VA PTSD CLAIM SUPPORT UPDATE 01:
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
>> happens after a person faces some traumatic incident that affects the
>> mind
>> and soul of the person deeply. It involves intense fear,
helplessness
>> and
>> horror that happens because of previously experienced events. A person
is
>> not able to forget the incident and the memories and the picture of the
>> incident keep coming back which ultimately becomes a big stressor which
>> affects their behavior and/or health. The person gets overly worried
>> about
>> the incident and becomes depressed. PTSD stress disorder shows many
>> symptoms that work as stressors. Symptoms are:
>>
>> . Poor concentration and short term memory.
>> . Depression and Apathy.
>> . Difficulty in communicating.
>> . Physical problems.
>> . Emotional numbing.
>> . Difficulty in trusting others.
>> . Stress.
>> . Anger & Rage.
>> . Frustration.
>> . Irritability.
>> . Isolation.
>> . Poor self esteem.
>> . Negative self image.
>> . Lack of feelings.
>> . Hypervigilant.
>> . Easily startled.
>> . Sleep disturbance or insomnia.
>> . Flashbacks.
>> . Anxiety.
>> . Loss of interest and motivation.
>> . Poor judgment.
>> . Guilt and Survivor guilt.
>> . Intrusive memories.
>>
>> If you received a diagnosis of PTSD while on active duty and are
>> suffering
>> from any of the above symptoms you have the basis for a VA claim for
>> PTSD.
>> If your medical records do not show you were previously diagnosed
or
>> treated for PTSD and you are suffering from any of the above which you
>> feel is related to your service you can submit a claim but must provide
>> proof of involvement in a combat scenario if your claim is based
on a
>> combat stressor. The VA concedes that receipt of any of a
Decoration
>> denoting Combat Service (Combat Action Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge,
>> etc.), a Decoration for Valor in Combat (Service Achievement or
>> Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, etc.), with "V" for Valor,
or a Purple
>> Heart Medal, are grounds to file a claim with the VA for
>> service-connection of PTSD. To initiate the claim the Veteran
just needs
>> to make a simple written statement of the symptoms he (or she) is
>> experiencing at present. When veterans are in denial and won't
admit the
>> severity of their disability it is helpful if a relative or close
friend
>> also makes a separate written statement of the symptoms they've
observed
>> in the Veteran. Call the VA at 1(800) 829-1000 and ask for the location
>> of
>> the nearest VA Veterans Center or Healthcare Facility that can assist
>> you.
>> [Source: VFW VSO Scott H. Langhoff article 2 Jun 08 ++]