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C & P Exam For Ptsd

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Erich

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I have a C & P exam scheduled for 10/14/08 and I think it could be to determine if I have PTSD. I filed a claim in Feb 2007 and later amended it to include PTSD. I did this after my last C & P examiner advised me to apply for this.

I saw a young woman in her 20's about nine months ago who screened me for PTSD treatment and she later told me that I have PTSD symptoms but my main problem was Depression.... and therefore didn't qualify for their PTSD treatment program. I think there was more going on than that because even though I was wounded by shell fragments from a grenade, I did not get a purple heart credited to my records. I am 20% service connected for these wounds though.

I was hit in my chest, buttox, and both legs by shell fragments from a grenade that I think exploded on the roof of the bunker I was in. My CO had already identified me as a "pot head" and was in the process of giving me an "Undesireable Discharge" when I got blasted by grenade. I was not offered drug rehab which sucks... [My discharge was upgraded to Honorable about a year after I got out in 1971] However, to further complicate matters, my Squad Leader was a homosexual who had twice made advances towards me. Both times I woke and he was sitting up next to me on my bed. The 2nd time I rept him to my CO who I believe did nothing. I think there is a good chance this Sgt might have been behind the grenade that got me???

Anyway, when they screened me for PTSD treatment I had to take a 500+ questionaire which was a big problem for me. I was unable to concentrate and focus on the questions after about 30-40 minutes [about halfway thru] and it also gave me a headache. So the last 200+ questions were probably not answered right?? I'm concerned they might ask me to do this again... is this part of the C & P exam for PTSD?

I called Indianapolis VARO and asked them if this exam is for PTSD and they wouldn't tell me. The lady just said it was to further evaluate my condition. Then she said she needed to document my file that I had called...

I know there is a lot at stake and I'm very nervous. Can anyone tell me what I can expect if this exam is for PTSD?

Also... I'm told I can't get Depression service connected because I didn't seek treatment in the service or within 1 year of discharge. Can someone confirm if this is true?

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  • HadIt.com Elder

Just tell it like it is about your Vietnam experience and your wounds. If the wounds are SC'ed then I think that should be a verifiable stressor for PTSD. Google PTSD and read all the symptoms so you are familiar with it. They may ask you if you are afraid of crowds or if you have dreams or flashbacks to the events in Nam. They may ask if you are hyper vigilent and uptight and expecting combat situations to return. I would go easy on discussing my drug history. Focus on the grenade attack and how that has left nervous and unable to relate to others. You don't know if the VC or your SGT tried to kill you so you don't trust anyone. You need to have symptoms of PTSD. Don't let them steer you towards problems before the service in your childhood or high shcool or with the law.

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something i always tell ppl, it might sound silly but.......if there are any "yes" or "no" questions always answer them! never say "i don't know" because that leaves the door wide open for them to fill in whatever they please.

i know others on here have stressed that it's important how you dress. yup. you read that right. don't dress up. just wear what you wear everyday...the last thing you are there to do is impress them.

that long test you mentioned? the MMPI probably--i don't recall having to re-take that at my C&P exam, but that was several years ago and yes, that test sucks.

take care,

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  • HadIt.com Elder

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Index to Disability Examination Worksheets http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm

These 57 Disability Examination Worksheets are in use both by the doctors of VHA (Veterans Health Administration) who do the disability examinations and by the rating specialists, hearing officers, and Decision Review Officers of VBA (Veterans Benefits Administration) who do the disability evaluations.

STUDY BOTH

Initial Evaluation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Mental Disorders

Edited by Wings
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  • HadIt.com Elder

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This is a good VA Manual. ~Wings

Best Practice Manual for

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Compensation and Pension Examinations

URL http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf

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Thanks to all for your input... I can't help but feel very anxious and nervous about the exam. I do plan to tell the examiner the truth. I just hope I can remember all the problems this has caused me over the years. Right now I'm afraid my 3rd marriage is going down after 18 years but I don't blame her. I am no good to her sexually, socially, and our kids don't really like me.

I spend about 95% of my time in a back room of our house. I hate being stuck in that room but hate leaving even more.

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