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I have a similar problem with what I believe is PTDS. I served in Vietnam and over the course of 40 years after leaving Nam I have slowly been getting more depressed and have had bouts with anxiety and panic attacks. Sought treatment on many occassions in the past 20 years after leaving the Navy. In 2002 I lost my job and I completely lost it. I couldn't stay on a new job for more than a month because of my condition. I am now receiving SS disability benefits after four years of denials and refiling with Social Security. Can I also apply for benefits with the VA as I feel my condition was at least in part related to my combat experiences in Vietnam even though I can't prove it? Was on their website but I couldn't get enough info on what happens if I am receiving SS disability payments also. Anyone in the same situation?
Due to my good luck with the VA, I finally convinced my father to go back. He, like you, is a Vietnam veteran. Like most of that era, the VA treated horribly and as such, for about 30 years, he refused to go back.
Since then, the VA HAS helped out. Through appointments and testing, the VA themself diagnosed my father as having PTDS, and as of now he is FINALLY getting help.
I have a shoulder injury suffered during a parchute jump and have documented stiffness. But it is overall minoe and I have seen too many really seriously injuried that need help mopre. Since there is only so much money to help thsoe guys I have and will never put for any disabliity.That ois one thing that is wrong with teh system is that it is too over burdened with claims from too many that either isn't postively service related or is minow IMO.
I have a shoulder injury suffered during a parchute jump and have documented stiffness. But it is overall minoe and I have seen too many really seriously injuried that need help mopre. Since there is only so much money to help thsoe guys I have and will never put for any disabliity.That ois one thing that is wrong with teh system is that it is too over burdened with claims from too many that either isn't postively service related or is minow IMO.
IMO you should get free medical care that pertains to your injury suffered while in service for our country.
I fought for 4 years to have my knee treated by the VA after it gave out in Basic and Tech School and they kicked me out. I finally gave up the fight and since I worked as a waitress for a very small family owned resteraunt it was a few years before I could go to the doctor. I did do all my physical therapy I was assigned by the doctor in the Air Force. Here it is 8 years later and I just had knee surgery and am on short term disability from my employer. I'm not sure if the VA could have or would have fixed me earlier, but I wish I had been given the option.
Ditto for me, Crunchtime; thanks for your service and best of luck! I don't really have any experience with the VA or SS. I know others seeking to make claims have searched for other people that served with them to verify service and what happened when they were injured or experienced a traumatic event. Hope this helps.
Also keep in mind that service members are entitled to have prior service injuries that were aggravated by their service treated as well.
This reminds me of a crazy airman when I was assigned to Dyess AFB back in 1974. This guy was "out there" from the start and then proceeded to:
Swallow a light bulb from a car dome light, take a bite (and swallowed) out of a rubber rain boot, and painted his dorm room solid black, to name a few. He bragged how he would be getting money each month for 5 years after they kicked him out.
Ditto for me, Crunchtime; thanks for your service and best of luck! I don't really have any experience with the VA or SS. I know others seeking to make claims have searched for other people that served with them to verify service and what happened when they were injured or experienced a traumatic event. Hope this helps.
Thanks. With the SS claim I had an attorney help me. Couldn't do it without one. Not sure with VA. But I will apply and see what happens. I have nothing to lose and something to gain no matter how small the pension would be. If I am entitled to it why not?
Hey Crunchtime, get yourself a represenative from the DAV or other military vet group before you file to the VA. They really helped me. Even though I am rated 70% I/U (Indivdual Unemployablity) I have been denied SSDI several times. Best of luck to you!
I have a similar problem with what I believe is PTDS. I served in Vietnam and over the course of 40 years after leaving Nam I have slowly been getting more depressed and have had bouts with anxiety and panic attacks. Sought treatment on many occassions in the past 20 years after leaving the Navy. In 2002 I lost my job and I completely lost it. I couldn't stay on a new job for more than a month because of my condition. I am now receiving SS disability benefits after four years of denials and refiling with Social Security. Can I also apply for benefits with the VA as I feel my condition was at least in part related to my combat experiences in Vietnam even though I can't prove it? Was on their website but I couldn't get enough info on what happens if I am receiving SS disability payments also. Anyone in the same situation?
crunchtime,
Hope you visited, read/researched the VBN, the site that verynicebecky provided for you. Further, hope you are now a regular member there as they can certainly help you. Go to their PTSD thread and lay it out.
What service were you in? If you have a CAR or CIB there isn't anything you will need to prove your PTSD. Just remember when you go there don't hold back and to embellish it either. Straight talk will/should get you the help you need and hopefully the percentage you deserve.
jOE
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I finally gave up the fight and since I worked as a waitress for a very small family owned resteraunt it was a few years before I could go to the doctor. I did do all my physical therapy I was assigned by the doctor in the Air Force. Here it is 8 years later and I just had knee surgery and am on short term disability from my employer. I'm not sure if the VA could have or would have fixed me earlier, but I wish I had been given the option.
