I`m a Vietnam Veteran who filed a claim on 12/20/05 for service-connected disability,(diagnosed with PTSD) and medical symptons that may be Agent Orange related. Also filed a non service-connected pension 12/20/05. I need an honest,straight up answer from someone who knows the VA system. VA representatives only have limited access to my files. I filed my VA claims in Philadelphia, PA. Thank You very much!!!
2006-09-21 06:15:49 · 5 answers · asked by jamesanderson22 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
You should have been notified by mail that they have received your claim for PTSD. Depending on your MOS, what your stressor,is and several other factors, and the evidence you submitted, it will take some time. The VA is way behind the power curve on claims. Not only are Nam vets now filing claims, there are the returning vets from overseas filing PTSD claims. Kept on their ***. Contact your federal rep by mail and ask for a response.
As for Agent Orange, the VA recognizes 11 or 12 disorders that they except has service connected if you severed in Nam. Diabetes, cancer of the lungs, prostrate are a few of these. If you have never gotten a physical for agent orange or it has been awhile if you have, get one done ASAP. These usually take less time to work through the system. Hang in there and don't give up!
2006-09-21 19:14:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try calling 1-800-827-1000, that is the number for Department of Veterans Affairs. It is the same number for each state, whatever state you are in and dial that number, you will get your main Veterans Administration office for that state. It will most likely be an automated response, just hit 0 for operator to talk to a real person, give them your VA claim number or SSN and ask for the status of your claim. It does take a while to work claims especially with PTSD claims. Pension claims are based on income and whether you are permanently or totally disabled and if you are a war-time veteran. If you are over the age of 65, you are automatically declared disabled, but income does matter. Most of the pension claims are worked at the Pension Maintenance Center in Philadelphia, PA for the eastern part of the US. I know they work our claims for North Carolina. Hope this helps.
2006-09-21 13:51:21 · answer #2 · answered by Caleb's Mom 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My husband was released in 3/04 and we filed his claim for disability that same month. It was May of 05 before we started getting his disability. Be patient, they should have sent you a letter (or 2) saying that they are working on your claim. If not try calling 800-827-1000. This is the number we were given to find out any info from the VA from any state. Good luck!!
2006-09-21 13:32:09 · answer #3 · answered by heaven help me 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dad recently started receiving SSI benefits, also for PTSD, he is a Vietnam Veteran. He was told that within a year he should be receiving VA benefits. So start with Social Security disability, this only took 6 months in Alabama.
2006-09-21 13:29:50 · answer #4 · answered by jbird35645 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes about a year. The VA loves red tape. At this point, if you haven't heard anything from the VA, I would suspect that your claim was lost. You need to contact them and get a status.
2006-09-21 13:21:17 · answer #5 · answered by Lt. Angst 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋