ThomStoddertSquare-1--2

VA, Square 1- Part 2

by Thom Stoddert

Last month, we left off after covering the Agent Orange issue(visit us online to read that article), now we pick up with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a mental health condition that actually changes the physical structure of certain organs in the brain due to excessive high levels of stress and adrenaline. The symptoms are chronic, vary over time, and can adversely affect your behavior and health. If you think you suffer from this condition go to the nearest VA Vets Center or VA

hospital requesting treatment and

evaluation. Don’t forget your spouse,

family members, and close friends

are useful allies when dealing with

this condition. Another hint: don’t

claim service connection for this

issue just because you had a

“bad hair day” in the service and

you have not planned well for r

etirement. Your fellow vets will

look at you funny.

The VA will provide compensation

when there is evidence of an

in-service stressor event and a

current diagnosis of this condition.

The evidence for a verifiable service

related stressor is most often provided for by your DD-214. This is because it shows the receipt of a Combat Infantry Badge and/or other combat related awards, duty assignments, and military occupational skill identifiers.

The more you know and understand about this condition, the more you can deal successfully with it. So do your research by starting with your family, the VA treatment centers, and the Internet.

Additional Benefits

There are many, many additional benefits that are available to veterans and their families. Here are a few:

1) Additional compensation can sometimes be paid when service-connected disabilities reach certain levels of impairment.

A)Loss of or loss of use of a paired organ such as a foot, leg, or eye.

B)Loss of bowel and bladder control due to a service-connected condition.

C)Multiple high percentages assigned to service connected conditions.

2)Educational benefits can be granted when;

A)The veteran has service-connected conditions that interfere with employment and rated greater than 20%.

B)The veteran is rated at 100% or evaluated Individually Unemployable; therefore family members can receive educational benefits.

3)Pensions for veterans and/or surviving spouse;

A)The surviving spouse can be

eligible for a program called D.I.C.,

if the veteran dies of a service

connected condition or has been

rated 100% for ten years prior to

death.

B)The veteran can be given a

pension if non-service connected

medical conditions prevent

employment, regardless of age,

and if certain income levels are

verified. At least one day of war-time is also mandated.

C)A surviving family member can be granted a pension if the veteran had war-time service and meets certain income (a lack of) requirements.

4)Burial benefits can be paid at different levels depending on whether or not the veteran died of a service-connected condition, or was rated at 100%.

5)Health care benefits are available at different levels for both the veteran and family members depending on the level of disability recognized.

6)Medical equipment and appliances for service-connected conditions can also be provided.

7)Insurance plans and various loans for homes, farms, and businesses are available.

Summary suggestions and resources

Evidence is the very essence of any claim to the VA. An application for any benefit must meet the requirements for that benefit and have the supporting evidence. Evidence must always meet the legal standard of being credible. In some cases the standard must be at least to the level of a reasonable doubt.

Though not absolutely needed, having a good Veterans Service officer who is well trained can prove invaluable to developing the evidence needed for your claim. Veteran Service Officers can be found at VFWs, DAVs, American Legions, AmVets, and other organizations. Their services are for free regardless of membership. Just find one who has been nationally trained by their organization.

Any correspondence you receive from the VA must be read carefully and as many times as needed. A veteran’s service officer is helpful in explaining any letters you have received. If your claim has been denied, a letter will explain why it was denied and will indicate how the decision can be reversed.

The Department of Veterans Affairs

www.vba.va.gov

1-800-827-1000

Everything, all the laws, regulations, benefits, and more are here.

VA Vets Center

Located in most large cities

These are excellent places for information and treatment

PTSD information

http://www.ptsdmanual.com/

A good additional site to go to.

“Nam Vet” and “Down Range”

Books by Chuck Dean, 173rd Abn, 1966-67,

“Nam Vet” and “Down Range”Books by Chuck Dean, 173rd Abn, 1966-67,

Point Man International

Just do web search, multiple sites for the various local outposts.

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