VA- PTSD

So it was that Dennis applied for disability benefits from the VA based on the PTSD symptoms.  The official documents were filed by Frank and we went on about our business -- thinking there was no chance of any benefits but at least we had put forth the facts. 

It was about 5 months later that Dennis received a letter from the VA administration stating that his case was being reviewed.  A short time later, he was scheduled for a psychiatric evaluation at Michael DeBakey Medical Facility in Houston.  During that evaluation, Dennis had limited ability to give specifics about his experiences in Viet Nam.  The interview did not last long.  As we left that appointment, I was more than sure that his appeal would be declined.  There was not enough information.  The psychiatrist did however do a great job of evaluating what was happening with his current mental state and its connection to military.

Then six months later we received a letter.  Dennis was awarded 50% disability and full medical benefits.  In addition, he would start receiving a monthly allotment for disability.  It was a total shock - surprise - unexpected!  But at the time, it was timely as the medical needs were increasing for testing and monitoring the condition.

A series of initial appointments kept us traveling from one clinic to another in the huge medical complex.  It was like working through a maze.  Dennis was in unfamiliar settings with complete strangers as doctors.  Looking back, it was stressful and disorienting for him.  The pharmaceutical benefits were a huge help.  Maintenance medications were prescribed and mailed to us at no cost.  Extensive testing had not been updated for over 6 years so the new baseline was a help to doctors. 

I remember going into a neurologist appointment.  This cute little doctor came into the room.  She was soft spoke and gentle in her introduction to Dennis.  She took all the necessary information and then excused herself: "I will be back in just a few minutes.  I need to go confer with our supervising neurologist regarding this case."  So we waited - not so patiently for Dennis.  Finally the door came open.  The young doctor declared that she had someone with her that she thought I would know. 

There he was..... Dr. K (This was the neurologist that I met on the plane traveling back from the Alzheimer's Action Summit in Washington, DC.  Dr. K was returning from a neurologist hearing in the Senate.  We struck a conversation discussing the terrible traffic getting to the airport.  One thing led to another and we started discussing Alzheimer's and Dennis.  He went into detail sharing his experiences and findings in the research.  I came to find out that he was working with Dr. D at Baylor College of Medicine in her research program AND the neurology department at VA DeBakey.  He had some suggestions for future treatment.  I asked how I could get an appointment with him for Dennis.  He was taking no patients at the time.) 

Dr K shook Denny's hand.  He told me he knew this case had to be me because of the story we shared on the plane.  He said he was personally going to take over Denny's case.  He changed a few meds adding some and taking away others.  He gave me his personal cell phone number and assured me he would be available if needed.

There are no words to describe this encounter.  God's plan was perfect!!  As always...  Meeting Dr. K on that plane was no accident.  Him coming into that exam room was 'divine intervention'.  Dennis now had one of the very best doctors available to monitor his progression into the more complicated and dangerous parts of the disease.

And so it was that we had the VA benefits for a few months before realizing that Dennis could no longer tolerate the medical maze of the VA.  So when the next VA letter came ... there was no longer a concern for the facility benefits.  Skimming the letter I saw the word ERROR.  Goodness gracious what did this mean?  I don't remember the exact wording but basically they were cancelling the benefits effective in like 60 days.  At that point it was all a blur and my greatest fear was paying back any benefits he had already received. 

I contacted the VA Liaison to report the new status.  He assured me he would appeal at my request.  I said I wasn't concerned of an appeal but wanted reassurance that I would not have pay back the previously awarded benefits.  I did return the checks for the next two months but no further request was made by the VA ... the case was closed about six weeks before Denny's passing.