Sufferer Starting Claim

[Forgetful]

Yes, without any documentation of a preexisting condition they can't claim that. Plus with the rest of the men in your unit already receiving compensation for PTSD I don't think you'll have too much of a problem. You should however prepare yourself for an appeal simply because they seem to deny initial claims for shits and giggles (my opinion).

 

[hotrod351]

i hear you. and yes i know of two members of my platoon in Vietnam that both get compensation for PTSD. funny, im the last one. why i put it off i dont know. especially when it was two different Dr at the VA that told me i had it. dont know if thats a good or bad thing.

 

[Forgetful]

During my time as a service officer (both for the American Legion and for the town I live in) I saw alot of Vietnam Veterans filing claims for the first time. I think it was put off for a couple of reasons. I think it has alot to do with how you (not necessarily you personally but the veterans of that generation through conversations and personal observations that i had with them) were treated when you came home and you were intent on resuming your lives with work and families. Also, mental health problems had a bigger stigma, you know..the whole "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" thinking passed on by WW2 generation. I think it also has to do with the idea that most of you had that someone else needed the help more than you because of work, health benefits etc but now you've reached retirement age and are struggling with symptoms in retirement (you've got more free time so it could be harder to switch off) and Medicare and social security suck.

This is what I've heard and seen from many of the veterans I've assisted. If it doesn't pertain to you I'm sorry for the generalizations.

 

[hotrod351]

youve reasoned it best Snafu. not fun getting old. less active and way to much time to think.

 

[hotrod351]

well they gave me 50%, in fact the money has already been deposited in my account. problem is that there is no mention of a lot of the problems that i have, problems that, if recognized, would put me in the 70% bracket. ive read that they can lower your rate if you appeal.

 

[Forgetful]

Great news!!! :joyful: That happened really fast, I'm shocked.

What other issues did they not include? If you included them in your initial claim they should be listed on your award letter along with the reason they didn't compensate. Read the letter carefully. Could it be they're still under consideration? Did they grant service connection for them but not compensation? All that means is those conditions do not present severe enough for disability under their guidelines.

As far as percentage rating goes they have a strange system. There is no mathematical logic to it. Example: you could have a disability rating of 50% for one condition and 25% for another but it won't be awarded 75% total.

As far as appeals, you do not actually appeal for the PTSD rating. You can file for an increase in rating at any time but this is not an appeal. You can file for a partial appeal for any additional conditions that were initially denied. I don't think that your rating for PTSD would be affected .

 

[hotrod351]

maybe i should just call it good and be done with it. really i was surprised with the amount. really its not low but not high.

 

[Forgetful]

You can file for an increase anytime you feel as if your symptoms have increased causing more disability.

Keep your doctor appts (Wether VA or civilian) because they can review your case and claim you are not as disabled anymore and reduce your rating. This way your doctor sees your ability to function and the VA will mainly rely on his notes. After 10 years it cannot be lowered.

Please don't fully rely on my advice and statements. I have not been a service officer for approximately 7 years and rules/regulations change. My info may not be up to date. Your SO will have current knowledge.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

:hug: Glad it went okay