Hi, I am a Vietnam USMC vet and I have a pending claim for combat ptsd. I have a Purple Heart and a Combat Action Ribbon. I filed my ptsd claim in May,2012. In July, 2012, I received a ptsd diagnosis by a VA psychologist who found I have ptsd,chronic,severe. The VA Psych also put into his report that I am unable to work or maintain adequet social relationships. GAF was 45.The diagnosis says my ptsd is directly related to my combat experiences in Vietnam, the doctor said it was "more than likely as not". I have been unemployed since 2009. The VA Psych also said my prognosis for recovery is poor and my condition should be considered permanent. Today I received a letter from varo saying I was denied service connection for "anxiety/ptsd" by the VA in 1973 but the VA did not even recognize ptsd as a covered illness or compensable condition until 1986. I was shocked to hear the VA claim I had already been denied service connection for ptsd . In 1973 I was granted 10% for gunshot wounds and the VA denied service connection for ANXIETY but there was no mention of ptsd. My question is can I now go for a combat ptsd claim since I was denied for " anxiety " back in 1973 and I did not appeal that denial.
I would appreciate any thoughts you might have on this issue.
