How do I get the VA to acknowledge PTSD/TBI (5 year battle now with them)?

2019-10-10T21:11:46-04:00

I got out of the Army in 2015. I got PTSD and TBI while in the service, among other problems. I have been receiving no help from the VA for either. After 2017 or so I had to hire a lawyer as the VA, even with their own doctor/review person, saying that I've got PTSD, deny helping. I keep reading stories about all those getting help, but what about all of those who are getting left behind, swept under the rug, or outright ignored or left for dead? Its now going on 2020, 5 years since I got out, and the VA won't even acknowledge the PTSD, TBI, or several other problems that I got from my stint in the military. So again, what do those of us who are being left/ignored to deal with out conditions untreated by the VA?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 10 at 2019 9:47 PM

2019-10-10T21:47:36-04:00

TBI cannot be denied. You were either involved in explosions or you were not, there are unit records. As for PTSD there are test that evaluate this illness. Lawyers will tell you anything, speak with the DAV. Thank you for your service.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 10 at 2019 10:14 PM

2019-10-10T22:14:10-04:00

http://www.vetadvocates.org

Our thing for my total perm disability took six and a half years, we started with a vet group, they did really try, however, my whole thing was way too involved...the NOVA guy we were fortunate to find had a $500 consult, the best money we ever spent, there are also law school vet law.clinics, though they can't always take everyone...I've sent the NOVA site in here many times, as have others, check their search engine, or call their office, see if any of theirs near you are prior active, Gurd, Reserve, ours was 3 yrs prior active, try and see if they can help you, I'd you wanna chat more, just lemme know, no rush, whenever you'd want, honest, OK?

Home

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 10 at 2019 10:20 PM

2019-10-10T22:20:41-04:00

https://www.hklaw.com/

This is another really good law.firm, with a quite large VA-disability pro-bono effort, we were able to get their help.for VA-survivor benefits for.my 97-y/o mother-in-law,.their guy helping us said I could obv tell others about them for VA-disability related help, call their Chicago office, our guys are in their other offices, just ask them about their VA pro-bono group, and see if they can help you, I was told.I could give more info if someone needs their help.and wanted to ask, I'd need be, however, trust me, start with calling their Chicago main office, and just explaining you'd heard about their whole VA.pro-bono effort, I'd you need more help, just lemme know, I'll try to do what I can to.see.if I can ask about more help.formyou, the attorney assigned to us and I do speak fairly frequently about the whole thing for my mother-in-law, he did say you can obv call and ask them about pro-bono help, as I did for us about her, OK!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2019 1:18 AM

2019-10-11T01:18:14-04:00

What help are you looking for, specifically? I may be of assistance. I do this for VA full time.
What did your denial letter say?

Response by PFC Ray Aquila made Oct 14 at 2019 10:15 PM

2019-10-14T22:15:38-04:00

The VA cannot refuse you treatment for PTSD. Bring this to the attention of your patient advocate at your VAMC, and your Primary. Your Primary should give you a consult to the Mental Health Clinic (MHC). They will assign a Psychiatrist/Psychologist. Treatment is straight forward. They will determine the severity of your PTSD. Everyone is different. during your visits to MHC it becomes part of your medical records. Those records are available to you. After a few visits your MHC physician can give an evaluation. Don't forget to inform your MHC physician this is for compensation and Pension, (C&P). To receive the required help for PTSD. You have to keep attending. This is not just to get a check. Take your meds as prescribed by your MHC physician. Keep all appointments. Good luck, Kevin

Response by SPC Rebecca Burt made Nov 29 at 2019 3:09 AM

2019-11-29T03:09:20-05:00

I deployed to Iraq in 2003 then got out of the military in 2005. They offered a few appointments a year until about 2014, but wouldn't help me with anything else. I was very unwell for years and it was very very hard to do benefit paperwork -- they sent it back to me 3x saying Id missed a date, or a signature. NO help. I --still-- have no benefits, though I have 3" of medical files detailing PTSD, knee and back issues, problems with dizziness, etc. Ive seen several bull-shitters will full rides (like they literally didn't make it through boot camp!) but I cant get appointments for 6 months, even if I say Im suicidal. Basically, if you live in a big city MAYBE you'll get help, but out here in the woods they just leave you to be homeless or die.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2019 5:54 AM

2019-11-30T05:54:42-05:00

Are you working with the VFW or DAV? They should be able to walk you through the process.