Anyone ever file a VA Comp claim?

[LSA King]

I'm just starting to do this 3 years after being out, that's probably going to come back and fuck me, but I figure I might as well give it a shot.

Any who I'm curious to know how the Psych Eval goes since I'm claiming PTSD. From what I've heard, apparently the person doesn't ask you jack-n-shit regarding things you think they would. A buddy in the same unit as I was in said they asked him some basic things he's dealing with and then started rambling about nothing for 15-30 minutes with two memory test questions (one remember 3 numbers, the other 3 objects).

Is this seriously going to determine any damn thing? I thought the Pysch Doc was going to be the guy you could actually fucking, you know, vent to about your problems and instead it seems like the opposite. In response my buddy recommended getting friends and family to write in as evidence of your psychological issues which I plan on doing. I don't know how the hell they should address the letters, I don't want it to look tacky and what not.

Anyone have any experience with filing a VA claim?

[Freelance Tax Collector]

Well I didn't (and still haven't) claimed anything, but there's an advocacy organization who claim to be able to get the max compensation for service connected issues. They're called AMVETS or something, they have an office in the VA medical center, and the guy swore up and down that I could get 60% for PTSD related disabilities alone, on top of 10% for hearing damage and another 10% for knee and joint pain. I figured they're full of shit, even if I wanted the free cheddar. Better it go to some AF commo guy, who did a 6 month pump to camp cupcake... you know, with the once-in-a-blue-moon mortars, warm rip-its when the reefers go down, and river cities and such.

[p6867]

If i get disability i'm not eligible for certain jobs. I didn't take disability for PTSD when i got out, but i got the diagnosis and a counselor, which helps. The doctor who makes the diagnosis is just there to diagnose you, the counselor you get later is the dude you talk to and deal with shit with.

[LSA King]

Thanks for the info I'll have to check out the AMVETS and maybe get in touch with the local VFW to get some background info. I never planned on doing disability for the same reasons as you p6867 because I know it'll affect my second amendment for life as well as future career opportunities. Everyone I've talked to, family, close friends, former platoon members, GI personnel at college, etc. encouraged me to do so as the later on in life when it starts affecting you it'll be harder to get recognized. I tried getting help and all that for the past 3 years being out but shits gotten notably worse so I figure even if it's too late I might as well try.

I've just had shitty experiences with doctors from both the Army and VA in general every time I've gone to get actual help. They either push me off to some other asshole or throw me some pills after asking me whats wrong and then that's the end of it. Not to mention the absolute belittling these guys make you endure for trying to do the right thing seeking help. I don't have faith anything will work out in my favor, but who knows.

I guess in the long run I might as well stick with the zombie pills and see if the VA Comp claim goes anywhere. Only reason I'm even bothering with this shit is to ease my families worry and what not. I'm just worried about the Psych Eval since everyone I know say it isn't what you think it'll be like and whether or not I have the background medical history since being Infantry getting help was rare and a PITA.