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Q788: I want to apply for PTSD for my 2 two tours in Nam walking point for G co. Rangers 75th. I now know my life has been deeply affected from my service, 5 marriages, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, prison, and homeless in the 80’s, even though I seem to be normal now I still live with what I went thru. How do I get started in applying for disability compensation?
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A1: Check with the veteran benefit counselor and or the Disabled American Veteran organization. (AA) 11/15/21
A2: I would recommend that you start with a Service Officer belonging to either the DAV, VFW, or Am Legion. I wouldn't suggest you try doing it yourself either online, or at the VA. IF the Service organizations have an office located inside the VA, then go to them. (KD) 11/15/21
A3: If I were you I would research and do it myself. My experience working with veterans service officers has been horrible. I got more success getting my 100% by doing everything myself. Download VA forms to get started. I used VA form 21-526 EZ to start my claim. (PK) 11/15/21
A4: Go to the nearest VA and ask for a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). Take your DD214. (RD) 11/16/21
A5: First thing I would recommend is that you seek some medical help through the VA. Since you served in Vietnam, the VAMC has to enroll you regardless of what your previous calendar years' gross household income. Once you see your VA doctor and explain what you have been going through, they will more than likely refer you to mental health. As far as filing a claim for SC for PTSD/mental disorder, I would recommend seeking the help of an "accredited Veteran Service Officer". Most states have these in most of the counties of the state. Our systems allow direct upload into VBMS, the system the VA uses to do claims in. If you file w/o a diagnosis of PTSD/mental disorder, the VA will schedule you for a C&P exam to determine your condition and diagnosis. You will have to file a VA Form 21-781 to tell VA what the stressful incident/s that has caused your PTSD/mental disorder. If you do not have a conceded stressor (CIB, Purple Heart, CMB) showing you engaged in combat, then the 781 has to be detailed enough that the VA can go out to the Joint Services Record Research Committee for them to verify the incident. If no conceded stressor and the 781 is not detailed enough, the VA will come back to you and ask for a more detailed description of the incident and more than likely will not schedule an exam. (DS) 11/16/21
A6: Start with a VSO at the VA. They will help you get started. (AP) 11/16/21
A7: Get in touch with a Veteran's Service Officer who is familiar with the ins and outs of PTSD. This program is of vital important to the Veteran Community but the way that the VA Administered this program is a brutal route for the Veteran to go down. If you have been diagnosed with depression anxiety panic attacks or sleep apnea file for these just like I have them listed and you will get the same rating for these as you would for PTSD and don't have to hop all through the other hoops. (GR) 12/31/21