PTSD...issues with VA claim

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 12:08 am

To keep this as short as possible, has anyone else, who has files a claim with the VA for their PTSD, been waiting over 6 and even after calling them and them telling you they are still working on your case?

How long does it take for them to call you or send you a letter in the mail telling you they need you to come to Danville to do paperwork?

Any insight on this would be great.

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 11:28 pm

I have not made a claim personally but some of my friends who have waited over a year.
Where are you calling? Do you have the paper in hand completed?

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 11:37 pm

I had a retired Airforce Col. file it for me and right in front of me. I got my 2 letters, and went back to him, had to fill out another form and give a detailed description of at least 1 event that was traumatic, and he mailed that. I just got a letter saying they are still processing my claim (6 months today exactly).

I did everything right, so I'm just wondering how long others that have filed a claim for PTSD or any other service related disability took.

Thanks for the reply too!

Member **Founders Club** Joined: Dec 12, 2007 Posts: 4436

Will that cause troubles with your FOID card?

Member **Founders Club** Joined: Dec 12, 2007 Posts: 4436

Also, what kind of crap is that? They make you describe one of your traumatic experiences?

"Please relive the traumatic experience that has caused you so much pain and turmoil." -- thanks, should I go get a rape victim and ask her to recount that for you too you sick ba$tard?

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 10:33 am

Exactly....It took me 2 pages to write about when and how (in detail) of one of my "experiences"...which is one of MANY!

But I had to do it...

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 2:01 pm

it could adversely affect your FOID card..
It will take a while, you may have shortened your wait time if you included doctors documentation of diagnoses (preferrably notarized).

on a side note
My Father is a Disabled vet too, went blind and VA doctors verified slow loss of eye sight via materials use related to his time served, and it took him about 2 years. I am intimately familiar with Hines VA

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 2:07 pm

Diver wrote:

it could adversely affect your FOID card..
It will take a while, you may have shortened your wait time if you included doctors documentation of diagnoses (preferrably notarized).

on a side note
My Father is a Disabled vet too, went blind and VA doctors verified slow loss of eye sight via materials use related to his time served, and it took him about 2 years. I am intimately familiar with Hines VA

@Diver,

My PTSD will not effect my FOID card at all...Just because My buddy was shot 3 times right in front of me, or we were mortared every single day we were in Ballad, that has nothing to do with my ability to own, fire, or handle firearms and ammunition.

Like those bumper stickers say..."From my cold dead hands"....

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 2:21 pm

IF...and that's a BIG if, they decide to say something, I'd rather keep my rights than take some cash payout and lose my right to bear arms.

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 2:33 pm

Some of our brave police officers also suffer from PTSD as a result of trauma in the line of duty, and they are allowed to carry a weapon...how does this make me different?

Corporal Joined: May 24, 2010 Posts: 320

I believe only committment would be grounds for FOID revocation. If committed voluntarily, there is a 5 year prohibition period. If involuntarily, it is grounds for permanent prohibition. Either case can be appealed.

Only, word of warning...be careful what you allow any doctor to diagnose you with...that info follows you for life.

It's utterly repulsive what the bureaucrats put veterans through.

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 2:45 pm

Mine diagnosed me with PTSD due to traumatic experiences while in Iraq back in 2003. But, about 90+% of OIF veterans are diagnosed for the same thing as me. I was diagnosed back in 06 cause I never knew I could till 2 years after I got out. I got out in 04 btw....

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 2:58 pm

jpryor wrote:

I believe only committment would be grounds for FOID revocation. If committed voluntarily, there is a 5 year prohibition period. If involuntarily, it is grounds for permanent prohibition. Either case can be appealed.

question 3 on the FOID App:

3. In the past 5 years, have you been a patient in any medical facility or part of any medical facility used primarily for the care or
treatment of persons for mental illness?

it references:
Commited
Specialist Doctors office like Psycholgist or Psychiatrist

now keep in mind the Blue is subject to interpretation, and in this gestapo state, they will automatically assume if it could cause a problem then its safer to deny use (regarding FOID)

Corporal Joined: May 24, 2010 Posts: 320

Then I would answer "NO" to all their questions regardless of where you've been or who you've seen. Let the ISP do the leg work.

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 3:20 pm

Precisely! I've read up on that issue plenty from other sites. That's why I sounded a little defensive there when Diver said that...and I apologize man.

I kinda get touchy on that issue. lol.