Wolfhound88

Thanks Gastone! I realize that it doesn't mean it's "Approved"...I guess I'm just wondering if an appeal is similar to a regular claim in the steps it goes through on Ebennies. In my experience with regular claims, once it gets to this point I'm pretty close to the end. Just wondering if its the same with an appeal, and I am in fact close.

Hey folks, I hope everyone is well! I need to ask a question about Ebennies and my appeal please. When I look at Ebenefits under my open claims, my appeal is listed. It says my appeal is currently in Pending Decision Approval stage. My question is...Is an appeal the same as a claim on Ebenefits? I've gone through the claims process four times in the last 6 years, and normally when it gets to this stage I am just days away from the end. Is it the same with an appeal? I only ask because this is my first appeal, and it was just put in April 17th of this year, but it was a pretty simple, one issue appeal. I also lawyered up this time. It just seems a little quick for an appeal, but...Has anyone gone through this process and watched it on Ebennies? Thanks!

Have no idea how VA makes decisions like that...Personally, I'd prefer the 100% schedular for PTSD than IU.

Isn't this the same thing? Or does it have to be the exact sentence?

I will ask him when I go back to my next appointment. I have a claim in right now for the PTSD increase and / or IU. I'm not scheduled to go in to see him for another couple of weeks and it looks like they were just waiting for this C&P exam to move my file forward.

Hey Strangers...Been out for a while. Unfortunately had some pretty bad experiences the past couple of years. I had another C&P for PTSD last week and below are part of the results. I'm rated 70% right now, and I have applied for TDIU or 100% PTSD. Based on your experiences, does this look like I have a chance at either? Thanks so much. 3. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria --------------------------- Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, are from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The stressful event can be due to combat, personal trauma, other life threatening situations (non-combat related stressors). Do NOT mark symptoms below that are clearly not attributable to the Criterion A stressor/PTSD. Instead, overlapping symptoms clearly attributable to other things should be noted under #6 - "Other symptoms". Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious injury, c) sexual violence, in one or more of the following ways: [X] Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s) Criterion B: Presence of (one or more) of the following intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred: [X] Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s). [X] Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s). Criterion C: Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic events(s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following: [X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s). [X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s). Criterion D: Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following: [X] Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am bad,: "No one can be trusted,: "The world is completely dangerous,: "My whole nervous system is permanently ruined"). [X] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame). Criterion E: Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following: [X] Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation) typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects. [X] Hypervigilance. [X] Exaggerated startle response. [X] Problems with concentration. [X] Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep). Criterion F: [X] The duration of the symptoms described above in Criteria B, C, and D are more than 1 month. Criterion G: [X] The PTSD symptoms described above cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Criterion H: [X] The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or another medical condition. 4. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Depressed mood [X] Anxiety [X] Suspiciousness [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood [X] Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships 5. Behavioral observations -------------------------- The veteran was pleasant, and affect was stable. Speech was of average rate, tone, and prosody. Upon direct questioning, no immediate SI or HI was reported. No AH or VH was indicated. He was cooperative during the session. 6. Other symptoms ----------------- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other mental disorders) that are not listed above? [ ] Yes [X] No 7. Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes [ ] N Remarks, (including any testing results) if any: His depression and alcohol use disorders are both likely reactions to current PTSD symptoms and as a result cannot be fully differentiated. The effects of his PTSD on occupational functioning include the following issues that interfere with maintenance of gainful activities (including both sedentary and physical tasks): sleep issues, nightmares irritability/anger, social isolation, hypervigilance, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli and triggers, and heightened arousal. Each of these issues consistently affects the veteran's ability to work a full time job and complete tasks both individually and as part of a team (examples included above in Social History and Mental Health History areas). Functional limitations of his PTSD symptoms are social withdrawal at work which interferes with timely and efficient completion of work tasks.

Hi Strangers! I haven't been back for a while because a lot of things have been going on in life, not so good, but those are for other posts. I do, however, have a question please. On my last claim, I was denied Service connection for upper right radiculopathy and upper left radiculopathy stating "Service connection for right upper radiculopathy is denied since this condition neither occured in nor was caused by the service". I do have a current diagnosis of radiculopathy, both left and right. When I had my exit medical exam from the Army back in 1991, it clearly states that I claimed "occasionally painful right shoulder". I was Light Infantry, so we humped a LOT. Lots of heavy rucksacks. Going on sick call for sore shoulders or back was HEAVILY frowned upon because, in all reality, EVERYONE's backs and knees were sore from all the walking we did. I truly believe carrying those 100+ pound rucksacks for 12 hour intervals is the reason I have the compressed discs in my back. Since leaving the service, I have been to the VA several times over the years, the first being three years after getting out, and now again, in the past year. In between, I have been to several private doctors, chiropractors etc for the same problem, and now it's getting worse, moving to the left side as well. Hurts like hell. Shooting pain down both my arms and feels like someone has beat them both with bats...just aching bad, hard to sleep, get comfortable, etc. So here is my question...how do I establish a nexus for service connection? I mean, it IS in my exit medical exam that I had the occasional shoulder pain. But will the fact that I never really went on sick call or to the hospital for it mean I will always be denied? Like I said, back at Planet Ord, if you went on sick call for almost anything, you were chastised for it, so most guys just sucked it up. It is even possible for me to get service connection granted for this? Thanks in advance for all you advice.

Hey Navy! Long time, great to hear from you and hope all is well!!! Yeah, looking at it I was thinking 70% as well, but never know obviously. Doing a little bit of research on the PLC5 and the Mississippi test, it would seem my scores are off the charts on the very high end.

Hey Brothers and Sisters...Sorry I haven't been around for a quite a while. Things have gotten a little rough on the homefront. That being said, I just did another C&P eval last Tuesday, and I'm not sure how to determine what the results may be...I'm currently 50%, but put in for an increase based on the first time I applied....I thought it was MUCH worse than that. Any thoughts? I appreciate you all, and thank you. LOCAL TITLE: C&P PTSD, REVIEW STANDARD TITLE: C & P EXAMINATION NOTE DATE OF NOTE: APR 14, 2015@10:00 ENTRY DATE: APR 14, 2015@11:19:52 AUTHOR: SKADELAND,DEAN R EXP COSIGNER: URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED *** C&P PTSD, REVIEW Has ADDENDA *** Review Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Disability Benefits Questionnaire Name of patient/Veteran: Michael xxxxxx SECTION I: ---------- 1. Diagnostic Summary --------------------- Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with PTSD? [X] Yes[ ] No ICD Code: 309.81 2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD ICD Code: 309.81 Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Depression xxxxx, MICHAEL xxxx CONFIDENTIAL b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): No response provided. 3. Differentiation of symptoms ------------------------------ a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? [X] Yes[ ] No b. Is it possible to differentiate what symptom(s) is/are attributable to each diagnosis? [X] Yes[ ] No[ ] Not applicable (N/A) If yes, list which symptoms are attributable to each diagnosis and discuss whether there is any clinical association between these diagnoses: The majority of his symptoms relate to his PTSD diagnosis. The depression appears primarily related to the impairment in social and personal functioning in his daily life that PTSD has caused. c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [ ] Yes[X] No[ ] Not shown in records reviewed 4. Occupational and social impairment ------------------------------------- a. Which of the following best summarizes the Veteran's level of occupational and social impairment with regards to all mental diagnoses? (Check only one) [X] Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or mood b. For the indicated level of occupational and social impairment, is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by each mental disorder? [X] Yes[ ] No[ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed If yes, list which portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis: The majority of his impairment is realted to PTSD. c. If a diagnosis of TBI exists, is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by the TBI? [ ] Yes[ ] No[X] No diagnosis of TBI SECTION II: ----------- Clinical Findings: xxxx, MICHAEL ANDREW CONFIDENTIAL 3 ------------------ 1. Evidence review ------------------ In order to provide an accurate medical opinion, the Veteran's claims folder must be reviewed. a. Medical record review: ------------------------- Was the Veteran's VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) reviewed? [X] Yes[ ] No Was the Veteran's VA claims file (hard copy paper C-file) reviewed? [ ] Yes[X] No If no, check all records reviewed: [ ] Military service treatment records [ ] Military service personnel records [ ] Military enlistment examination [ ] Military separation examination [ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire [ ] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [X] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [ ] Civilian medical records [ ] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others who have known the Veteran before and after military service) [ ] No records were reviewed [ ] Other: b. Was pertinent information from collateral sources reviewed? [ ] Yes[X] No 2. Recent History (since prior exam) ------------------------------------ a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history: Since the veterans initial eval Jan 2014, he stated that he continues to be very distant from others. Other than his two daughters, he does not really have contact with his family. In addition, about 3 months ago his girlfriend of about 3 years left. He stated she said, she "can't take it anymore dealing with me". b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history: The veteran stated he lost his job in March 2014 due to difficulty dealing with others and stress related to his PTSD symptoms. He had difficulty sleeping, high stress, and was not able to perform his job in sales dealing with people. In addition, he is presently in Voc Rehab studying Information xxxxx, MICHAEL ANDREW CONFIDENTIAL Technology. He does have a real interest in his coursework but it is very difficult dealing with school and also his PTSD symptoms. He also has had to deal coping with panic attacks that occur while in class. This makes learning and following the lecture very difficult. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health: The veteran is followed by the Leavenworth VA MH program. He did see a psychologist for a few session for PTSD but stated he had so much anticipatory anxiety before and immediately after his appts that it was "too difficulty to go" until he anxiety is able to be reduced. The veteran stated he has been having increased high levels of anxiety involving panic attacks along with depression. He reported being hospitalized twice around March 2014 for suicidal thoughts. Both hospitalizations were at the University of Kansas. After the 2nd hospitalization he was referred to a substance abuse recovery center but left as he would have missed school. He did start going to AA for about a dozen times and then came to know he cannot drink while depressed. Especially stressful for him are the almost daily panic attacks, which often result in concentration and memory problems. He was especially bothered that he forgot his daughter birthday (by a week) earlier this month. When directly questioned, he stated that he does continue to have thoughts of self-harm but "I would never do it or harm myself because of my two daughters...they are so important to me...". He also noted that in the past, the two incidents of becoming suicidal occurred when had been drinking heavily. He stated he knows he can no longer ever drink when he is depressed. He is currently followed by psychiatrist Dr. Pattison at the Leavenworth, VA who has been adjusting his medication to improve his mood. He did state that the Xanax does help for sleep. He reported that Dr. Pattison and he are developing a plan to get his anxiety under control somewhat better so that he can again initiate psychotherapy with Dr. Paolo Psychologist at Leavenworth. He likes his Leavenworth MH providers, but did stated he was closer to the KCVA in miles. As a courtesy, before the veteran left, he was provided the national suicide prevention hotline number and thet KCVA phone number. He was also informed he can walk in to this VA during the day and be seen in MHC without an appt or after hours walk in and be seen in the emergency department. He was also provided contact information about the KCVA PCT PSTD program at the Honor Annex. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history: The veteran denied any legal problems.xxxxx, MICHAEL ANDREW CONFIDENTIAL e. Relevant Substance abuse history: The veteran stated that though in the past he had drank very heavily this was due primarily do being depressed. He stated he no longer drinks when he is depressed as he knows it is a bad combination. The veteran does not believe he has an alcohol problem. He had never gotten a DUI and never had any job or school related problems due to alcohol. f. Other, if any: No response provided. 3. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria --------------------------- Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, are from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The stressful event can be due to combat, personal trauma, other life threatening situations (non-combat related stressors.) Do NOT mark symptoms below that are clearly not attributable to the Criteria A stressor/PTSD. Instead, overlapping symptoms clearly attributable to other things should be noted under #6 - "Other symptoms". Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious injury, c) sexual violation, in one or more of the following ways: [X] Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s) [X] Witnessing, in person, the traumatic event(s) as they occurred to others Criterion B: Presence of (one or more) of the following intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred: [X] Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s). [X] Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s). [X] Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s). [X] Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s). Criterion C: Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic xxxx, MICHAEL ANDREW CONFIDENTIAL event(s), beginning after the traumatic events(s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following: [X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s). [X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s). Criterion D: Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following: [X] Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s) (typically due to dissociative amnesia and not to other factors such as head injury, alcohol, or drugs). [X] Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am bad,: "No one can be trusted,: "The world is completely dangerous,: "My whole nervous system is permanently ruined"). [X] Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead to the individual to blame himself/herself or others. [X] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame). [X] Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities. [X] Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others. [X] Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings.) Criterion E: Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following: [X] Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no xxxx, MICHAEL ANDREW CONFIDENTIAL provocation) typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects. [X] Hypervigilance. [X] Exaggerated startle response. [X] Problems with concentration . [X] Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep). Criterion F: [X] The duration of the symptoms described above in Criteria B, C, and D are more than 1 month. Criterion G: [X] The PTSD symptoms described above cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Criterion H: [X] The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or another medical condition. 4. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Depressed mood [X] Anxiety [X] Suspiciousness [X] Panic atacks more than once a week [X] Near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively [X] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions or recent events [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood [X] Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships [X] Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or a worklike setting [X] Inability to establish and maintain effective relationships [X] Suicidal ideation 5. Behavioral Observations: --------------------------- The veteran was consistently pleasant and cooperative. He did display indications of heightened stress and anxiousness. On a couple occasions he did tear up when describing his symptoms and stresses in his life; xxxx, MICHAEL ANDREW CONFIDENTIAL especially those involving relationships. 6. Other symptoms ----------------- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other mental disorders) that are not listed above? [ ] Yes[X] No 7. Competency ------------- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes[ ] No 8. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any:- Objective Data: PCL5 Score= 74 Above cutoff suggestive of PTSD Mississippi Score= 152 Above cutoff suggestive of PTSD

I'll tell you where I'm at...Part of my claim closed Saturday. Yesterday, (Tuesday afternoon) I had a few minutes at the office so I called Peggy. Got the 25 minute call back, but she said that my backpay deposit was sent out Monday morning. I called US Bank, but they have no pending ACH payment...SO...I'm guessing it could hit literally any minute. If it isn't in by Friday, I will probably call Peggy again and see what answer they give me this time, LOL!

Thanks Sierra and eagle! I'm waiting for my BBE so I can get a firm standing of where I am at. :)

Right on, that's amazing! Good for you Dart, and congratulations! Enjoy what you have earned!

Congrats Eagle!

Right on Navy, thanks! Kinda what I figured, so we'll see.

Thanks Rick! It's a great relief to know I'm headed in the right direction, but now it opens up all new questions! LOL!

Digging around in Ebenefits, and downloaded the Benefits Summary Information...What's this all about??? I haven't gotten my BBE yet, so still not sure what they rated me for, but this below worries me a little bit. Is this standard verbage? Thanks! You have one or more service-connected disabilities: Yes Your combined service-connected evaluation is: 70% Your current monthly award amount is: $1441.40 The effective date of the last change to your current award was: January 01, 2014 You are not considered to be permanently disabled due to your service-connected disabilities becauseyour case is scheduled for review on: March 01, 2015 You are not considered to be permanently disabled due to your service-connected disabilities at thistime because you are scheduled for a future reduction in rating on: March 01, 2015

Thanks all!!! I absolutely, positively could not have gotten through this far without the support and wisdom of this group! I've learned SO much about the VA process, and in turn, I've been trying every chance to pass it along to other vet's that I know!

Congratulations on your much deserved victory!!!

Thanks Notorious!

Ebennies updated Saturday morning! It changed to Review of Evidence with Development Letter sent...I immediately checked my letters, and my percentage moved from 30% to 70%!!! Based on many, many things that I have learned here, I'm guessing my Regional RO has made a decision on part of my claim, and sent the rest back for review. Of course, I've been running numbers through calculators trying to figure out which they have made a decision on... Here were my claims... Contentions: hallux limitus, left foot with degenerative changes to the first metatarsal phalangeal (Increase), post traumatic stress disorder with anxiety and depression (New), hearing loss right ear (Increase), hallux limitus, right foot with degenerative changes to the first metatarsalphalangeal with resdidual surgical scar (Increase) Considering that PTSD is only rated at 10,30,50,70, and 90, adding a PTSD rating just doesn't get me to the 70%, so I'm wondering if they increased my feet or hearing, and sent back PTSD? Heck, I don't know...I'm just happy right now! Guess I will wait for the BBE and go from there! Do I have to wait for the entire claim to be finished to get retro on the increase? Thanks all!!! :)

Thanks Thadine and Navy! I know I shouldn't be, but I'll be watching Ebennies like a hawk today...I mean, it would only make sense that they would want to get this claim off their books before the next Monday Morning Report, doesn't it? LOL!

Congrats Tela!!!

Congrats! Hope you hear something soon! I went to Prep for Decision January 23, Pending Decision Approval yesterday, and Prep for Notification today...Anxiety at an all time high right now. Just hoping for the best whenever it comes!

Mine just went to PDA this afternoon as well, and moved my time to complete WAY up...Hoping for the best. I completely understand the anxiety thing...I saw that and had to take a xanax almost immediately! Crossing my fingers...

Congrats on the increase!