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any guesses at my rating

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Michael.j.greene1

Question

hello i wanted to see what you guys think my rating for ptsd would be based off of my c&p exam for ptsd i am at 90% for other stuff and need 40% to put me over 100%

SECTION I:
                                   ----------
    1. Diagnostic Summary
    ---------------------
    Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-5 criteria
    based on today's evaluation?
    [X] Yes   [ ] No
    
       ICD code:  F43.12
       
    2. Current Diagnoses
    --------------------
    a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD
           ICD code: F43.12

       Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Major depressive disorder

       Mental Disorder Diagnosis #3: Male erectile dysfunction (ED)
           Comments, if any:
              ED secondary to treatment for PTSD and depression (this is
              consistent as a well docuemted side effects of zoloft).

    b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the
       Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): Chronic pain - see service
       connected conditions below

    3. Differentiation of symptoms
    ------------------------------
    a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No
       
    b. Is it possible to differentiate what symptom(s) is/are attributable to
       each diagnosis?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No   [ ] Not applicable (N/A)
       
           If yes, list which symptoms are attributable to each diagnosis and
           discuss whether there is any clinical association between these
           diagnoses:
              It is difficult if not impossible differentiate what portion of
              depression versus PTSD is attributable to each diagnoses. There is
              a high degree of overlap and comorbidity between the disorders.

              Erectile dysfunction is secondary to treatment for PTSD and
              depression. 
              
              
    c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
       [ ] Yes   [ ] No   [X] Not shown in records reviewed
       
    4. Occupational and social impairment
    -------------------------------------
    a. Which of the following best summarizes the Veteran's level of 
occupational
       and social impairment with regards to all mental diagnoses? (Check only
       one)
       [X] Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas,
           such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or 
mood
    b. For the indicated level of occupational and social impairment, is it
       possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social
       impairment indicated above is caused by each mental disorder?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No   [ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed
       
           If yes, list which portion of the indicated level of occupational and
           social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis:
              It is difficult if not impossible differentiate what portion of
              depression versus PTSD is attributable to each diagnoses. There is
              a high degree of overlap and comorbidity between the disorders.

              Erectile dysfunction is secondary to treatment for PTSD and
              depression. 
              
              
    c. If a diagnosis of TBI exists, is it possible to differentiate what 
portion
       of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by 
the
       TBI?
       [ ] Yes   [ ] No   [X] No diagnosis of TBI
       
                                   SECTION II:
                                   -----------
                               Clinical Findings:
                               ------------------
    1. Evidence Review
    ------------------
    Evidence reviewed (check all that apply):
    
    [X] VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA)
    [X] CPRS


    2. History
    ----------
    a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history (pre-military, military, and
       post-military):
          Mr. Greene is currently married. 

          He has one son. 

          Grew up in Buffalo NY.

          He had step sibling growing up but outside of that was an only child.
          
    b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history (pre-military, military, 
and
       post-military):
          High school education

          US Army 1998-2016

          5th group special forces

          supply 

          72 months deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq

          Recently started working as a deck hand on a boat.
          
    c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and
       family mental health (pre-military, military, and post-military):
          Currently in treatment counseling and 100mg of zoloft for depression.
          Experiencing erectile dysfunction as a side effect from the zoloft.
          
    d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history (pre-military, military, and
       post-military):
       No response provided.
       
    e. Relevant Substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and
       post-military):
       No response provided.
       
    f. Other, if any:
       No response provided.
       
    3. Stressors
    ------------
    Describe one or more specific stressor event(s) the Veteran considers
    traumatic (may be pre-military, military, or post-military):
    
    a. Stressor #1: Multiple combat situation (Bronze star with valor). Fear of
          IEDs, mortars and rockets.
          
          Does this stressor meet Criterion A (i.e., is it adequate to support
          the diagnosis of PTSD)?
          [X] Yes  [ ] No
          
          Is the stressor related to the Veteran's fear of hostile military or
          terrorist activity?
          [X] Yes  [ ] No
          
          Is the stressor related to personal assault, e.g. military sexual
          trauma?
          [ ] Yes  [X] No
          
    4. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria
    ---------------------------
    Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. Do
    NOT mark symptoms below that are clearly not attributable to the Criterion A
    stressor/PTSD.  Instead, overlapping symptoms clearly attributable to other
    things should be noted under #7 - Other symptoms.  The diagnostic criteria
    for PTSD, referred to as Criterion A-H, are from the Diagnostic and
    Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).
    
       Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious 
injury,
                    c) sexual violence, in one or more of the following ways:
                    
                   [X] Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s)
                   [X] Witnessing, in person, the traumatic event(s) as they
                       occurred to others

       Criterion B: Presence of (one or more) of the following intrusion 
symptoms
                    associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the
                    traumatic event(s) occurred:
                    
                   [X] Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing 
memories
                       of the traumatic event(s).
                   [X] Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or
                       affect of the dream are related to the traumatic 
event(s).
                   [X] Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure 
to
                       internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an
                       aspect of the traumatic event(s).
                   [X] Marked physiological reactions to internal or external
                       cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the 
traumatic
                       event(s).

       Criterion C: Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the 
traumatic
                    event(s), beginning after the traumatic events(s) occurred,
                    as evidenced by one or both of the following:
                    
                   [X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories,
                       thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with 
the
                       traumatic event(s).
                   [X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders
                       (people, places, conversations, activities, objects,
                       situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, 
or
                       feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic
                       event(s).

       Criterion D: Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with
                    the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the
                    traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) 
of
                    the following:
                    
                   [X] Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or
                       expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., 
"I
                       am bad,: "No one can be trusted,: "The world is 
completely
                       dangerous,: "My whole nervous system is permanently
                       ruined").
                   [X] Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or
                       consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the
                       individual to blame himself/herself or others.
                   [X] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror,
                       anger, guilt, or shame).
                   [X] Markedly diminished interest or participation in
                       significant activities.
                   [X] Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
                   [X] Persistent inability to experience positive emotions
                       (e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, 
or
                       loving feelings.)

       Criterion E: Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with
                    the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the
                    traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) 
of
                    the following:
                    
                   [X] Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
                   [X] Hypervigilance.
                   [X] Exaggerated startle response.
                   [X] Problems with concentration.
                   [X] Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying
                       asleep or restless sleep).

       Criterion F:
       
                   [X] Duration of the disturbance (Criteria B, C, D, and E) is
                       more than 1 month.

       Criterion G:
       
                   [X] The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or
                       impairment in social, occupational, or other important
                       areas of functioning.

       Criterion H:
       
                   [X] The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological
                       effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or
                       another medical condition.

       Criterion I: Which stressor(s) contributed to the Veteran's PTSD
                    diagnosis?:
                    
                   [X] Stressor #1

    5. Symptoms
    -----------
    For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the
    Veteran's diagnoses:
    
       [X] Depressed mood
       [X] Anxiety
       [X] Suspiciousness
       [X] Panic attacks more than once a week
       [X] Chronic sleep impairment
       [X] Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions or recent
           events
       [X] Flattened affect
       [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood
       [X] Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social
           relationships
       [X] Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or 
a
           worklike setting

    6. Behavioral Observations
    --------------------------
    Mr. Greene was early to his appointment.

    7. Other symptoms
    -----------------
    Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other
    mental disorders) that are not listed above?
       [ ] Yes   [X] No
       
    8. Competency
    -------------
    Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No
       
    9. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any
    --------------------------------------------------
       PTSD and major depressive disorder would be considered a progression /
       worsening of the previously diagnosed insomnia disorder. This opinion is
       supported the presentation of Mr. Greene's symptoms as consistent with
       PTSD as well has his STRs that document over 70 months deployed to Iraq
       and Afghanistan, having earned a bronze star with valor in the US Army
       special forces. 

       Based on a review of the available records in VBMS, it is the writer's
       medical opinion that Mr. Greene's currently diagnosed PTSD is due to or a
       result of fear of hostile military activity from multiple combat
       deployments. This opinion is supported by the his exposure to threat of
       mortars and other explosive devices during deployment. The veteran
       continues to experience multiple symptoms that are consistent with combat
       related PTSD.
       
    NOTE: VA may request additional medical information, including additional
    examinations if necessary to complete VA's review of the Veteran's
    application.
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Disabilities

90%
Total Combined Disability

You have a 90% final degree of disability. This percentage determines the amount of benefit pay you will receive.

How is this calculated
Rated Disabilities

Disability
Rating
Decision
Related To
Effective Date
multiple concussions
Not Service Connected
painful scars, right leg, right ankle, and neck
20%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
left shoulder strain (non-dominant)
0%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Not Service Connected
scar, neck
0%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
left ankle degenerative arthritis
Not Service Connected
right leg lumbar radiculopathy (also claimed as numbness/tingling and peripheral neuropathy)
10%
Service Connected
Disability Evaluation System (DES)
06/30/2016
right ankle posttraumatic arthritis (also claimed as fibula fracture)
10%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
right knee chondromalacia
10%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
right hip condition
Not Service Connected
tension headaches
Not Service Connected
Lumbar spine degenerative changes and stenosis (also claimed as affecting gait)
10%
Service Connected
Disability Evaluation System (DES)
06/30/2016
left knee degenerative changes
10%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
right arm radiculopathy (dominant) (also claimed as numbness/tingling and peripheral neuropathy)
20%
Service Connected
Disability Evaluation System (DES)
06/30/2016
tinnitus
10%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
left arm radiculopathy (non-dominant) (also claimed as numbness/tingling and peripheral neuropathy)
20%
Service Connected
Disability Evaluation System (DES)
06/30/2016
scars, right leg and ankle
0%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
unspecified insomnia disorder (claimed as sleep disturbances)
0%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
right hand ring finger status post fracture
0%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
left leg lumbar radiculopathy (also claimed as numbness/tingling and peripheral neuropathy)
10%
Service Connected
Disability Evaluation System (DES)
06/30/2016
right shoulder AC osteoarthritis (dominant)
20%
Service Connected
06/30/2016
cervical spine disc herniation (also claimed C5-C6 and stenosis without myopathy)
20%
Service Connected
Disability Evaluation System (DES)
06/30/2016
left hip condition
Not Service Connected
Pending Disabilities

Disability
Submitted
Type
Actions
Chronic Ptsd
10/20/2016
NEW
View Pending Claim
3 Inch Painful Scar Top Left Of Head
10/20/2016
NEW
View Pending Claim
Chronic Major Depression
10/20/2016
NEW
View Pending Claim
Add Disabilities

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I have a few questions Michael----

Multiple concussions and they denied?????

I assume you had a severe trauma , probably a TBI….how was that claimed contention worded?

Was the scar related to anything that gave you a concussion?

Have you checked out the CRDP/ CRSC info here?

http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/special-pay/comparing-crsc-and-crdp.html

 

You might not be eligible now but maybe would be ,if that PTSD rating is good.

CRDP is automatic if eligible for that , CRSC has to be applied for.

I am assuming that VA did not find you eligible for CRDP ?????? They send that info to DFAS.

Are you able to scan and attach here the decision, as to their reasons and basis for the denials and also the Evidence list they had with the decision.

(Cover C file #,  name) prior to scanning it)

Also, they will only  pay comp for one MH issue.They could award for PTSD with major depression but there will be only one rating.

 

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 almost forgot this:

"Currently in treatment counseling and 100mg of zoloft for depression.
          Experiencing erectile dysfunction as a side effect from the zoloft."
          

That should give you the SMC K award. Then again I hope VA will do that when they read the C & P but you might have to to formally claim it. Did you claim it yet?

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i dont have a TBI the concussions were from jumps and a humve accident in iraq the reason they were denied was they were not in my med records i got medically retired at 17 years i applied for CRSC on 24 aug 2016 havent been aproved im going to refile for my left ankle with my jump log and i have some new stuff to add the ED and high blood pressure high cholesterol i also have a c&p exam coming up for gulf war for othe issues 

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  • HadIt.com Elder

Mike

If you have a 90% combined rating now   without the PTSD INCLUDED

And you filed a PTSD Claim   this would be considered another condition and not mixed in with your 90% conditions you have now.

When a Veteran has  Separate S.C. Condition (PTSD) & Is awarded a 70% OR Higher rating for PTSD  then that qualify's  the veteran for a statutory rating of SMC S-1 H.B.

 because you meet the SMC S Criteria...and the rater specalist uses a  SMC  Table scale to  inferred the SMC-S

SMC K is given no matter what your rated at (10% only) if you have the evidence to prove  secondary or aggravated by PTSD /Medications ect ,,ect,,,,,For E.D. or loss of use of creative organ. 

In my opinion all veteran's should file a claim  if his condition is aggravated from past military service  and the veteran gets what he deserves.

jmo

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

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