ptsd Am I on the right path?

[Dennis1989]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post on any site regarding the issues I deal with. Before I go on with my question I would like explain my situation. I am a former Infantryman with multiple, isolated, combat deployments that has lost many close friends. I have always swept my feelings to the side and told myself that I am strong enough to keep my issues to myself. I have done this for a few years now and it has gotten extremely painful.

I have left jobs to have new beginnings so that I could attempt friendships again. It isn't that I am mean to anyone or disrespectful what so ever, Its that I am so uncomfortable in my own skin I always feel awkward. I am so impatient with every thing in my life, even my wife when all she wants is for me to put forth an effort towards getting things ready for our unborn son. I try to interest myself in things but all it does is result in me pretending to care. I feel so disconnected from every thing that I don't know what to do any more. I moved across the country for a new start at life and I am constantly depressed, anxious and unable to keep relationships. When I go outside and I make contact with a neighbor my heart sinks and I don't know how to react... I end up waving, putting on a fake smile and than for an hour I think about how uncomfortable it was and that I hope they aren't outside when I come back home. I can't put a title on what my issues are but it's so uncomfortable. I don't know if it is PTSD or what but this is not how I was before the Military. Sorry to rant.

I am currently seeking attention from the VA but its taking a while. I made my claim for combat- related PTSD with hopes that the VA would schedule my appointments. (I have never done anything like this so if I am wrong please don't crucify me). The steps I have taken are as follows:

1. Claim has been made through E-Benefits with my DD- 214 attached including "combat/ time in country/ etc."

2. My claim has been accepted and a "development letter" has been sent out.

3. I scheduled an appointment with a civilian LPC therapist. That is later this week.

I have read on many sites that with a Combat Infantryman Badge, proof of a "nexus" and a Diagnosis of PTSD, the claim is usually OK. My question is, am I taking the correct steps for a successful claim? What else should I do?

Thank you guys in advance.

[Buck52]

Everything looks good as for as your combat stressors  but you need a VA Diagnoses for PTSD The VA will not accept a Private PTSD Diagnoses  but they will accept a Private Specialist IMO/IME nexus to connect the two together as  military service cause the PTSD

''I don't know if it is PTSD or what but this is not how I was before the Military''. Sorry to rant.''

This is why you need a PTSD Diagnoses.

Seek VA MH   L.C .S.W. Therapist they will help you.

unless I'm mistaken? 

other members will chime in

 

...........JMO

 

........Buck

Edited December 4, 2015 by Buck52

[Dennis1989]

Thanks Buck. From my understanding, the VA will schedule me a C&P exam? What steps do I need to take?

[Buck52]

Just be on time and answer all the questions honestly and don't hold back anything,

you might look at the PTSD Criteria here on hadit  or check out the PTSD  DBQ (Disabilities Questioner), as to know what type of questions they will ask you during the exam.

Do you have a VA PTSD  Diagnoses?  if you don't and go to the C&P Exam its a no brainer you will be denied.  right off the bat.

 

.............Buck

[Dennis1989]

I don't have a VA diagnosis yet Buck. That is what I am most curious about. Will the VA, during the claim process, schedule that for me??

[Buck52]

well I'm not sure  some times they will send you a letter letting you know you need a VA PTSD Diagnoses and some times they don't and your denied for that reason.

I always make sure the veterans have a VA MH PTSD diagnoses before filing a claim for it.

if you don't have a Diagnoses  you need to go to VAMH and request to be tested to meet  the DSM 5 PTSD Criteria 

[Dennis1989]

thank you Buck.