I am posting this as a combination on my journey. Maybe it will help others find resources for their issues. I started with my MEB timeline from Fort Hood and then moved into my symtpoms and at the end I talk about a current treatment program I am trying that has worked for a LOT of Vets being done by Dr. Mark Gordon. I recommend you read the book from Andrew Marr "tales from the blast factory" it is on Amazon or check out his website warrior angel foundation.
I CAN NOT say the treatment works as of yet. I have not started the regiment yet but I have high hopes. My blood work did show my hormones where all over the place which I already knew from my doctors but hopefully this regiment can even it out and it does really help.
ANYONE that has questions please feel free to message me. I can only state my personal experience and what I have learned; however I am happy to share.
FORT HOOD WTU MEB PEB SSDI TIMELINE
SFC in the Army Reserve AGR program. 18 years of service. I couldn’t find a recent timeline for Fort Hood WTU process so I wanted to put my timeline up here in hopes I could help someone else that may have the same questions I had during this process. The PEBforum has been super helpful for me and I am glad I found it and thanks to the creator of the site for all his hard work!
My timeline may be a little different then some because for some reason AGR soldiers that use Tricare Prime Remote and see civilian doctors are very complicated for the Army it appears at least in my personal experience.
Initial AD Tour 1995-2001
Reserves 2001-2006 (1 deployment)
Break in Service
MEPS into Reserves 2010-2015 (1 deployment)
Reserve AGR Tour 2015-Present
November 15, 2017 Received an Email from an Army RN Case Manager stating I had 30 days to return a
Profile from my Pschiastrist. I was told one of my civilian doctors called them will concerns
December 14, 2017 Provided the Profile form which my Psychiatrist recommended permanent profile. I was
Trying to stay off the army radar as much as I could to finish my 20 prior to this.
March 24, 2018 After a lot of confusion by my Command and Fort Hood on how to profile an AGR
Soldier it was determined to order a Fit for Duty evaluation at Fort Hood. Conducted
A behavioral health fit for duty. Psychologist and Psychiatrist both recommended
Transfer to the WTU due to numerous medical concerns not just behavioral health.
April 1, 2018 Pulled off mission and sent home to wait until they could get WTU orders.
May 18, 2018 Reported to Fort Hood Hospital with all my civilian doctor files and discs for upload
To the Army system.
May 21, 2018 Met with a provider at Soldier Readiness at Fort Hood and was told she would not
Review my civilian files because they didn’t have the time or resources and she
Agrees that I should be transferred to the WTU.
August 22, 2018 Sent back to Fort Hood for a Fit for Duty eval on the physical side seeing
Rheumatology and Neurology. Recommended transfer to WTU.
September 3, 2018 Found a case manager that was able to review all my civilian files and FFD notes
And referred me to MEB.
September 5, 2018 Fort Hood IDES briefing and PEBLO meeting
September 7, 2018 Fort Hood meeting with VA representative to file claim for disability
September 12, 2018 VA Dallas C&P
September 24, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
September 25, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
September 26, 2018 Fort Hood mandatory meeting with VA Vocational Rehab
September 28, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
October 3, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
October 6, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
October 10, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
October 17, 2018 VA Dallas C&P
October 28, 2018 Reported to WTU at Fort Hood. It took 7 months to get orders because again a lot
Of confusion on how the process works. WTU denied my commands first attempt
Because I wasn’t in the MEB yet and Fort Hood refused to profile me because they
Wanted me to go to the WTU. So finally someone figured out to just review my
Civilian doctors files and profile me and refer me to MEB and reapply for WTU.
November 1, 2018 Met with NARSUM writer
November 2, 2018 PEBLO meeting received NARSUM
November 5, 2018 Met with MEB Counsel Legal to review NARSUM
November 13, 2018 Submitted IMR (independent medical review); which was reviewed and a condition
Was added to my unfit list. Case moved to PEB stage.
November 13, 2018 Applied for SSDI after Social Security conducted a class at the WTU
November 16, 2018 Mailed SSA requested forms for application. SSA 821 Work Activity Form and supporting
Documents.
November 30, 2018 Received Unfit memo requesting VA to provide percentages that was dated November 16
December 4, 2018 Received 199 with percentages from DOD and VA. 70% DOD Permanent and 90% VA
Proposed. Return stated that during the C&P 3 additional conditions I did not claim were
Identified and I can submit a claim for them. Here is a good calculator they showed me
To figure out the messed up VA math system. Just plug in all your percentages one by
One. It doesn’t matter what the condition is just needs the percentages.
For me 50%, 50%, 40%, 20%, 20%, 10%, 10% 200% right? NOPE 90%.
https://web-mont01.mail.mil/owa/red...rans-central/va-disability-rating-calculator/
December 5, 2018 Faxed a new claim to VA to add to my case requesting evaluation for the 3 found
Conditions not currently rated.
December 6, 2018 Signed 199 and agreed with findings.
December 7, 2018 Received 90 day no later than date March 7, 2018
December 11, 2018 Went over options with WTU on leave and ETS. They let you pick your ETS just has to be
Before the NLT date. You should always pick the 28th of the month from what the
Briefings told me so I picked January 28, 2019 and Transition leave starts
December 30, 2018
December 17, 2018 Will receive clearing papers to clear the Army
December 28, 2018 Singed DD214 and started transition leave
January 29, 2019 Retired
March 1, 2019 Received first DOD Retirement Check via direct deposit
The VA and WTU found 5 total conditions I didn’t claim while I was at the WTU and they told me to add them to the claim. So I did. I should have waited until I got my initial letter and added them because due to that I still don’t have my VA Letter It has moved in eBenefits from Feb 28, to March 28, to April 28, to May 16, and NOW to June 16 for completion. I have called numerous times and went to the VA and all they will tell you is where it is in the case and the dates “are subject to change at anytime and I should not have been told by the WTU that it would be a fast process since all the work was done during the IDES process”.
So still pending final decision as of 4/26/2019.
SSDI Denied from what I was told by my new Social Security Rep in the Military Section it was because the VA did not provide the documents they needed to find me eligible. So I am now doing a Reconsideration and she is “holding” my case as long as she can to try and get ALL the VA records to make a proper decision.
FORT HOOD WTU OVERVIEW:
Hello all,
I have done a lot of research on here and it has helped me a lot; however I still have not found a path to a doctor that can diagnose me much less help me yet so looking at CFS or the new Gulf War Syndrome
Endocronogist 2013-2015: All clear, yearly monitoring by MRI and blood testing. "Spotty T2 hyperintensisties in frontal lobe area of brain" was the only thing found and all my doctors say that is related to migraines and nothing else.
4 different PCMs 2013-2017: All testing clear. Xrays, CAT, ext of joints and back all clear nothing seen.
Neurologist 2017: Finally got pointed at MS and I was actually hoping for it. Sorry to say and incensitive to say for those who do have it so I appoligize, but thought it would be an answer. MRI brain and spine and blood testing done. Also did nerve testing of arms. All clear nothing found at all on any of it.
Neurotherapist Feb 2017: EEG testing done. Showed right side and right frontal lobe areas were not "firing" in normal ranges so started neurotherapy which is watching a TV screen and little blips going off. Saw NO improvement in any of my symptoms so stopped.
Psychologist Jan 2017: EMDR breathing, grounding, ext. diagnosed with chronic PTSD which is due to the social withdraw, anxiety, depression, ext.
Neuropsychological evaluation Oct 2017: basically memory testing because my long term, short term, and common sense are now issues. Came back below average or impaired in several areas mainly processing speed impairement. findings: anxiety, depression, PTSD.
I am still on active duty and was trying to make it to retirement; however doesn't appear it is going to happen. One of my doctors called the Army with "concerns" and that triggered the profile system to start which I assume will go to fit for duty board. I was on Tricare Prime Remote so keeping everything below the radar until last year when my memory started getting worse and I had to tell my chain I was seeking medical help to find out cause but it died from there.
All my doctors say mental now but that doesn't explain the physical in my mind. So I was pointed toward CFS or whatever they are calling the new Gulf War Syndrome. So I am getting a referal to a reumatologist now for diagnosis; however I don't see CFS explaining it all either adn was looking for feedback from the forum.
Basic symptom overview:
what I call "nerve" pain. stabbing fire like pain in knees, elbows, shoulder blades that comes and goes. Can last days or weeks when it hits.
same kind of pain in temples and behind my ear like in the bone. told it is a type of migraine.
Vertigo/dizzy spells that come and go
lower back pain. Like it seizes up, crushes in, can't hardly stand back up if it hits. comes and goes
Memory long, short, common sense. Long term like I can't remember life moments large events.
Anxiety, depression, social withdraw, life fog, groundhog day, everything is a chore even stuff that use to be fun like camping
Eye pain like burning and uncontrollable jumping of the eye comes and goes
spells of blury vision, bad night vision
uncontrollable trembling, facial twitching, finger twitching, muscle spasuming
slurred speech, mixing up words
sleep issues, I have a CPAP but no improvement as far as fatigue
always tired, everything a task
Urinary leakage and Bowel issues. Told IBS.
Could the doctors be right and mentally I am doing all this to myself? I just don't buy it but maybe.
I have spent tons of money out of pocket for specialties Tricare didn't pay for or for opinions from doctors not covered but still have no real answer except it is mental and all I can do is medicate myself with Xanax and Cymbalta for the rest of my life to treat the symptoms of PTSD.
Looks like fit for duty, PEB, MEB is in my near future so I am starting to read everyones experiences and it looks rough. Sorry for how long everyone has to deal with the process and the numerous fights you have to put up. I am weighing my options on maybe just doing the VA fight and ETSing without retirement at least I would just have to fight one government beast and not two. 16 years down the drain. I just don't know if I can stay on AD for the time it takes to medical board out.
Thanks to any feedback on possibel doctors I should be seeing to rule things out or find a actual diagnois.
I even reached out to one of those online doctors that specialize in VA claims to see if he could give me a clinical opinion of what he thinks is going on with me. He is a psychologist thought maybe he could explain from his experience how the above could all be mental or rule it out. Charges a good chunk but hopefully worth it. He said about 2 months to get it back.
Thanks to all,
Chris
RESPONSE to Ramac79 who has similar symptoms:
Ramac79,
Luckily this website sends me updates. In the end they just Medically Retired me January 29, 2019. The IDES process uses the VA C&P exams to determine if they will retire you. In my case the VA had 12 conditions when they were done but only 2 were found "unfitting" for the DOD so those are the 2 they used. I fought to get PTSD removed; which they did and downgraded it to General Anxiety but it doesn't matter all mental health are rated the same. So they gave me 50% Anxiety (combat related) and 40% Fibromalgia. I am positive I don't have fibro but it was what they used since all tests came back clear for M.S. even the new blood test that is 98% accurate for it. iQuity Multiple Sclerosis test. I paid for that one out of pocket. Over the course of this thing I have spent thousands on treatments that are not covered by Tricare and have seen little to no improvement. I have seen just about every specialist times 2 and have a long list of diagnosis which none fit.
I just paid $1500 to Dr. Mark Gordon who after a lot of research has helped a LOT of soldiers like us. I haven't started the treatment yet so I can speak to the results yet but I will keep you posted. He thinks TBI which could come from many sources. My hormones are all over the map which fits his thoughts. A special Forces Green Beret Andrew Marr even wrote a book Tales from the Blast Factory. If you read his book you most likely would feel like me that I could have wrote the book minus the crazy combat missions he went through. I was not a SF soldier myself. His symptoms are identical though and I even talked to him on the phone and he said he is now almost fully back to his normal self and all WITHOUT Prescription medication. He is on a Testosterone blend and a lot of supplements that help your body balance out its own system.
Feel free to send me a private message through here if you have direct questions along the way.
My VA rating was estimated at 90% at separation; however the VA found 3 conditions and the Fort Hood WTU found 2 conditions that they wanted me to add while at the WTU to my claim. I should have waited to do that.... My VA decision was supposed to be done Feb 28, then it moved to March 28, then to April 28, then May 28, and now June 16. They are gathering evidence again for those new conditions. I should have taken the initial 90% and then added the new conditions after the fact. Luckily DOD was fast and I am getting my medical retirement pay; however until I get my final VA letter I CAN NOT apply for CRSC (combat related special compensation) and I CAN NOT use VA Vocational Rehab services to help me get back to work in some other field.
The only thing I can say is prep before you separate. Get all your medical files on a disc and in hard copy form to carry around with you. If you used civilian doctors like I did ALWAYS have those files. Every VA or DOD appointment I went to they couldn't access those files because they were housed in some other system that not all the parties can access. It was a very frustrating process.
This is some information on Dr. Mark Gordon. AGAIN THOUGH I just got my blood work back and haven't started the treatment yet so I can't say if it works or not at least for me; however if you read a bit about him you will see a lot of soldiers that say it turned their world around. I have my fingers crossed in high hopes.
Joe Rogan:
Joe Rogan Experience #574 - Dr. Mark Gordon, Matthew Gosney & Jason Hall
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbxPxFiOIKc
Joe Rogan Experience #700 - Dr. Mark Gordon & Andrew Marr
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIQC3zHfVaI
Joe Rogan Experience #1056 - Dr. Mark Gordon & Andrew Marr
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jN6eBH8CFc
Warrior Angels Foundation (TBI)
I CAN NOT say the treatment works as of yet. I have not started the regiment yet but I have high hopes. My blood work did show my hormones where all over the place which I already knew from my doctors but hopefully this regiment can even it out and it does really help.
ANYONE that has questions please feel free to message me. I can only state my personal experience and what I have learned; however I am happy to share.
FORT HOOD WTU MEB PEB SSDI TIMELINE
SFC in the Army Reserve AGR program. 18 years of service. I couldn’t find a recent timeline for Fort Hood WTU process so I wanted to put my timeline up here in hopes I could help someone else that may have the same questions I had during this process. The PEBforum has been super helpful for me and I am glad I found it and thanks to the creator of the site for all his hard work!
My timeline may be a little different then some because for some reason AGR soldiers that use Tricare Prime Remote and see civilian doctors are very complicated for the Army it appears at least in my personal experience.
Initial AD Tour 1995-2001
Reserves 2001-2006 (1 deployment)
Break in Service
MEPS into Reserves 2010-2015 (1 deployment)
Reserve AGR Tour 2015-Present
November 15, 2017 Received an Email from an Army RN Case Manager stating I had 30 days to return a
Profile from my Pschiastrist. I was told one of my civilian doctors called them will concerns
December 14, 2017 Provided the Profile form which my Psychiatrist recommended permanent profile. I was
Trying to stay off the army radar as much as I could to finish my 20 prior to this.
March 24, 2018 After a lot of confusion by my Command and Fort Hood on how to profile an AGR
Soldier it was determined to order a Fit for Duty evaluation at Fort Hood. Conducted
A behavioral health fit for duty. Psychologist and Psychiatrist both recommended
Transfer to the WTU due to numerous medical concerns not just behavioral health.
April 1, 2018 Pulled off mission and sent home to wait until they could get WTU orders.
May 18, 2018 Reported to Fort Hood Hospital with all my civilian doctor files and discs for upload
To the Army system.
May 21, 2018 Met with a provider at Soldier Readiness at Fort Hood and was told she would not
Review my civilian files because they didn’t have the time or resources and she
Agrees that I should be transferred to the WTU.
August 22, 2018 Sent back to Fort Hood for a Fit for Duty eval on the physical side seeing
Rheumatology and Neurology. Recommended transfer to WTU.
September 3, 2018 Found a case manager that was able to review all my civilian files and FFD notes
And referred me to MEB.
September 5, 2018 Fort Hood IDES briefing and PEBLO meeting
September 7, 2018 Fort Hood meeting with VA representative to file claim for disability
September 12, 2018 VA Dallas C&P
September 24, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
September 25, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
September 26, 2018 Fort Hood mandatory meeting with VA Vocational Rehab
September 28, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
October 3, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
October 6, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
October 10, 2018 VA Fort Worth C&P
October 17, 2018 VA Dallas C&P
October 28, 2018 Reported to WTU at Fort Hood. It took 7 months to get orders because again a lot
Of confusion on how the process works. WTU denied my commands first attempt
Because I wasn’t in the MEB yet and Fort Hood refused to profile me because they
Wanted me to go to the WTU. So finally someone figured out to just review my
Civilian doctors files and profile me and refer me to MEB and reapply for WTU.
November 1, 2018 Met with NARSUM writer
November 2, 2018 PEBLO meeting received NARSUM
November 5, 2018 Met with MEB Counsel Legal to review NARSUM
November 13, 2018 Submitted IMR (independent medical review); which was reviewed and a condition
Was added to my unfit list. Case moved to PEB stage.
November 13, 2018 Applied for SSDI after Social Security conducted a class at the WTU
November 16, 2018 Mailed SSA requested forms for application. SSA 821 Work Activity Form and supporting
Documents.
November 30, 2018 Received Unfit memo requesting VA to provide percentages that was dated November 16
December 4, 2018 Received 199 with percentages from DOD and VA. 70% DOD Permanent and 90% VA
Proposed. Return stated that during the C&P 3 additional conditions I did not claim were
Identified and I can submit a claim for them. Here is a good calculator they showed me
To figure out the messed up VA math system. Just plug in all your percentages one by
One. It doesn’t matter what the condition is just needs the percentages.
For me 50%, 50%, 40%, 20%, 20%, 10%, 10% 200% right? NOPE 90%.
https://web-mont01.mail.mil/owa/red...rans-central/va-disability-rating-calculator/
December 5, 2018 Faxed a new claim to VA to add to my case requesting evaluation for the 3 found
Conditions not currently rated.
December 6, 2018 Signed 199 and agreed with findings.
December 7, 2018 Received 90 day no later than date March 7, 2018
December 11, 2018 Went over options with WTU on leave and ETS. They let you pick your ETS just has to be
Before the NLT date. You should always pick the 28th of the month from what the
Briefings told me so I picked January 28, 2019 and Transition leave starts
December 30, 2018
December 17, 2018 Will receive clearing papers to clear the Army
December 28, 2018 Singed DD214 and started transition leave
January 29, 2019 Retired
March 1, 2019 Received first DOD Retirement Check via direct deposit
The VA and WTU found 5 total conditions I didn’t claim while I was at the WTU and they told me to add them to the claim. So I did. I should have waited until I got my initial letter and added them because due to that I still don’t have my VA Letter It has moved in eBenefits from Feb 28, to March 28, to April 28, to May 16, and NOW to June 16 for completion. I have called numerous times and went to the VA and all they will tell you is where it is in the case and the dates “are subject to change at anytime and I should not have been told by the WTU that it would be a fast process since all the work was done during the IDES process”.
So still pending final decision as of 4/26/2019.
SSDI Denied from what I was told by my new Social Security Rep in the Military Section it was because the VA did not provide the documents they needed to find me eligible. So I am now doing a Reconsideration and she is “holding” my case as long as she can to try and get ALL the VA records to make a proper decision.
FORT HOOD WTU OVERVIEW:
- You will arrive and be assigned to HHC until you complete the initial in processing stage and then you will be “scrimmaged” to either Alpha, Bravo, or CCU company. Basically just a hand off to a line unit in the WTU. CCU is the “remote” program where they allow some soldiers to be assigned to the WTU but get to go home and do all your doctors appointments in your local area. Sort of a “remote duty station”. I was not able to get that one myself; however several soldiers did get it after the initial assignment to HHC.
- HHC while I was assigned you check in at 0900 in the briefing room in uniform 4 days a week and 0630 1 day a week in PT uniform. Then you have ending “formation” at 1500 for check out for the day. In the middle you are in processing or doing doctors appointments or doing your MEB/PEB stuff.
- I was actually PCSed to Fort Hood for some reason for the WTU so in my case since my family remained in the Dallas area I had to put in an exception to policy packet requesting I keep my Dallas BAH due to family remaining there and I was assigned a barracks room on Fort Hood during my stay. Since I lived 105 miles from Fort Hood I was lucky and didn’t have to put in a pass every weekend. You get a 150 mile radius on the weekends and holidays off.
- You are assigned a nurse case manager and will start seeing all the doctors you need to see. Some are on post and some are referred out to civilian providers off post. Don’t miss any appointments because they take it very seriously. And while at the WTU you are not suppose to have any alcohol also. Just a heads up.
Hello all,
I have done a lot of research on here and it has helped me a lot; however I still have not found a path to a doctor that can diagnose me much less help me yet so looking at CFS or the new Gulf War Syndrome
Endocronogist 2013-2015: All clear, yearly monitoring by MRI and blood testing. "Spotty T2 hyperintensisties in frontal lobe area of brain" was the only thing found and all my doctors say that is related to migraines and nothing else.
4 different PCMs 2013-2017: All testing clear. Xrays, CAT, ext of joints and back all clear nothing seen.
Neurologist 2017: Finally got pointed at MS and I was actually hoping for it. Sorry to say and incensitive to say for those who do have it so I appoligize, but thought it would be an answer. MRI brain and spine and blood testing done. Also did nerve testing of arms. All clear nothing found at all on any of it.
Neurotherapist Feb 2017: EEG testing done. Showed right side and right frontal lobe areas were not "firing" in normal ranges so started neurotherapy which is watching a TV screen and little blips going off. Saw NO improvement in any of my symptoms so stopped.
Psychologist Jan 2017: EMDR breathing, grounding, ext. diagnosed with chronic PTSD which is due to the social withdraw, anxiety, depression, ext.
Neuropsychological evaluation Oct 2017: basically memory testing because my long term, short term, and common sense are now issues. Came back below average or impaired in several areas mainly processing speed impairement. findings: anxiety, depression, PTSD.
I am still on active duty and was trying to make it to retirement; however doesn't appear it is going to happen. One of my doctors called the Army with "concerns" and that triggered the profile system to start which I assume will go to fit for duty board. I was on Tricare Prime Remote so keeping everything below the radar until last year when my memory started getting worse and I had to tell my chain I was seeking medical help to find out cause but it died from there.
All my doctors say mental now but that doesn't explain the physical in my mind. So I was pointed toward CFS or whatever they are calling the new Gulf War Syndrome. So I am getting a referal to a reumatologist now for diagnosis; however I don't see CFS explaining it all either adn was looking for feedback from the forum.
Basic symptom overview:
what I call "nerve" pain. stabbing fire like pain in knees, elbows, shoulder blades that comes and goes. Can last days or weeks when it hits.
same kind of pain in temples and behind my ear like in the bone. told it is a type of migraine.
Vertigo/dizzy spells that come and go
lower back pain. Like it seizes up, crushes in, can't hardly stand back up if it hits. comes and goes
Memory long, short, common sense. Long term like I can't remember life moments large events.
Anxiety, depression, social withdraw, life fog, groundhog day, everything is a chore even stuff that use to be fun like camping
Eye pain like burning and uncontrollable jumping of the eye comes and goes
spells of blury vision, bad night vision
uncontrollable trembling, facial twitching, finger twitching, muscle spasuming
slurred speech, mixing up words
sleep issues, I have a CPAP but no improvement as far as fatigue
always tired, everything a task
Urinary leakage and Bowel issues. Told IBS.
Could the doctors be right and mentally I am doing all this to myself? I just don't buy it but maybe.
I have spent tons of money out of pocket for specialties Tricare didn't pay for or for opinions from doctors not covered but still have no real answer except it is mental and all I can do is medicate myself with Xanax and Cymbalta for the rest of my life to treat the symptoms of PTSD.
Looks like fit for duty, PEB, MEB is in my near future so I am starting to read everyones experiences and it looks rough. Sorry for how long everyone has to deal with the process and the numerous fights you have to put up. I am weighing my options on maybe just doing the VA fight and ETSing without retirement at least I would just have to fight one government beast and not two. 16 years down the drain. I just don't know if I can stay on AD for the time it takes to medical board out.
Thanks to any feedback on possibel doctors I should be seeing to rule things out or find a actual diagnois.
I even reached out to one of those online doctors that specialize in VA claims to see if he could give me a clinical opinion of what he thinks is going on with me. He is a psychologist thought maybe he could explain from his experience how the above could all be mental or rule it out. Charges a good chunk but hopefully worth it. He said about 2 months to get it back.
Thanks to all,
Chris
RESPONSE to Ramac79 who has similar symptoms:
Ramac79,
Luckily this website sends me updates. In the end they just Medically Retired me January 29, 2019. The IDES process uses the VA C&P exams to determine if they will retire you. In my case the VA had 12 conditions when they were done but only 2 were found "unfitting" for the DOD so those are the 2 they used. I fought to get PTSD removed; which they did and downgraded it to General Anxiety but it doesn't matter all mental health are rated the same. So they gave me 50% Anxiety (combat related) and 40% Fibromalgia. I am positive I don't have fibro but it was what they used since all tests came back clear for M.S. even the new blood test that is 98% accurate for it. iQuity Multiple Sclerosis test. I paid for that one out of pocket. Over the course of this thing I have spent thousands on treatments that are not covered by Tricare and have seen little to no improvement. I have seen just about every specialist times 2 and have a long list of diagnosis which none fit.
I just paid $1500 to Dr. Mark Gordon who after a lot of research has helped a LOT of soldiers like us. I haven't started the treatment yet so I can speak to the results yet but I will keep you posted. He thinks TBI which could come from many sources. My hormones are all over the map which fits his thoughts. A special Forces Green Beret Andrew Marr even wrote a book Tales from the Blast Factory. If you read his book you most likely would feel like me that I could have wrote the book minus the crazy combat missions he went through. I was not a SF soldier myself. His symptoms are identical though and I even talked to him on the phone and he said he is now almost fully back to his normal self and all WITHOUT Prescription medication. He is on a Testosterone blend and a lot of supplements that help your body balance out its own system.
Feel free to send me a private message through here if you have direct questions along the way.
My VA rating was estimated at 90% at separation; however the VA found 3 conditions and the Fort Hood WTU found 2 conditions that they wanted me to add while at the WTU to my claim. I should have waited to do that.... My VA decision was supposed to be done Feb 28, then it moved to March 28, then to April 28, then May 28, and now June 16. They are gathering evidence again for those new conditions. I should have taken the initial 90% and then added the new conditions after the fact. Luckily DOD was fast and I am getting my medical retirement pay; however until I get my final VA letter I CAN NOT apply for CRSC (combat related special compensation) and I CAN NOT use VA Vocational Rehab services to help me get back to work in some other field.
The only thing I can say is prep before you separate. Get all your medical files on a disc and in hard copy form to carry around with you. If you used civilian doctors like I did ALWAYS have those files. Every VA or DOD appointment I went to they couldn't access those files because they were housed in some other system that not all the parties can access. It was a very frustrating process.
This is some information on Dr. Mark Gordon. AGAIN THOUGH I just got my blood work back and haven't started the treatment yet so I can't say if it works or not at least for me; however if you read a bit about him you will see a lot of soldiers that say it turned their world around. I have my fingers crossed in high hopes.
Joe Rogan:
Joe Rogan Experience #574 - Dr. Mark Gordon, Matthew Gosney & Jason Hall
Joe Rogan Experience #700 - Dr. Mark Gordon & Andrew Marr
Joe Rogan Experience #1056 - Dr. Mark Gordon & Andrew Marr
Warrior Angels Foundation (TBI)
