No, these were both in fact WWII vets. I looked it up at the time, and there is a provision for the VA to make the presumption and start treatment, without proof or delay. The purpose I think was that the poor vet would be very dead if he waited for years and years for a claim to be submitted and approved.

Schwanke:
I misunderstood what you meant by presumptive. I think what you mean is where a condition could cause death if not treated right away, and the veteran can ask the VA to move them up in the line.

Nope, if there is a condition that they can PRESUME to be caused or aggravated by the service, they can begin treatment based on that presumption. I am not sure just who makes that decision.
For example one was a WWII vet who had worked around bombers, and had hearing loss. They gave him hearing aids and meds, PRESUMING that anybody that worked around bombers would have suffered hearing loss. Almost three years later I got him service connected for the loss.

Unfortunately, the VA claims process, like any other governmental agency is slow. As noted elsewhere here, dealing with the VA while experiencing PTSD symptoms is tough; creating additional stressors to those already present.

Hang in there, you'll get through it.

A friend of mine was at 881 North during the war, among other places, and has PTSD as bad as anyone I've ever seen. He also has 40 pieces of schrapnel in his arms and legs. (The VA to date won't remove any of them, even though he says some of them hurt all the time. They say the metal doesn't impair his function.)

Anyway, he worked all his life until recently when the PTSD got a lot worse. He was 70% and I told him to file for UE. They called him in for a PTSD comp exam in March. Six months later, without telling him the results of the first exam, they are calling him back for another PTSD Comp Exam.

These type stalling tactics should be criminal and not standard procedure. Since it's an election year, they are probably trying to keep the claim budget as low as possible. They always seem to mess with us more during election years.

The task of the VA is to implement Federal law. Unfortunately, not all Regional Offices are uniform in their interpretation.

I just found this thread! I was not told when I was active duty of any help upon discharge( Feb. 2, 1974). I was not told about being on a base that was were toxic chemicals were being made and tested! I was given no medical care , 8monthsPG. I had no clue that the nightmares, isolation and constant watching esp. behind me was because I had PTSD. I filed a claim for PTSD and had to prove that I was raped 30 plus years before. I now have two male Drs. through the VA who are great and know their stuff. I have meds that help me to "function". My husband and daughter can tell when I start having a panic attack. What helps me is knowing that I am not the only one living with PTSD and my computer is my lifeline. Sometimes, I just have to take a break from my computer. Sally

Glad to see you are back online!