Combat Related Determination

I picked up my IPEB findings today and received what I expected with the exception of the combat related determination.
My referred conditions were:
Panic Disorder w/ Agoraphobia
PTSD
The Findings list PTSD as a related category 2 Diagnosis, not sure what that means exactly..
So Although I have had a long history of PD, PTSD was diagnosed after a return from a combat tour.
I did not receive any combat awards. I believe that my PTSD is clearly connected to an indirect fire attack in which we lost several service members. My MH provider believes this as well partly due to some of my triggers.
The worst of which is artillery range noise here on base. My provider explained that I may have been more susceptible to PTSD due to Panic disorder but that I have two different things going on at the same time.

Am I out of luck because of they way the PEB listed PTSD? I have a meeting with the attorney tomorrow. What should I be asking them help me pursue as a course of action?

DOD 70% TDRL, VA 90%

 

[FloridaInjuredInCombat]

You should consider pursuing an appeal to the PEB to have it listed as combat related. I would suggest you gather up all your documentation from the time of the indirect fire attack, and how your condition deteriorated thereafter. Make the case as strong as you can, with as much documentation as you can, then ask your attorney to pursue it through the PEB.

 

[Ed Mercanti]

I agree with Floridainjuredincombat. Appeal the PEB findings. Get records from your former unit to show you were there when it was involved in an indirect fire attack in a combat zone. While your panic disorder may have made you more susceptible to PTSD, the combat attack is what triggered it. That would be combat related.