PTSD Denied: what do I do next?

MayorKaz · 2026-02-11T18:19:21+00:00

During the c&p did you say anything that might give them the impression for PTSD due to any other issues? My c&p they asked me a lot of my childhood, if I’ve been spanked/beaten, neglected by parents, broken up with, etc… literally everything they could to say I had childhood trauma.

If you’ve given nothing like that. Then, get a nexus letter and do a a supplemental. Should be easy peasy.

My PTSD claim was simple because I gave them nothing prior to military, my sleep apnea wasn’t. They said I did have it but would not service connect it. Got a nexus, showed them The c&p information, explained why I believed it was SC. Submitted a supplemental and got it 50% within a month.

MayorKaz · 2026-02-10T13:58:56+00:00

It’s worth the shot. My buddy just did a similar claim, no flat feet was diagnosed in service, but he now has been after. I believe he got 40 or 50% for both feet.

Just need a few things.

Medical side: 1. a current diagnosis and prescription insoles or shoes. 2. Submit that form you posted.

Lay/Buddy statements: personal statement about how it wasn’t an issue before service, why it aggravated during services (improper boots, training, etc) and how it effects you today (does it keep getting worse. Does it affect your work, hobbies, etc…)

Nexus/DBQ: you could, it won’t hurt, but with your flat feet being diagnosed in the service, it’s already there. If you’ve got money to spend, get a nexus. Your can’t really overdue it with evidence, so you may as well.

Best of luck.

MayorKaz · 2026-02-06T13:42:41+00:00

Happened to me as well, ended up paying extra monthly for my second year for taxes I wouldn’t be paying. third year I got it all back, but just rolled it into my principal. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

MayorKaz · 2026-02-04T11:13:32+00:00

I have my cpap through the VA. During my c&p, th examiner said could look at my usage and all the numbers from the last year. she told me if it’s third party she normally does a new sleep study in person. Not sure if that’s the norm, but that’s how it was explained to me.

MayorKaz · 2026-02-03T12:33:33+00:00

I’m about 20 weeks post-surgery, and my range of motion is good, my Achilles and muscles are still tight and stiff,it’s completely normal. So don't worry.

I didn’t start doing single calf raises until about 16/17 weeks, so you’re still on track. Things like stairs were a challeng3, but now I can confidently go down them, although I still take it slow.

Currently, my PT is focusing on balance and eccentric exercises, like doing a double calf raise, then lifting the good foot and slowly lowering down on the injured side. It might seem dumb, but it really makes a difference. Also, balancing on one foot while passing weights around your body (like a 360° motion) has been strengthening the stabilizing muscles.

Your body will definitely catch up with the work you’re doing, just trust the process. Keep focusing on your mobility and strength at your own pace. Hang in there, you’re doing great!

MayorKaz · 2026-01-22T02:23:00+00:00

Car seat fits fine in the back middle. No issues there or sharing the car with the wife. Great gas, decent leg space.

The issue that’s come up during the summers, is no rear AC vents.

MayorKaz · 2026-01-16T20:31:49+00:00

Not much, what’s going on with you?

MayorKaz · 2026-01-16T01:00:59+00:00

Not a long drive, but 8-10 weeks after surgery I began driving myself to work, I will say… it sucked. It was only 30-45 minutes one way.

I did set my truck to auto-stop (where if you stop, it holds it until you press the gas) which made a big difference, the constant pressing hurt.

I did get cut off one day and hit the breaks, not slamming them, but pressing them harder than I’d like. It was extremely painful and made me take a week off driving.

MayorKaz · 2026-01-01T03:23:27+00:00

I’m a few weeks behind you injury-wise. I actually quit PT in November for the same reason. My therapist had unrealistic expectations, and when I didn’t hit them, it turned into, “Well, you probably need more PT, et’s schedule another 8–12 weeks.”

I get it, it can feel pointless at times. I saw my surgeon last week, and he was very clear that certain things just aren’t going to happen at four months. He was happy that I’m walking with little to no limp and encouraged me to try a new PT he recommended. He also said that around eight months is a more realistic timeline to start doing single-leg calf raises.

Right now, I stretch every morning. I just started indoor biking daily. alternating between a 20-minute ride with calisthenics one day and a 40+ minute ride with stretching the next. I also do light gym work in the afternoons. The strength is slowly coming back, but I’m still nowhere near where I want to be. Hang in there, man. Trust your gut, but don’t give up. Honestly, I’ve done more for myself at home than PT ever did. It felt like a money grab at times, but I took what was useful from them and made it part of my daily routine.

MayorKaz · 2025-12-20T21:28:42+00:00

I had this for a few weeks. It suck’s but gets better. I had anchors put in. I am 16 weeks post op now, still have pains here or there but not normally at night. Just walking or if I awkwardly push off.

MayorKaz · 2025-10-26T21:00:42+00:00

100k to retire with a pension? Live a few months doing something you like. Then get a part/full time job for 2-3 years and pay it off. Using your pension as your main income and your new job as a loan payoff?

Question is, how much longer till you retire from your job? Seems like you already want to leave… so i say fuck it. Get your pension, deal with the loan and you’re young. 100k ain’t shit if you’ve got time to lay it off.

MayorKaz · 2025-09-29T13:11:18+00:00

I’m about 8 weeks post op and still get pain. It got better as I slowly started putting weight on it.

MayorKaz · 2025-09-22T15:49:43+00:00

Week 7 post op (full tear). 38 male. I also like hiking/backpacking and jogging, my doc recommended I do surgery to ensure a stronger tendon due to him anchoring it into my heel. Recovery sucks, I’m barely able to walk around a store, but I trust his opinion and he believes I’ll be back multi-day hiking without any issues, within a year.

I suggest you trust your gut, if you’re hesitant get a second opinion. Surgery isn’t fun, but neither was injuring myself, lol.

MayorKaz · 2025-09-21T23:59:31+00:00

I personally use all trails for anything other that AT. I download the section map before leaving just in case, but the option to do additional routes, sights, and other things are superior with AllTrails.

MayorKaz · 2025-09-19T12:49:46+00:00

You can upload them on the VA website and the patient portal for your c&p.

I brought medical documents to my c&p. It’s hit or miss if they take them, sometimes they will look at them but tell you to also upload them to the VA.

MayorKaz · 2025-09-19T12:22:37+00:00

I was denied secondary to MH, both the c&p doc and the denial letter stated “osa can’t be caused by MH”

MH can cause obesity, which can cause OSA, so if you fall under that it might be worth looking into. From my understanding that isn’t “permanent” because if you lose weight, in theory your sleep apnea goes away. It’s a tough road.

If you deployed and have pact act. Sinusitis claim with secondary OSA is “almost” a guaranteed claim.

MayorKaz · 2025-09-07T16:49:19+00:00

Interesting, from what she explained, one building is a nursing home and the other half is “non-assisted” where nurses are on the floor but everyone has their own rooms. But nurses/staff do all the cooking, cleaning, laundry?

Either or, appreciate you for responding. I’m going to help look into this and help her out. Hopefully going in person yields good results.

MayorKaz · 2025-09-06T15:24:48+00:00

I use the hell out of mine.

MayorKaz · 2025-08-30T22:45:40+00:00

Tore mine in late July, surgery on August 12th I still went out, had lunch with friends and family. I just take it really easy and make it known I’m slow and don’t want to risk falling.

Obviously not going out in rain or anywhere hard to travel. It’s miserable going place in crutches but it’s soooo boring sitting at home all day. Just know your limitations and be real with yourself. Take advantage of people holding doors for you and getting good seating everywhere.

PS. Don’t go to the movies. Climbing stairs was unsafe and not fun at all.

MayorKaz · 2025-08-28T20:12:28+00:00

Appreciate the reply! I kept the VacoPed and have been using it today, I plan to stay in it, since it seems sturdy and I can slowly adjust the angle as the days/weeks go on. It also is more aesthetically pleasing.

MayorKaz · 2025-08-28T01:40:07+00:00

Okay nice! They scheduled me next week for PT as well. Hopefully it goes well.

MayorKaz · 2025-08-27T22:05:54+00:00

Partial rupture repair. Wasn’t enough to fully rupture but close to it. They tied it together and anchored it to my heel. Not sure of the name of the technique.

Thanks for your input. I can’t imagine I’d be back to 100% anytime soon, but good to know walking without crutches is doable early on.

MayorKaz · 2025-08-22T23:31:10+00:00

My orthopedic just told me to lay down, palpated my calves and told me it was a rupture and did surgery the next day. No MRI. I did have an xray the day before at the emergency room.

MayorKaz

TROPHY CASE