). My PTSD has never been converted to a VA disability %, although I am at 20% for a shoulder accident while I was in the service.

I have recently talker with a lawyer who specs. in VA claims who wants to help get me some help. Has anyone gone this way? If so what should I expect? I am looking at the possibility of getting a PSD due to some of the success stories I have heard about the, and I used to run K9's as a cop so the possibility of a partner really sparks my interest. But I know it is coming a time where my PTSD is starting to take back over my life and my 4 kids and wife have to live with it also....

 

[Sarg]

Brian,
If I may, I'd like to offer a few suggestions. First, ensure tht the attorney is versed in VA law and I believe they still have to be "certified" by the VA. You can start rigt away by collecting ALL your records. Go to the Freedom of Information Office at the VA hosp. and ask for your entire medical records. You may have to get a release from the shrink to get the psychiatric records. If you already have a compensated injury, you will have a claims file at your VA Regional Office. Get those records headed your way. The webste, VA.gov has all the forms. It's not the easiest site to navagate, but it's all there. Get your private Drs. records as well.

Next, don't place all your financial eggs in one basket. You've talked to a lawyer, talk to another. Check for Veteran Service Orgs., American Legion, VFW, ect. nearby and see their Service Officers. I used to be deadset against Service Org. Officers but of late, I've heard they have improved. Ask hard questions..."how good are you"? "how many clams do you have in, right now"? If you were looking for a plumber, yeah, I'd say, look in the phone book, but you're looking for the guy that's gonna put food in your kid's mouth choose wisely!

Lastly, there is the internet and your taking over your own claim. If you're the take charge type, are willing to do the research, there are at least two sites that come in to focus straight up that will make things so much easier. BUT I will have to get the advice from our mods here as to whether I can name them.

MODS?

When you have all your PROOF, in writing, oganized order, pertaining directly to the laws regarding rating you're pursuing, the VA rater has a lot less difficulty in deciding your rating and your claim will go a lot faster.

Best of luck to you and if I may be of further assistance, feel free.

Sarg

 

[Sarg]

Brian,
I looked over the site rules and did't see any prohibitions against posting Veteran benefits websites, so try Hadit.com and Veteransbenefitnetwork. Both a wealth of information.

Sarg.

 

[Jimmy1]

Sarg, by all means mate. If you can put the links in it would be great.

http://www.hadit.com/

http://vets.yuku.com/

Cheers

Jimmy

 

[Brian Jones]

Wow many thanks! Most of the paperwork I already have so some of the work is done already.

 

[Ted Moen]

Anyhow I did the counseling and groups along with the dope they prescribed until I couldnt afford the gas and all as the closest VA was about 100 miles away.... My PTSD has never been converted to a VA disability %

Welcome Brian. I was in the gulf war too, along with Vietnam. I'm curious, is there some reason you weren't collecting your travel pay? I live 76 miles from my VAMC and they pay me pretty well for each trip to see them. And have you ever filed a claim for ptsd? If you have been diagnosed by the VA and are receaving treatment, 20-40% is almost automatic if you file even if you are employed.

Ted

 

[Brian Jones]

Kind of a testosterone involved story.. I went in about 3 or 4 years after I had ETSed. I had never "maned up" to what was going on with my PTSD while getting out so was not covered when I did get a medical for my shoulder. Once I was diagnosed they told me it was service connected but because I had no rating on it I was not covered for mileage. And I have not filed a claim for a % till now, I was a cop and was told that if I was ever found disabled for PTSD then I would prob. lose my job. And to be truthfull I loved my job running a dog. I found that some symptoms of PTSD worked pretty well on the streets, and my K9 partner was always there to listen to me when I had problems. :)

But I am now in the process, with help, going through my paperwork and all and putting all of this up to get some help.

 

[Sarg]

Brian,
Talk to the VA about fee-basis treatment at a Dr. near you. Sometimes, if you're far enough from the VA, they'll grant it. Going to a Dr. on a regular, frequent basis adds "weight" to your claim.

Sarg