Question about severance pay and disability

SFCO

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Hello

I found this forum while researching for some answers that I hope someone can help me with. Is along story so please bear with me;

I have been in the Army for 16 years. 2 years Active duty and the rest National Guard. However, all my time has been on active duty orders, jumping from title 32 to title 10. I deployed to Iraq from 2003-2004 so in reality I have a total of 16 years of active service. I was on title 32 from 2004 to 2013. Unfortunately due to budget cuts I was discharged from active duty orders in September 2013 and received severance pay. I was required to have at least three years remaining in my National Guard enlistment in order to receive the severance so I reenlisted and transitioned from active duty orders to going to drill once a month. I never submitted any claims through the VA. In April 2014 I had an opportunity and cameback on active duty orders (7 months after I was discharged from AD) I am still on active duty orders at the present time. Over the last few years I have suffered from depression and anxiety so last year I decided to seek help. Anyway I saw behavioral health on the Army side and was diagnosed with Chronic PTSD (combat related from my deployment). My PCM sent me for a sleep study and was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I take medication to help with my depression/anxiety unfortunately some of the side effects is ED so I was given Viagra for that. I have received LODs for all of these conditions from my current unit along with notes from my doctors/therapist as part of the package. My current orders are due to expire in the summer of 2017 with no possibility to extend.

Question 1

I plan to file a claim with the VA for my conditions. Does the fact that I received severance pay for my service and NOT for disability three years ago means that I might not qualify for disability pay from the VA?

Question 2

Do I still have to go through the VA to be diagnosed for my PTSD if the Army Behavioral health Department already gave me that diagnosis and I have LODs for that?


Question 3

My PTSD is combat related, would this make any different in my ratings assuming that I get approved for disability from the VA


I have been doing some research but so far I have not found an answer to my questions so is a blessing that I found this forum

Thank you for your help

SFC O
 
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