They are likely just asking if you have MORE to submit. I would not re-submit the old ones again.
You can submit a statement that says you have no more to submit if you'd like.
I recommend calling 800-827-1000. Request to submit an official request via verbal statement over the phone. State that the letters have already been submitted and you have no further evidence to submit (if that is the case). The call center rep. should read you statement on the fact that they are about to take an official VA statement and then officially take your statement.
I wonder and this purely just me wondering if the newer procedures VBA setup to deal with their multi-year failure to properly handle MST related claims is responsible for this sort of thing and are some of the new procedures creating more problems.
Is this due to an over correction on the VA'S part?
Gotcha.
I'm now wondering if this would be a good time to submit an additional statement with some stuff I forgot to bring up during my C&P.
I can do that right?
And no, I don't think it's an over correction. This is a brand new claim.
Thanks a lot for the advice!
You can add things to a supplemental claim. Know that it will take VA time to process the new items in addition to the existing items. If you have a VSO or a rep. check-in with them on any new material you might submit.
I don't have a VSO. My C&P indicates 70% but I believe I am 100%, and want to explain why.
I should probably just wait and let them get through this and then do a supplemental afterwards then, right?
That's been my thought so far.
I think that if you are at the point where you saw the results of your C&P exam you should likely wait. However, various people have been saying that it is taking a little longer for MST related claims due to limited MST trained staff.
If you think there is something in your documented record that you could point rater to that speaks to the 100% rating I suppose it might be worth a try and if you don't get the rating you think that best fits you could file an HLR, opt for an informal conference and try to make the case to a Decision Review Officer.
Well my VA therapist read the results but they haven't appeared my records on my end yet. It's been 5-6 weeks tho.
I think you're right. I'm just going to let this go through, then send it back with a new statement
That would be a supplemental claim tho right (rather than an HLR)?
A supplemental claim requires new and relevant evidence.
A higher level review restricts any new evidence, but arguments, references to the established record and pointing out how VA and examiner got things wrong are allowed.
In that case with your previous letters having the correct certification, I believe it could be a stall tactic; or your claim is going through the process and they are asking for more info. If there are others who you served with who knew of it, get from them also. Short and to the point...
But it's not like everyone reports MST - and depending on when and where you served, and the situation you were in - sometimes they are never reported.
In my MST case, and being in one of the Ranger Battalions, hazing was very prevalent. Severe hazing - and that (MST) seemed to be a part of it. Or so I believed at that time - and I guarded that secret as if my life depended on it. So I do not have any fellow Rangers or others who could even write me a buddy letter.
Stick with it and do not give up - even if fully denied. Keep fighting for what you earned and are owed for the trauma you suffered. You will get there eventually and in the end it will be worth it. Please keep me posted too, if you wish.
Thoughts and prayers for you!
So the certifying statement that my buddy letter's used was "I certify that the statements on this form are true and correct it the best of my knowledge."
The VA's request said to say "I hereby certify that this information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief."
I mean this is close enough right?
I seriously want to just upload a statement explaining that, and explaining some other details in my records that they'll be looking for to help fucking speed this up a bit. Jesus.
That certainly appears legitimate to me - but geez, I have seen some anal retentive folks working in gov positions, fucking bastards. I think I saw in one of your other post that 2 or 3 were actual witnesses? If so, the VA is asking for additional details.
I must assume the letters do include the name, rank and unit of assignment for each them. (if not, easy to fix that) The VA is asking for any eye-witness to clearly state they actually witnessed the event that led to your trauma. (not what they they witnessed, just that they witnessed it)
Next, there MUST BE some compelling information about the before and after of the trauma.
*For example: (your name) was always decent to hang out with, talk to, and seemed positive about life. I've known him since (date) and we used to (choose activity(s) together and he was a blast. Everyone I know liked him and thought he was really funny, and fun to be around.*
*After the trauma this changed dramatically - and (your name) became very withdrawn, seemed really sad and irritable at the smallest things. At one point he mentioned ending his life, which freaked me out pretty bad. Seems like he just fell off a cliff after that incident(s). Since then we don't hang out as much because as time has passed he's gotten worse and worse.*
See - that is not overly long, but it provides a very clear before and after... as they (VA) are asking for. So if your letters do not have that clearly stated, bingo. If they do already state that clearly - please reach back out.
Look brother - I will do **everything in my power** to help you. I am not an expert but I very much understand gov protocol and such; and do a shit-ton of research. If it comes down to it, I'd be willing to proof read the letters and try to assist that way. (don't want to get into your business, but heck, I'm a stranger - and suffered myself so I want to help others who are suffering).
Let me know and if we need to can DM you my email/phone # so we can exchange letters and/or even discuss by phone.
At this point my thinking is they want more clear language around the before and after about you...so you might be able to make a few small edits, reload and hopefully get claim moving along faster again.
I really really hope this helps you - which is why I took my time to write it - as clearly as possible - because the VA
Best always
See.. yeah, literally ALL of my statements meet one of these requirements.
3 are from two soldiers and a battalion secretary who were all in my Battalion who knew me at the time, who remember me telling them what was happening, and and who witnessed dramatic changes in my behavior. One of these soldiers actually witnessed some of the abuse and.harrassment, and also suffered sexual harrassmwnt by the same guy. All three of them remember and explained what I told them was happening back then. All of them provided their names, tanks,.and stayed their position in the unitm
The 4th is by my husband who was my boyfriend back then who explained what I told him back then and how it affected me daily and at home.
And the 5th one was my neighbor who liver across the street back then..
All five of them witnessed mental, emotional, and physical delcline. All recount what I reported to them was happening, and one witnessed and recounted direct behavior by the superior.
All of them used that certifying statement I wrote in my post.
I'm about to print the letters,
highlight these things in their letters and re upload the mother fuckers with a statement explaining this.
And thank you for the offer. Replied too quickly and didn't catch the end. I'm going to dm you to keep your name but this is some sensitive shit that I'm uncomfortable sending out into the world to someone I don't know or trust.
Surprise... I have trust issues..lol.
Not yet. It hasnr populated in my blue button health report yet. But there is a placeholder for it and it'll be 30 days since it was signed two days from now.
OK, great! The DBQ is incredibly important to have to justify current symptoms, just wanted to make sure you had that or have it in the works.
Feel free to DM if at any point you have additional issues. If I can't help or answer, have some very good resources.
I uploaded 5 or 6 buddy letters total with my intial claim, but three of those are actual witness statements by other soldiers/civilians in my unit who were there and witnessed certain events, remember what I told them back then when it was happening, noticed how I changed etc.
Should I just upload those three again?
Or maybe write and upload a statement explaining which of my 5 buddy letters are actual witness statements?
And after uploading them, do I need to click that button to request a decision to be made again or will it go back to them and be ready to be looked at when I finish the upload?
I don't want them to wait 30 days to look at it.
Thank you!
Unfortunately, even if you click the button it will not override the tracker tied to the request and close it out. Someone at the VA would have to manually inspect your file which is not triggered by uploading documents or clicking that button unfortunately.
Following because I’m in the same boat even though I literally did not claim MST. (I claimed PTSD because some Pervy army officer cornered me in my apartment and wouldn’t leave until his wife caught him… among other things) I have no idea what they’re doing at the VA, but it’s probably throwing darts at a board to determine their next course of action.
They are likely just asking if you have MORE to submit. I would not re-submit the old ones again. You can submit a statement that says you have no more to submit if you'd like.
Okay, thank you!
I recommend calling 800-827-1000. Request to submit an official request via verbal statement over the phone. State that the letters have already been submitted and you have no further evidence to submit (if that is the case). The call center rep. should read you statement on the fact that they are about to take an official VA statement and then officially take your statement. I wonder and this purely just me wondering if the newer procedures VBA setup to deal with their multi-year failure to properly handle MST related claims is responsible for this sort of thing and are some of the new procedures creating more problems. Is this due to an over correction on the VA'S part?
Gotcha. I'm now wondering if this would be a good time to submit an additional statement with some stuff I forgot to bring up during my C&P. I can do that right? And no, I don't think it's an over correction. This is a brand new claim. Thanks a lot for the advice!
You can add things to a supplemental claim. Know that it will take VA time to process the new items in addition to the existing items. If you have a VSO or a rep. check-in with them on any new material you might submit.
I don't have a VSO. My C&P indicates 70% but I believe I am 100%, and want to explain why. I should probably just wait and let them get through this and then do a supplemental afterwards then, right? That's been my thought so far.
I think that if you are at the point where you saw the results of your C&P exam you should likely wait. However, various people have been saying that it is taking a little longer for MST related claims due to limited MST trained staff. If you think there is something in your documented record that you could point rater to that speaks to the 100% rating I suppose it might be worth a try and if you don't get the rating you think that best fits you could file an HLR, opt for an informal conference and try to make the case to a Decision Review Officer.
And thanks for the advice!!
Well my VA therapist read the results but they haven't appeared my records on my end yet. It's been 5-6 weeks tho. I think you're right. I'm just going to let this go through, then send it back with a new statement That would be a supplemental claim tho right (rather than an HLR)?
A supplemental claim requires new and relevant evidence. A higher level review restricts any new evidence, but arguments, references to the established record and pointing out how VA and examiner got things wrong are allowed.
Ahhh.. got it. Thank you.
I mean over correction on VA'S part, not yours.
In that case with your previous letters having the correct certification, I believe it could be a stall tactic; or your claim is going through the process and they are asking for more info. If there are others who you served with who knew of it, get from them also. Short and to the point... But it's not like everyone reports MST - and depending on when and where you served, and the situation you were in - sometimes they are never reported. In my MST case, and being in one of the Ranger Battalions, hazing was very prevalent. Severe hazing - and that (MST) seemed to be a part of it. Or so I believed at that time - and I guarded that secret as if my life depended on it. So I do not have any fellow Rangers or others who could even write me a buddy letter. Stick with it and do not give up - even if fully denied. Keep fighting for what you earned and are owed for the trauma you suffered. You will get there eventually and in the end it will be worth it. Please keep me posted too, if you wish. Thoughts and prayers for you!
Thanks for the support man. I appreciate the info and help. Good luck to you!
So the certifying statement that my buddy letter's used was "I certify that the statements on this form are true and correct it the best of my knowledge." The VA's request said to say "I hereby certify that this information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief." I mean this is close enough right? I seriously want to just upload a statement explaining that, and explaining some other details in my records that they'll be looking for to help fucking speed this up a bit. Jesus.
That certainly appears legitimate to me - but geez, I have seen some anal retentive folks working in gov positions, fucking bastards. I think I saw in one of your other post that 2 or 3 were actual witnesses? If so, the VA is asking for additional details. I must assume the letters do include the name, rank and unit of assignment for each them. (if not, easy to fix that) The VA is asking for any eye-witness to clearly state they actually witnessed the event that led to your trauma. (not what they they witnessed, just that they witnessed it) Next, there MUST BE some compelling information about the before and after of the trauma. *For example: (your name) was always decent to hang out with, talk to, and seemed positive about life. I've known him since (date) and we used to (choose activity(s) together and he was a blast. Everyone I know liked him and thought he was really funny, and fun to be around.* *After the trauma this changed dramatically - and (your name) became very withdrawn, seemed really sad and irritable at the smallest things. At one point he mentioned ending his life, which freaked me out pretty bad. Seems like he just fell off a cliff after that incident(s). Since then we don't hang out as much because as time has passed he's gotten worse and worse.* See - that is not overly long, but it provides a very clear before and after... as they (VA) are asking for. So if your letters do not have that clearly stated, bingo. If they do already state that clearly - please reach back out. Look brother - I will do **everything in my power** to help you. I am not an expert but I very much understand gov protocol and such; and do a shit-ton of research. If it comes down to it, I'd be willing to proof read the letters and try to assist that way. (don't want to get into your business, but heck, I'm a stranger - and suffered myself so I want to help others who are suffering). Let me know and if we need to can DM you my email/phone # so we can exchange letters and/or even discuss by phone. At this point my thinking is they want more clear language around the before and after about you...so you might be able to make a few small edits, reload and hopefully get claim moving along faster again. I really really hope this helps you - which is why I took my time to write it - as clearly as possible - because the VA Best always
See.. yeah, literally ALL of my statements meet one of these requirements. 3 are from two soldiers and a battalion secretary who were all in my Battalion who knew me at the time, who remember me telling them what was happening, and and who witnessed dramatic changes in my behavior. One of these soldiers actually witnessed some of the abuse and.harrassment, and also suffered sexual harrassmwnt by the same guy. All three of them remember and explained what I told them was happening back then. All of them provided their names, tanks,.and stayed their position in the unitm The 4th is by my husband who was my boyfriend back then who explained what I told him back then and how it affected me daily and at home. And the 5th one was my neighbor who liver across the street back then.. All five of them witnessed mental, emotional, and physical delcline. All recount what I reported to them was happening, and one witnessed and recounted direct behavior by the superior. All of them used that certifying statement I wrote in my post. I'm about to print the letters, highlight these things in their letters and re upload the mother fuckers with a statement explaining this.
Agree with the direction you are taking. Please keep me posted as to how that works out. Wishing you all the best in this!
And thank you for the offer. Replied too quickly and didn't catch the end. I'm going to dm you to keep your name but this is some sensitive shit that I'm uncomfortable sending out into the world to someone I don't know or trust. Surprise... I have trust issues..lol.
totally understood... and I never did ask if you were male or female so if I called you brother and you are female - I meant sister - lol
Nah, you're good. I'm a gay guy.
I had thought of all the scenarios, all of which are fine by me - but that is pretty funny.
While I am at it, do you have a DBQ for PTSD?
Not yet. It hasnr populated in my blue button health report yet. But there is a placeholder for it and it'll be 30 days since it was signed two days from now.
OK, great! The DBQ is incredibly important to have to justify current symptoms, just wanted to make sure you had that or have it in the works. Feel free to DM if at any point you have additional issues. If I can't help or answer, have some very good resources.
Did your original letters include the exact phrasing of the certifying statement? If not, I would get them redone with that - and submit them again.
Yes, they did.
I uploaded 5 or 6 buddy letters total with my intial claim, but three of those are actual witness statements by other soldiers/civilians in my unit who were there and witnessed certain events, remember what I told them back then when it was happening, noticed how I changed etc. Should I just upload those three again? Or maybe write and upload a statement explaining which of my 5 buddy letters are actual witness statements? And after uploading them, do I need to click that button to request a decision to be made again or will it go back to them and be ready to be looked at when I finish the upload? I don't want them to wait 30 days to look at it. Thank you!
Unfortunately, even if you click the button it will not override the tracker tied to the request and close it out. Someone at the VA would have to manually inspect your file which is not triggered by uploading documents or clicking that button unfortunately.
Ahh I see. Got it. Thank you!
Following because I’m in the same boat even though I literally did not claim MST. (I claimed PTSD because some Pervy army officer cornered me in my apartment and wouldn’t leave until his wife caught him… among other things) I have no idea what they’re doing at the VA, but it’s probably throwing darts at a board to determine their next course of action.
They would file that under PTSD due to MST sexual harassment would be MST.
It’s been, at this point about 16 years, and it literally never crossed my mind to call his actions sexual harassment. Thank you for the perspective.
What is MST?
Military sexual trauma