Hello to all,
I'm new to the forum and I am hoping to get some advice and questions answered. So here we go- I'm a 22 yr. Veteran (Desert Shield /Desert Storm / Operation Southern Watch) who currently is in the Air National Guard. After receiving poor care benefits from my unit and Tri-Care for my lumbar line of duty injury I went to the VA and initiated a claim for all my issues. I was recently rated by the VA for several issues listed below. Due to the most recent injuries herniated disc and reoccurring ankle sprain with painful motion (both injuries documented on LOD's) I'm no longer able to perform my PT test. I'm currently on my 2nd failure. Although my unit has agreed to submit my file to a MEB (PTSD, Lumber, and Ankle) I feel they are dragging their feet. My PTSD stems from active duty during desert shield/desert storm. I'm told the packet should be submitted sometime within the next month. They are awaiting for the signed/approved LOD for PTSD. It's been over 18 months since I started this process.
My VA ratings are as follows:
PTSD-30% (LOD being approved)
Psudeofiliculitus Barbae-30%
Lumbar-20% (LOD)
Ankle-10% (LOD)
Tinnitus-10%
Since I was recently awarded the above ratings, will I have to go through a long drawn out process of being reevaluated. It could take over another year and I'm at the end of my rope. Do i have to appear before a panel and answer questions or be seen by more doctors. I'm broken and feel useless to the military. Not to mention the stigma that goes with PTSD. Unit members look down on anyone who claims or mentions PTSD. It always seems to get out to members about people getting medically retired. People don't understand what its like. Since I already have my VA ratings, will it be faster? If they do additional C&P exams, can they change my ratings to a lower or higher rating? Can anyone please clarify process for someone in my situation. How long? What expect? Is the military going to try and disprove what my injuries/issues that I'm suffering? Are they going to be understanding and helpful with getting me through the process with the least amount of stress? I understand the process for someone in my situation as a traditional guardsman can be different from someone on active duty. Any advice or experiences you may have had would give me some insight as what to expect. Many thanks!
I'm new to the forum and I am hoping to get some advice and questions answered. So here we go- I'm a 22 yr. Veteran (Desert Shield /Desert Storm / Operation Southern Watch) who currently is in the Air National Guard. After receiving poor care benefits from my unit and Tri-Care for my lumbar line of duty injury I went to the VA and initiated a claim for all my issues. I was recently rated by the VA for several issues listed below. Due to the most recent injuries herniated disc and reoccurring ankle sprain with painful motion (both injuries documented on LOD's) I'm no longer able to perform my PT test. I'm currently on my 2nd failure. Although my unit has agreed to submit my file to a MEB (PTSD, Lumber, and Ankle) I feel they are dragging their feet. My PTSD stems from active duty during desert shield/desert storm. I'm told the packet should be submitted sometime within the next month. They are awaiting for the signed/approved LOD for PTSD. It's been over 18 months since I started this process.
My VA ratings are as follows:
PTSD-30% (LOD being approved)
Psudeofiliculitus Barbae-30%
Lumbar-20% (LOD)
Ankle-10% (LOD)
Tinnitus-10%
Since I was recently awarded the above ratings, will I have to go through a long drawn out process of being reevaluated. It could take over another year and I'm at the end of my rope. Do i have to appear before a panel and answer questions or be seen by more doctors. I'm broken and feel useless to the military. Not to mention the stigma that goes with PTSD. Unit members look down on anyone who claims or mentions PTSD. It always seems to get out to members about people getting medically retired. People don't understand what its like. Since I already have my VA ratings, will it be faster? If they do additional C&P exams, can they change my ratings to a lower or higher rating? Can anyone please clarify process for someone in my situation. How long? What expect? Is the military going to try and disprove what my injuries/issues that I'm suffering? Are they going to be understanding and helpful with getting me through the process with the least amount of stress? I understand the process for someone in my situation as a traditional guardsman can be different from someone on active duty. Any advice or experiences you may have had would give me some insight as what to expect. Many thanks!