I'm new to this site; but it seems like it has been helpful so far. I started off in 1999 with VA and got a total of 40% Service Connected for Persian Gulf War. I am now up to 70%. I get 30% for PTSD and the other 40% for Nerve Damage in all four limbs (I guess 10% each limb). Last year, I ask for an increase and sent in documentation that both of my conditions but especially the PTSD is continuing to get worse and now waiting for a result for Unemployability. I have all of my medical stuff in and so far it looks pretty good. I hear from VA by letter once a month and they just tell me that they are still working on my claim. When I got my 70% they told me that I was working full time and because of that wass not eligible for unemployability or 100% and that I met the schedular requirements so if in the future my situation changes then resubmit. Well; low and behold; I exploded on my boss last Oct and quit. I told the VA that I am angry all the time and I felt like hurting someone in that office if I didn't leave. I was wondering what do you all think. I have been dealing with VA since 1998 and so far I haven't had much heart ache. My husband also, wrote them while he was serving in Iraq because he was worried that I was going to hurt someone; but I haven't so far....
I hope you have gathered all the documentation from work on the worsening of your condition and that it is included in your doctor's evaluation and notes as new medical evidence. Get copies of all records to see what is documented. If it does not show worsening of your condition consider going to a private doctor in your community for further work-up on this new medical evidence.
doc
-------------------- Robert Michael Roerich, M.D. Vice President National Gulf War Resource Center Posts: 964 | From: Steubenville, Ohio USA | Registered: Aug 2005
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I have all the proof from Civilian Doctors where I have had MRI's, more Nerve Conduction Test, on and on...what do you think my chances are of getting either 100% either Unemployability or T&P. The Doctors have all told me; I can only get worse... Ms.V
I believe that I would have gotten 100% either T&P or Unemployability when they rated me at 70%. Actually my ratings add up to 90% but I get paid at 70%. But like I said, I was still working full time. They VA has acknowledged that my condition has worsened but I am afraid that if i'm forced to be around people in a work environment everday that I will seriously probably hurt someone...
If you cannot work because of your condition and the clinician evaluating you is aware that you may be a danger to self or others, there is no stronger medical evidence. Should hospitalization be necessary, you are rated 100% disabled during the months that you are in the hospital being treated for PTSD by the VA. I'll let others respond to your question of chances of 100% unemployability or T&P due to their experience with disability claims.
doc
-------------------- Robert Michael Roerich, M.D. Vice President National Gulf War Resource Center Posts: 964 | From: Steubenville, Ohio USA | Registered: Aug 2005
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Bottom line is, If you can't work, "You should get IU". BUT what is PROBABLY going to happen to "qualify" the way Title 38 is written, is that a person must be service connected at 60% for a SINGLE disability or 70% for MULTIPLE disabilities BUT the HIGHEST disabilty must be rated at 40%. So hopefully you have a higher rating than the PTSD at 30%??? I know someone is going to jump in here and give me the extenuating circumstances rule, BUT, VERY VERY VERY few people ever qualify for IU unless they meet the percentage guidelines. Yes, I know it happens, just not often. If not, you may have to work on getting that raised and ask for IU at the same time. They can then raise that and grant you the IU OR give you a schedular 100% rating. They could then give you a P&T rating or not. ALL of this depends on how LIBERAL the particular INDIVIDUAL RATER is. BOTTOM line is you'll get it, just a matter of how many hoops they will make you jump through to get it and whether it will be a IU, schedular and a P&T rating. Hope this helps you. Bottom line is, you've won your battle already, its all just a matter of time for you!
-------------------- The Hambone is back!!! Posts: 14 | From: Mountain Home Air Force Base | Registered: Aug 2005
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Thanks for responding Hambone: I do have Polyneuropathy as well as PTSD and that is rated at 40%. I talked to VA Today and they said my claim states ready to be ready as of April 7, 2006 so they said it shouldn't be much longer. I figured if they were going to say no, they could have said that six months ago. We are going on 7 months now and they have had all of the documentation a while ago.
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Ms. V . You said you have nerve damage related to gulf war. I've had multiple mri's, spinal taps, blood work and nobody can tell me whats wrong. I'm numb on the left side, with weakness. I also have muscles that twitch and the left side of my face has partial paralysis. My bladder muscles don't work, so I have to use my abdominal muscles to urinate.My throat doesn't work causeing swallowing difficulties, my bowels stay in constant spasm, and on and on...........My question is did you get service connection under the undiagnosed illness or was this a diagnosed illness related to the gulf war?
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Don't know about the claim and %'s but I do know about the irratability and quick anger associated to PTSD and its better to stay away from people who stress you out, at least for me, as I explode over little things and quicker than I can react. Jail ain't a nice place for someone dealing these problems either. This said I hope you are succesful with your claim and hope you can find therapy or something to help manage the anger. I have found almost complete isolation works best for me, but this is hard on my family. Good luck! Keith
Posts: 546 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jul 2005
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Isolation has been working for me to. I'm trying to keep a positive outlook but I know how the VA is. The VA told me today that I should be hearing from the Rating Board by Mid May at the latest. She said it has to go to a Supervisor after the Rating Specialist then it will come to me....What is your % and what for Keith?
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I am rated at 60% for Chronic Fatigue and 70% for an adjustment disorder combined for a total of 90% and granted IU as I've been unable to work since 2003. I was diagnosed with PTSD but see no need to file a claim for this and only add to the back log of claims. I just want to spend whats left of my energy and time with my wife and kids, at age 37 its a shame thats all I got in me; acceptance of my circumstance has been very difficult, I no longer have dreams or set goals I just live one day at a time, the Good Lord will take care of the rest. I do hope all comes through for you with your claim, I've been aprt of this site for a couple years now and am left completely blank as why the VA does the things it does to all the different vets. Keith
Posts: 546 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jul 2005
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I Know what you mean. I am also amazed at how the Social Security Office treats our citizens who have worked all of there life...It's just awful.
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A lot that will count on getting unemployability is your C&P resolts. I am now rated 100% for PTSD and I believe a lot of it was what came out of it and of course going through the National Center for PTSD. If you have more evedence make sure that they get it.
Larry
Posts: 34 | From: San Jose, CA | Registered: Aug 2005
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I used to work at my local regional office in the file room and I read countless files of veterans with 30-70% for PTSD with little to nothing (i.e. no physical ailments barring them from employment) else getting 100% IU - AND - approved for Social Security Disability.
I got to tell you...and I repeat...no offense...but when a veteran has merely PTSD to contend with and gets 100% IU and SS Disability and gets to live the "high life" (i.e. hiking, biking, sky diving, riding ATVs, and so many other physically orientated activities) it really PISSES ME OFF!
Why?
Here's why...
This is my list of service-connected disabilities:
• Dysthymic and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 50% • Fibromyalgia with Myofascial Pain Syndrome 40% • Chronic lumbar muscle strain superimposed upon Degenerative Disc Disease of the Entire Spine 40% • Chronic cervical and thoracic muscle strain superimposed upon Degenerative Disc Disease of the Entire Spine 20% • Subluxation of the right shoulder 20% • Subluxation of the left shoulder 20% • Tinnitus 10% • Hemorrhoids 10% • Patellofemoral joint syndrome of right knee 10% • Patellofemoral joint syndrome of left knee 10% • Left inguinal hernia 0% • Scar on left scapular area 0% • Left great toe fracture 0% • Hypertension associated with Dysthymic disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 0%
Schedular rating = 100% (Not P&T)
As you can see, I am in no physical shape to even remotely enjoy a "physical lifestyle" - AND - yet I HAVE BEEN DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY TWICE OVER !!!!!
When I worked at my local regional VA office, there was a work study there (son of a veteran) who told me how his dad is physically in top shape yet collects 100% IU because of a high rating for PTSD (70%) - AND Social Security Disability. He got a $110k back pay check, bought a new truck, ATV and goes sky diving, biking, hiking, etc.
Get my drift?
I understand the politics of each individual VARO is different but come on!
Everyone in American has to deal with depression, anxiety, anger, etc. on some level or another...the majority of whom are not even veterans!
Notwithstanding...I'm dealing with it (e.g. depression, anxiety, etc.)...I'm in Voc Rehab and plan to go back to work; so why can't others with PTSD issues that have ABSOLUTELY NO (or little to no) PHYSICAL AILMENTS barring them from employment!?!?!?!?!
Things (i.e. disabilities) only get worse IF YOU LET THEM!
Mind over matter people!
Take charge! Stop letting the disabilities control you!
GW1 Veteran
-------------------- Persistence = successfulness where granted S/C disability claims with the VA are concerned. Posts: 252 | From: USA | Registered: Aug 2005
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