ptsd St. Petersburg VARO processing time

[floridanurse]

Anyone ever deal with the St. Pete VARO.... I just had all c&p exams and they are complete on myhealthevet.  Any guess as to when I will get rated? also, after they rate you, how long before retro pay? Does monthly benefit come before retro or vice versa.  Everyone has been amazing on this site.  Thanks to all for your advice.  So far I have been told 100% for PTSD, 10% for right ankle and 10% for tinnitus.... the c&P examiner also said that my bladder condition was secondary to PTSD/MST.  Do they rate secondary conditions?

[Navy4life]

On 8/17/2016 at 4:03 PM, john999 said:

Did you break down and cry at your PTSD exam.  If you did that is good.   The worse off you appear the better off you are to the VA.   In summer I advise dirty hair, flip flops,  look like coming off 5 day drunk and maybe drink 10 cups of coffee before you get to exam.  I had so many exams over the years for mental health issues I know when they are trying to lead me down the garden path.  You don't talk about your childhood, teenage years or anything before the military.  I am Vietnam vet so they tried to tell me I had personality disorder when I first had an exam in 1972.  I got my P&T but it took 30 years.   If they ask leading questions watch out!  They want to blame your current problems on events either before or after military service.   The VA are the biggest whores in the world because they have screwed millions of veterans.  You can tell I am not a happy camper.  My generation really got hammered.

I am sorry but why would you "coach" on here and tell Vet's this BS?   You sound sour and I am sorry but what you are preaching here is just WRONG!!!

Edited August 20, 2016 by Navy4life

[floridanurse]

@Navy4life  I kind of agree with you about what @john999 said, but our Vietnam vets were treated a whole a hell of a lot differently than I was (Desert Storm), so I get his saltiness, but I went into my exams and was honest, and to be frank, I really just wanted validation that I was being honest, I went in as myself and all of my exams went in my favor.  If you are honest, then you have nothing to worry about.  I do take care of my hygiene and I try to do the best I can , but some days are better than others :)............ I can only hope that my decision is favorable but just telling my story was enough for me and I think my C&P exams reflected that.  I went in and was myself.  No less.  I have never had a bad experience with the Va, most every time I went in I was treated with dignity and care.  my service records also speak for themselves.  I was proud to serve my country but I did not ask to be sexually harassed or assaulted.  I just wanted equal treatment and fairness.  The VA has always been on my side in my opinion, but maybe I am the exception and not the rule?

Edited August 20, 2016 by floridanurse

[Navy4life]

Well I too am. Desert Storm Vet. My point is that you should not go into any exam other than being honest period. I went into my MH exam and was open and honest. I was raped and thought no one would believe me. I got pregnant lost the child. I suffer from an Eating Disorder too. Went through major trauma and 22 years later I had an exam. The examiner believerd me because I was honest and not fake. I would never encourage anyone to go in and fake their appearance or fake their symptoms in order to gain the system. That is why I completely disagree with him 

I hope you have a favorable outcome. I'm in weekly therapy to this day. 

[floridanurse]

@Navy4life check out my ptsd exam......I posted it on MST forum.  I believe it is under all c&p exams in.............I had the c&p exam on aug 11 AND NOW THE CLAIM IS IN PREPARATION FOR DECISION.  I HOPE ITS GOOD :)............I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND AND BELEIVE WHAT YOU SAID.   BE HONEST! THAT HAS GOTTEN ME THE MOST RESPECT. I WOULD NEVER TRY TO EMBELLISH! some of it was ugly, but I was honest and that is all that matters....thank you and blessings to you as well! I was an MP assaulted by another MP.  it was horrendous and sad.    I am in therapy to this day as well

[Navy4life]

I'll look at it tomorrow. Is it in the CnP forum?  If you want message me with it. Heading to bed soon and I'm on my phone so hard to search. 

[floridanurse]

it is in the MST forum........good night! I had exams for tinnitus and right ankle as well>>>>>>>>> weird..LOL

Edited August 20, 2016 by floridanurse