Remember folks you must find a VSO who can think independent of VA programed responses.

Dave,

I have a question on that.

When I learned about Veteran Service Offices, I was told to contact my COUNTY office, there I was ASSIGNED a VSO. He is good, but only willing to go so far, then backs off.

But, my point is, I had no opportunity to "interview" VSO's, how do I find one who will work HARD for me???

I also am a Lifetime VVA member. My VVA rep is about the same, not willing to push hard for me. Is this based on the power of the Minnesota VA or is it SOP across the nation?

quote:

When I learned about Veteran Service Offices, I was told to contact my COUNTY office, there I was ASSIGNED a VSO. He is good, but only willing to go so far, then backs off.

CVSO's are good, but limited on what they can do by the veteran organizations they work with. To find a good rep, you just have to ask around the posts and chapters. You must talk to them and learn if they represent the vet or philosophy.
Also
Remember folks you must find a VSO who can think independent of VA programed responses.

It's 3am and I'm awake ... again because my husband (a marine veteran that served in Vietnam) is again becoming violent in his sleep. His depression started about 2 years ago following a surgery with a long recovery period during which he was unable to work. I know now that everything that has changed about him is classic PTSD symptoms. He is constantly irritated even to the point of violent outburst (with out remembering a thing). He "zones out", tears up over almost everything, and is now begining to talk about the once forbidden military topic. More often than not he whispers in his sleep and many times has knocked me out of bed while screaming "get down". I recently told his VA doctor about these outburst during his regular visit and he is now on medication plus seeing a psychologist and a therapist through the VA. As for my point ... is there anything I can do other than be understanding and listen that will help calm him especially at night so that maybe we can both get some much needed sleep?

Yes, first I ask you to go to my website and read all of the articles on PTSD, as well as my book under the button "Combat Veterans" which will give you much insight. Your husband has triggers which now appear to be bringing his stressor back with intensity. You need to keep his PTSD clinicians well advised of his situation.
Has he filed for service connected compensation for PTSD? If not, he should contact a veterans organization service officer.

quote:

Originally posted by amedicdy:
It's 3am and I'm awake ... again because my husband (a marine veteran that served in Vietnam) is again becoming violent in his sleep. His depression started about 2 years ago following a surgery with a long recovery period during which he was unable to work. I know now that everything that has changed about him is classic PTSD symptoms. He is constantly irritated even to the point of violent outburst (with out remembering a thing). He "zones out", tears up over almost everything, and is now begining to talk about the once forbidden military topic. More often than not he whispers in his sleep and many times has knocked me out of bed while screaming "get down". I recently told his VA doctor about these outburst during his regular visit and he is now on medication plus seeing a psychologist and a therapist through the VA. As for my point ... is there anything I can do other than be understanding and listen that will help calm him especially at night so that maybe we can both get some much needed sleep?

~cdy

It sounds as if you both are taking all the necessary steps to ensure he gets better. I have experienced something similar but won't share because it doesn't even compare to your situation. Have you thought about sleeping in another room for awhile? You sound like a faithful and strong woman and he is fortunate to have you.... BUT please be safe, there may come a time where you need to seperate for awhile if the violence escalates, especially if you have children.

Be well!

boughtwaprice
Thanks for excellent input!

My husband is working on his VA claim so things have been especially hard this week because he is having to relive the details on paper. We are having an difficult time because although after 35 years he can recall many of the details in vivid fashion he can't remember the dates, times, or names the VA is requesting. I'm doing as much research as I can to keep him from any undue stress. Even armed with names from documents and some pictures that he had, information is not easily come by. I have began reading the information you've mentioned along with some provided by the VA. I have found some of it helpful. I am sleeping in another bed room some of the time (and can put if off as not wanting to bother him because i work nights and get home sometimes just hours before he has to be up), but can tell that this hurting him as well. I mentioned living in our guest bedroom for a while. This enraged him. He kept screaming and saying that if I didn't want to share our bedroom then he would just leave and let me have the whole house. He began to make comments about suicide but never made actual threats (but I'm not sure if it is because he knows that I am an officer trained to deal with suicidal persons). I have already mentioned to his dr the one other time that this happened. I am afraid that he honestly believes that i want to be away from him or that i don't care about him. In all the information, I have found nothing that addresses this. Any suggestions?? boughtwaprice ... thanks for the concern but there are no children involved as I am quite a bit younger and we have been married a short period of time. Any help would appreciated.

quote:

he can't remember the dates, times, or names the VA is requesting.

Most people cannot remember the names, rarely exact dates, the VA is well aware of that as well. Part of the PTSD condition is some memory loss. Even though, memories do fade in some areas over time, not always in some areas. Vivid recollection of the trauma does not always fade, though the names and dates do fade.
If you have not been on my website, I suggest you go there. On my Combat Veterans link is my book on PTSD, at the bottom is a link to my PTSD form. The form has worked for my clients for nearly 25 years, in bringing back the time and place of the trauma.

amedicdy I have been where you husband is.

By any chance might his parents, friends or maybe he himself have some letters that were sent/received while he was in Vietnam?

Letters he sent home that might mention actions he was involved in or problems he had can be accepted by the VA as evidence.

Also, does he have any of the old orders or medal citations that mention other members of his unit? They will have full names, sometimes home of record, and usually the social security number of the person. With that you might find some documentation.

Be patient with him if you can. You sound like a very loving person. Your husband is not the person he wants to be, and he doesn't even know he's ranting and raving while blaming you for not wanting him.

All the things you said are so familiar to many of us here. Hang in there, it can all get better. Make sure he gets some treatment for PTSD, even before he gets a disability. The sessions with a Doctor or in group can help to jar loose some of the memories, in a controlled enviorment, and help you husband to document his case.

Good Luck

Bill

quote:

All the things you said are so familiar to many of us here. Hang in there, it can all get better. Make sure he gets some treatment for PTSD, even before he gets a disability. The sessions with a Doctor or in group can help to jar loose some of the memories, in a controlled enviorment, and help you husband to document his case.

Thanks Bill! Excellent input!

Hi everyone: This is a two part post. First get a copy of your( your loved's )claim folder, which includes, all notes, military personal file (201), military medical file, discharge (DD214= proof of duty stations, dates& locations. Then get into mental health with someone trained in PTSD, STAT. Mike and I sleep in separate bedrooms because of my nightmares and I talk and yell in my sleep. We did this soon after we got married. I thought that Mike did not love me, wrong! Also, I talk with my caregivers, mental and primary, social workers, and pastor about everything that is going on in my life. Dave, this next part is for you and/or anybody else? What can us veterans do to get Congress to investigate how all veterans are being denied our rights and it is the VA doing it.? I asked Senator Patty Murray to investigate the WDVA and VA regional office, Mike wants me as his payee. I was investigated and Mike's request was denied by VA regional office. Sally

quote:

Dave, this next part is for you and/or anybody else? What can us veterans do to get Congress to investigate how all veterans are being denied our rights and it is the VA doing it.? I asked Senator Patty Murray to investigate the WDVA and VA regional office, Mike wants me as his payee. I was investigated and Mike's request was denied by VA regional office. Sally

To answer your question is not simple. I give a simple answer, but you need to do complex things to obtain the change. First thing that must be done is to get the attention of those in Congress, that is not an easy task. For an individual to call or write is comparable to a drop of water in a bucket. When enough drops of water get into the bucket, it will make a difference. So you must enlist the help of other people who vote in your district. People in one state writing to Congressional Representatives in other states are not effective, your Congress Representatives only listen to voters who can vote for or against them. The last election woke up congress. Notice the changes in leadership of BOTH parties? Even the Republican leadership went from conservative to moderate.
The best method possible to enlist the help of other people, who vote in your district is to go to your veterans organization meetings. You need to make the issues clear and concise to the membership. Each month I go to six different veterans post meetings. I go to state conferences, the annual state convention of AMVETS and sometimes other organizations I belong to. The Congressional members listen to numbers, veterans groups are BIG numbers.
The people who belong to the same Church as me, also hear what I say and they in turn support our issues. They also complain to the Congresswoman in our district. So when non veterans complain about veteran issues, it is even more effective.

Dave; Thanks for your answer. This morning I wrote Senator Patty Murray( who I know personally) another letter back on her response to us the first time. I told her in the letter who else I have contacted. I told her to read military.com, living with PTSD forum to read other veterans stories. I have done everything that I have the energy to do. Sally

quote:

I told her to read military.com, living with PTSD forum to read other veterans stories.

Good!
She also needs to read this forum as well.

Dave, While shopping recently, the cashier noticed my Navy Mom shirt/and said that her son was just home for Iraq. Said first few weeks were ok,, but now he seems stressed and didn't like the way he was acting. She asked what she could do, and I really wasn't sure of the proper response. I suggested she either call the VA Hospital in Providence, or the Naval Hospital in Newport. What would be the proper place to refer someone to?
(I just found this site today by accident and thought I'd check it out)
tks.
NavyMom

The two best places if he has been separated from active duty is 1. The closest VAMC. 2. The closest Vet Center. If he is still active duty, the Naval Hospital should suffice, or report to Sick Call and report the symptoms.

Hi Dave, I have PTSD, also panic disorder and agoraphobia. I received a total combination rating of 70% with I/U for all three is this normal? it's been 2yrs since my claim(also want to add it only took me 2 months to recieve the rating) shouldn't I have appealed the descision for a higher rating?
second question is that with my agoraphobia it's hard for me to get to the VA hospital which is 10 miles from my house, my sister and I start TWO months before appt to drive there every day, I mean every day, and it gets harder and harder every time I go is there a way for me to have the appt via web? I heard my APN mention it one time and was wondering if I maybe could go to a clinic which is 2 miles from my house(dean clinic) and do it from there?. also since I can't get to the VA I can't utilize therapy, APN had a vet to vet call me but he wasn't very talkative and everyone pretty much works out of the VA, is there a "work around" for this so I could make it to appts easier AND get some therapy?
Thanks
Rick

quote:

Originally posted by cpl_203:
Hi Dave, I have PTSD, also panic disorder and agoraphobia. I received a total combination rating of 70% with I/U for all three is this normal? it's been 2yrs since my claim(also want to add it only took me 2 months to recieve the rating) shouldn't I have appealed the descision for a higher rating?
second question is that with my agoraphobia it's hard for me to get to the VA hospital which is 10 miles from my house, my sister and I start TWO months before appt to drive there every day, I mean every day, and it gets harder and harder every time I go is there a way for me to have the appt via web? I heard my APN mention it one time and was wondering if I maybe could go to a clinic which is 2 miles from my house(dean clinic) and do it from there?. also since I can't get to the VA I can't utilize therapy, APN had a vet to vet call me but he wasn't very talkative and everyone pretty much works out of the VA, is there a "work around" for this so I could make it to appts easier AND get some therapy?
Thanks
Rick

I do not think you should appeal. I will advise you why:
1. 100% is all you can receive. Unless you wish to work, what is the difference? Most employers are not going to consider hiring someone rated 70% with mental disorders.
2. Higher than 70% for PTSD, most often means loss of handling your own money and loss of right to own firearms. Most states will not issue a hunting license to a person 100% SC for PTSD.
3. There is a risk of another rating specialist reducing your award based on their opinion.

In regard to your VA appointments, you need to discuss this with your social worker to make arrangements for you to be treated. You can be picked up and returned home by the VA personnel. I have no way of understanding how you could have a mental hygiene appointment via web. You could however talk via phone to your providers.

thanks Dave for the input