I was diagnosed with PTSD at Combat Stress while I was at Camp Liberty, Iraq. Although I tried to get copies of my record from Combat Stress before I left, they were RIPing and I had to re-deploy before I could get them. COL Gomez was the pyschiatrist that diagnosed me, and he entered all of my information and my diagnosis into the computer. I'm begining the process of applying for disability from the VA, and I'm wondering how to get a copy of the records COL Gomez had on me. Should this be a part of my permanent medical record? Any assistance would be appreciated.

If you were diagnosed with PTSD on active duty and your are an OIF veteran, the VARO's have been instructed by the Secretary of the VA, to order an examination and rate the claim. According to the Secretary, no further development is needed. Your Army Service Medical Records should be with the VARO at this point. The mental hygiene records should be included.
While your claim is in process it is extremely unwise to request any copies, not to delay the claims process, as most likely the request would be put on hold until the rating is done. But the request would be another log of an already log jammed system. I suggest you speak with your veterans service officer.

I haven't begun my claim yet. I'm trying to get all of my information gathered and in place to begin the process. Should I request a copy of the medical record or does the VA do that?

No do not order your medical records. That will delay your claim. VA orders records as soon as they receive the claim. Go ahead and file a claim. You need to use a qualified veterans service office to assist you. There are ample examples all over this PTSD Info and Links Discussion Board on finding a qualified VSO. If you live near an AMVETS Service Office, that would be a good place to start. Once your claim is filed, the AMVETS cannot get involved, so start there first, if you want to work with my group. All of the AMVETS NSO's (paid by National) and the accredited SSO's (paid by Departments) as well as nearly all County and State VSO's are well trained on the OEF/OIF issues concerning PTSD and all of the other unusual issues affecting the troops.
This very week, we are in training at Crystal River Florida. So Monday, or Tuesday morning get your claim filed so you will have an earlier effective date. It is the 1st day of the month following receipt of the application, unless it is within one year from the actual date of separation from active duty.

Make sure you have your ducks in a row because they LOVE to deny claims, even when you have proof. It's the VA way!

opulentdiva:
Welcome aboard. On this forum we help one another along as brothers and sisters. Your profile states your name is "This Member." We hope you will give us some background as you become a part of our forumily.
DaveBarker

Thank you for your advice, Dave. I appreciate all that you do!

quote:

Originally posted by 17562431:
Make sure you have your ducks in a row because they LOVE to deny claims, even when you have proof. It's the VA way!

Yep, agreed. The first round is almost always disapproved, regardless of your evidence. That way, they minimize claims awarded. Get more evidence from other doctors. Flood them with evidence. WIN.

quote:

Originally posted by psychoABN:
Thank you for your advice, Dave. I appreciate all that you do!

When I was in the bombing at Khobar Towers, things were so crazy. Even tho they had taken the very injury or almost at death took to the hospital, they had set up. But ones that had been injuredlike myself and others in my squadron , that was minor injuries,,, you had medics going around to the squadrons and helping people that was bleeding ect.. determining if they need to go to the hospital.... Even tho we mad 9 in my Squadron that had been injured, Our Commander and 1st Sgt was there watching and making sure everything was taking care of.. So with out the Purple Heart cert. The cert from our Squadron signed from our commander that said we were there. and the DD214 said I recieved the PH.. I have no medical records that say I was Injured or wombed on jun25,,,,1996,,,,, Its in my medical records after I had the stroke 4 months later ,, that I had had a head injury on the 25 1996 at khbar towers bombing.


SSgt65

quote:

Originally posted by SSgt65:

quote:

Originally posted by psychoABN:
Thank you for your advice, Dave. I appreciate all that you do!

When I was in the bombing at Khobar Towers, things were so crazy. Even tho they had taken the very injury or almost at death took to the hospital, they had set up. But ones that had been injuredlike myself and others in my squadron , that was minor injuries,,, you had medics going around to the squadrons and helping people that was bleeding ect.. determining if they need to go to the hospital.... Even tho we mad 9 in my Squadron that had been injured, Our Commander and 1st Sgt was there watching and making sure everything was taking care of.. So with out the Purple Heart cert. The cert from our Squadron signed from our commander that said we were there. and the DD214 said I recieved the PH.. I have no medical records that say I was Injured or wombed on jun25,,,,1996,,,,, Its in my medical records after I had the stroke 4 months later ,, that I had had a head injury on the 25 1996 at khbar towers bombing.


SSgt65

Excuse my spelling ..my brain is getting tired

SSgt65

As in every case, it's important to obtain the services of a competent Veteran's Service Officer (VSO) and obtain the best suport and guidance that you can.

Thanks for posting.

quote:

the DD214 said I recieved the PH..

That is presumption under the VA regualtions that prove the stressor. When Purple Heart is on the DD 214, M-21 requires VARO to accept that as the stressor, with no further development required.
As OldAFcop said, contact your VSO.

Local regional centers have a wide variety of Veteran's Services Organizations. It's a good idea to take the time to interview the potential VSO who will be representing you to insure that they are going to support you in the claims process.