3/3 RVN Ass’n Vol 1 Issue 4 09/01/2005 
Page 10
Page 10Awarded your Purple Heart?
When wounded under combat conditions, Purple Heart Medals were routinely awarded. However,
on occasion for one reason or another, some may not have received their Medal and/or Citation.
If you are one of the over 2,500 individuals who we have been able to document as WIA, and have NOT received your Purple Heart… contact us immediately. Our documentation appears to be sufficient to obtain the Medal. We have assisted several of our alumni thus far successfully, and have made progress even for a few unreported WIA’s.
This does not mean that we can guarantee success in all cases, but the archives in our possession seem to carry much weight… not only for Purple Hearts, but also in disability claims with the VA.
The VA should be able to assist with the forms to file to get your Purple Heart.
Likewise, we cannot file your VA claim, nor assure that it will result in a rating… however, we can supply you with archival information in a format that seems to hold some sway.
We’ve received many comments from Reps working our guys’ claims that are amazed at the “package” we put together for them.
The VA has improved, and is working to provide first class health care for us, as well as support for disabilities. We earned it… indeed paid for it a long time ago, and should not be discouraged in seeking what is available to us.
They do scrutinize claims carefully, as well they should. A claim must be legitimate in order to succeed. There is much documentation and proof of condition required, of course, and some of these things we can help with… some you will need to handle from your end. A Rep from the State, or a service organization (American Legion, VFW, DVA, VVA, MOPH, etc.) may assist you with your claim.
Some Reps are good, some not so good. Shop for one like shopping for a new car… kick the tires and look under the hood… this person will represent you, and you want to be certain that they will do a first rate job for you. If you feel uncomfortable with the person, find another one.
Reps cannot and will not dummy up a claim for you. They are trained in what to do, and what not to do. However they should have the straight line to the proper offices and individuals to keep your claim on track and expedited.
You will have to make all appointments scheduled for you, co-operate with the staff at the VA, etc.
Raising hell with them, or getting in their face will only hurt your overall treatment and progress. (Although at times it will seem that this might be your only recourse…). Patience and a steady demeanor will get much better results than confrontation… in spite of how frustrating some people you will have to deal with might be.
Do not expect results overnight… the normal period from filing a claim to rating can be 9 to 18 months. However, the clock starts the day they receive your claim forms, and any rating will be paid from that date (as back pay immediately after receiving a rating).
Once rated, should you feel the rating is too low, there is an appeal process. It must be begun within one year of the date you were rated. Also, you will be required to submit “evidence” of the reasons you believe the rating is inadequate. This takes medical evidence or reevaluation. You will be required to initiate this and see it through. Simply wanting a higher rating is insufficient… there has to be sound factual reasoning and evidence to support your appeal. Otherwise, you are wasting your time, your Reps time, and the VA’s time.
There are some common claims that you may be able to make… however, remember that there has to be medical evidence to support these. Merely saying that you are affected simply will not cut it.
Tinitus: Ringing in the ears (from artillery, incoming, etc.) Some hearing loss must usually be present for a compensable rating.
Agent Orange associated problems:
Including prostate cancer, Diabetes type II, myelopathy, neuropathy, and others (these are limited and very specific), although there is a “Secondary to Agent Orange Exposure” tie in that is a bit vague.
Scarring from Wounds: This is an area that usually results in a very minor rating if any, although significant scarring may result in a higher rating. Actual disabilities from wounds or injuries or diseases from Nam or other service time are compensable, however they must be supported by evidence as with all claims.
PTSD: I feel that we all are affected with this, to varying degrees. Some are debilitating, some lesser, or hardly all. Some are so affected that they are unable to keep employment, sustain family relationships, and function in what is deemed to be normal society.
What the heck is PTSD? (Adapted from Dr. Elaine Tripi’s website)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is in many ways a normal response to an abnormal situation. After a tragic event, it is likely that you will experience a variety of symptoms and
This 3/3 RVN Newsletter is assembled for the alumni of 3/3 RVN Ass’n (all 3/3 Nam vets). It is currently edited by Doc Hoppy, who also is handling the printing and mailing. Idea’s and columns appreciated anytime! Would like to see someone from each Co. do a column per issue
.
ThirdMarines.net will sponsor this publication as long as possible, funding coming from donations. Thank you to all who have supported this maverick effort, and have contributed to its success. All of our websites work toward one goal: Sharing with one another at reunions as well as individually... getting in touch with old comrades, and making new friends among our illustrious alumni.
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emotions. Sometimes, however, these symptoms surface several weeks, months or even years after the tragedy. This is called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognizing these symptoms in yourself or others is the first step toward recovery and finding appropriate treatment. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
1) Re-experiencing the event through vivid memories or flash backs
2) Feeling “emotionally numb”
3) Feeling overwhelmed by what would normally be considered everyday situations and diminished interest in performing normal tasks or pursuing usual interests
4) Crying uncontrollably
5) Isolating oneself from family and friends and avoiding social situations, inability to maintain marriages and family life, inability to sustain a meaningful job.
6) Relying increasingly on alcohol or drugs to get through the day
7) Feeling extremely moody, irritable, outbursts of anger, suspicious or frightened
8) Having difficulty falling or staying asleep, sleeping too much and experiencing nightmares
9) Feeling guilty about surviving the event or being unable to solve the problem, change the event or prevent the disaster
10) Feeling fears and sense of doom about the future
The severity of PTSD determines the rating, and usually there must be beyond “moderate” interference with lifestyle and social and industrial functioning to be deemed “disabling” and be awarded a disability rating.
You may seek out a private practice Psychiatrist or Psychologist, or may use the VA system. Normally a private Dr’s diagnosis and report can carry as much sway as the VA Staff.
A Psychiatrist or Psychologist must make a diagnosis, determined by an in depth study of you. This may take several months at the minimum, normally. At some point they will compose a report with diagnosis and a Global Assessment that the VA Board will utilize in determining the extent of your disability and the percentage of compensation that is allowed.
You will be required to be examined by a VA appointed Dr. for a Compensation and Pension appraisal before the Board will consider your case. However, your C&P exam is normally the last step before rating, and a rating follows within 30-60 days following the C&P exam, assuming all evidence and info necessary to make a decision is completed.
Note: The reviewer is bound to a huge set of criteria to make their determination… all the facts and evidence must meet the criteria that they must work within. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and letters/statements by your old CO, Platoon CO, Sgt’s, etc. can hold some sway. Remember, you are not alone out there; your old comrades can help you with your claim.
However, never ask anyone to fake information or “gild the lily”.
Once your claim goes to the review board, it should move along thru the process well, assuming you have submitted everything they need, and all the I’s are dotted and T’s crossed.
If they ask for more info, bust your patoot to provide it. Some of the things requested may seem inane, or repetitive, but your claim may depend on them having it… even if you have to submit it again. Hang in there!
Keep copies of everything you submit to your Rep or the VA. Originals can get lost… sound familiar?
Again, it is of utmost import that you make all scheduled appointments, and maintain your demeanor in a reasonable fashion. If someone starts getting in your face… how do you feel? What is your reaction? Well, it’s a two way street… the individual pushing paper has their limitations and realm of knowledge and access… they have feelings too.
There is a common feeling that the VA deliberately stonewalls, delays, and makes it difficult to use them… but this is changing, and will continue to improve. The VA of 20 years ago has virtually disappeared (though there are some facilities that are still not up to speed). Be patient, but persevere, and seek assistance, as you need it. Your Rep should be your right hand man, and you should do everything possible to go through them with all paperwork so that they are on the same page with you. This cannot be stressed enough! The bureaucracy is a pain, and sometimes seemingly operating at a snails pace, but they ARE working FOR you, not against you. Their jobs depend on that!
There are hundreds of your old comrades in 3/3 who are currently rated that may be able to offer advice and assistance, and I’m certain they would be honored to do so. We are a Brotherhood forever, still looking after each others “6’s” !!!
Doc
PS: Anyone with better info than myself, please shoot it to me for inclusion in future newsletters. I’m just shootin’ from the hip here.
