kowa

Thanks to all, I think I will go with my gut. I'm at 19 months so it has got to be close to decision time...

About to lose the house.

I contacted his rep, they want to help but I'm worried I won't get a fair evaluation. S.O. says it just makes raters mad, a trusted friend says it doesn't work that way..advice?!

Thanks pr, If they knew how the myotonia affected me, would it change the outcome? The myotonia is embarrassing enough, when I know I am likely to have anxiety attacks I just stay home. I have been trying to work for the past thirteen years and now I am accepting the fact I will not be able to retire anywhere.

I was working when I had this exam but wasn't able to go in after I found out about the myotonia and have been unemployed since that time.

I am currently at 30% PTSD but was advised to put in for a raise. I did 12-2011 and had a c&p 4-2012. It was kicked back for some reason and I had another c&p 8-2012. My SO wasn't telling me why so I requested both notes. I got the second one back, changed SO's in the process...I like to know why things happen and not be blown off. Anyway the summary his kind of hard to read about yourself but I am curious if you guys can tell me about where you think this would be rated. My GAF for this day was 50, it is always in the 49-52 ballpark with my therapist, according to her. Summary and Diagnosis; The patient continues to have problems with PTSD. It was triggered by events that occured in service but had delayed onset. It is currently manifested by intrusive memories, nightmares, diminished interest in normal activities, detachment from others, restricted affect with suicidal thinking, sleep disturbance, anger outbursts, concentration problems, and hypervigilance. Problems are occuring on a daily basis and have been present since 2000. Intensity is moderate to severe with impaired social relationships, marital functioning, occupational achievement, ( I fast track until I have an anxiety attack in front of someone, then I am percieved as a "liability") judgement, mood, and range of activities. It interferes with being able o shop, eat in restaurants and to go to movies comfortably. The patient demonstrates reduced reliability and producivity in his occupational and social functioning because of the flattened affect, impaired concentration, impaired judgement, disturbances in motivation and mood, and difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships. He is in need of medication and counseling, but the likelihood of significant change is low. The patient is competent to manage his own affairs. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I was diagnosed with the Myotonia a couple of months later..."Adrenaline/epinephrine is well known to make myotonia worse in most individuals with the disorder, and a person with myotonia congenita may experience a sudden increase in difficulty with mobility in a particularly stressful situation during which adrenaline is released."....the myotonia will last 2-3 days after an attack. I hate that they do not know this because it is taking forever.

Reconsideration step has been eliminated in my state, so straight to disablitiy hearing. At least I will be heard. I took a surveillance job at a local casino, had two big anxiety attacks. All I had to do was sit and watch people and take notes. So pud...but the examiner didn't know that, as much as I hate the idea of having to tell people I am a waste of oxygen at least the judge will get to hear how this affects me.

Thanks for your replies and encouragement. I linked up with the lawyer and they are sending me the paperwork to appeal. Curious to how long this process will take? Thanks again.

" Your condition results in some limitations in your ability to perform work related activities. However, these limitations do not prevent you from performing work you hace done in the past as an Inspector/Surveyor, as normally performed in the national economy. We have determined that your condition is not severe enough to keep you from working. We considered the medical and other information, your age, education, training, and work experience in determining how your condition affects your ability to work. If your condition gets worse and keeps you from working write, call or visit any Social Security office about filing another application" First off, I worked and worked until my anxiety 'condition' has gotten so bad it keeps me from working, it's why I filed for SSD. I do not want to leave the house half the time. I am just at a loss with their reasoning. I have training, education, etc...but it doesn't mean squat when you have an anxiety attack in front of co workers and you go from fast tracking with a company to circus freak/liability. So you get another job while hanging on to the old one before they have a reason to let you go and the same thing happens so you do it again, then you get laid off ( fired really ) for the same issues...I have ran out of those jobs in this town so experience and training mean nothing. My lawyer wants to file an appeal. I always try to stay positive but am not at all positive at this time. Any advice? Do I have a chance when I appeal? The dystrophy was just diagnosed 10/12 and I finally had a sleep study done and have sleep apnea to be added to the appeals.

I was just diagnosed with myotonia congenita. I know it is has been a while since you posted but in case you ever get back on the boards you know you're not alone with this. I had symptoms of it in the Army, was even "treated" for the symptoms so the S.O. and I sent in a claim. We are born with MC so there is no denying we had it in service. I guess the question is can we prove we had the symptoms? I wish you well and good luck!

Update! I was awarded a percentage for PTSD but I guess my service rep noticed some things and thinks it's low and filed an appeal. Round 2 later this month, this adds to my anxieties and I cannot wait for it to be over! Can anyone tell me what to expect in this 2nd exam? PTSD- 30% Hypertension-10% Tinnitus-10% Right knee- MRI showed a Bakers Cyst and some mild to moderate issues. Left knee- MRI showed mild to moderate degenerative issues around the lateral horn and Chondromylacia. The ortho doc at the VA foo fooed my knee pain and attributed it to my age (early 40's) but ordered the first MRI anyway...made me feel like I was wasting his time. When the results came back he ordered the second to be done at a local hospital through Humana. Maybe he realized I wasn't kidding when I told him I have been living with the pain? Have an appointment next week as to how he wants to treat me. C&P has not been made yet for my knees. I had chronic shin splints the majority of the time I was in that's next. TIA for any information and apologies for my absence.

Thanks guys, I hope you are right. There are some other things the DAV rep put in for but I haven't heard anything back yet,, do they just do a couple of things at a time?

I balled when the examiner asked me a few questions, he said the Dr at my VA had diagnosed me with it and he agreed. He asked me if I had any questions and that was about it. My question is is this a good thing? I have heard so many horror stories I was waiting to be interrogated mercilessly.

Still no C&P letter.

Thanks Halos! So far I just get letters saying the VA hasnt forgotten me. No C&P date yet.