ptsd C & P Exam For Ptsd

[Erich]

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?

[cowgirl]

Erich, thanks for signing on to Hadit. Took me a few months to get courage to start talking here, but sure saved me from bottoming out over the past few years. I don' have medical training at all, just a proactive "Hadittude'! Now I have copy of my smr's (service medical records) and c-file and va medical records, records from civ docs (only keep em 7 years) and more.

Are you getting medical care through a private doc now for depression or other health things that could be related to ptsd? If so, to help you, request a statement from the doc how the ptsd or symptoms impact your health.

Don't know myself, may be good that your c&p is coming up. or not, Hope you remember its a one time pony show, use the exam sheet as a guide; you'll do fine. Remember examiners aren't hired for follow on care, so if you need help, ask for it. The va should help. Hey, I went to primary care, during an intake they asked if I was ok. replied 'nope.' Told me where mental health offices are. I just walked into the clinic and said "I need to talk to a counselor for help'. That worked for me.. Can't tell how things will turn out for any of us myself, just want the best for every vet and precious families.

Best to ya,

Cg

[john999]

Have you written a Stressor Letter to outline your verifiable stressor which would be the grenade attack to my way of thinking. Did you get any combat awards or were you in any firefights or rocket attacks you can verify? I think the grenade attack is enough to be a good stressor. For PTSD you need a verifiable stressor. That is the difference between a depression claim, for instance, and a PTSD claim. The depression claim could flow out of your wounds and the pain and disablility they cause, but that is another route towards a rating for a mental condition other than PTSD. The way the military treated you is the real stressor but that does not count in their military minds. I would stress the grenade attack and how your relive it over and over again every time you hear a loud noise. Just a suggestion.

[Erich]

Thanks again for the additional comments. I have not got any outside help for my problems for over 10 yrs. I contacted both of those Dr offices and they don't have any records now. One of those Dr's told my wife that Vietnam had a profound effect on my life...

The army must have taken the position my wounds came from a "fragging" since they did not put PH in my records. Our camp did get hit with mortors/rockets a couple of times but nothing close to me... Was also in a convoy that came uder fire but again nothing close to me. I think my focus will be on getting blasted by the grenade because that is "straw that broke my back". Before that it was all a combination of fear, stress, insomnia, malaria, boredom, and the sex harrassment that got to me. Was on duty in perimeter bunker 12 hrs nightly 7 days a week... I felt like I was between rock and hard place with drug problem and Squad Leader targeting me as his next conquest. I still think he was most likely one behind the grenade attack because it happened after I rept him to CO.

[john999]

Doing perimeter guard 12 hours a day and seven days a week would drive anyone crazy or to drugs. 99% of the time nothing happens and when something does happen your dead.

[mobie16r]

Erich,everyone gave you some good information,but make sure you read and comprehend what john999 wrote,because that is some very good information.If you are still having flashbacks about getting wounded by that grenade, that is a stressor withthan itself and you definite have PTSD.(1)Being diagnose with ptsd (2)Wounded by grenade (3)Having nitemares about it.those are the three things it takes to get service connected for post-traumatic stress disorder,but remember you have to be diagnose by a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist and it is best to get you a private psy.

mobie

[tonydog]

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.

Hi Erich. When you go to the exam, you might want to bring your wife if you are married. Or bring someone to the exam that is very familiar with your PTSD symptons, behaviors, etc. Good luck.

Also, as others have said, the "verifiable" stressor(s) are VERY important. I am not sure how they verify it, but im sure records for the unit/company/battalion you were attached to, plus the approximate dates of the attacks, are stored someplace...probably St Louis MO.