ptsd Qtc Ptsd Exam

[Papa]

On July 9th had had an examination by a Psychiarist to be evaluated for PTSD. The VA wanted to see what level I was. The first thing the Doctor noticed was my tremling hands. He asked how long or when did this start. I told him during my military service. I told him that I take medication for my shaking, but it only helps alittle. After, a few more questions, he got into my sleep pattern, told him that I do not have a pattern. I told him that I have never been to sleep prior to 1:am since I left the military. I must check all the windows and doors, and every one in the house must be asleep first. Also told him that I must wear a CPAP machine to get at least 4 hours sleep per night and have been on this machine for over 5 years. After a few more questions he told me that he would rate me as being at the moderate level for PTSD. He is a very respected Doctor and has seen over 2000 vets for PTSD. I should have ask, but what does moderate mean? This Doctor is noted for helping Veterans. One thing that may hurt my claim is that I work. Eating and having a home is a priority for me, as if I waited on the va to process a claim I would starve to death. Appreciate any advice on what all this means.

[Cavtrooper088]

Papa,

I'm rated 70% PTSD (90% overall). I struggle with work, and have been terminated more than once for anger management issues, but I still work. I thing that working is probably good therapy for me, although probably not good therapy for a couple of corporate folks that I worked for in the past.

I'm new at all this, but have handled all my paperwork myself w/o help from DAV or other organizations. In fact, I've received the best advice by reading Hadit on a daily basis. I believe that if you can document a stressor, especially if it is combat related, and if you have medical documentation to prove that you have issues, then you have a good chance of winning.

Keep in mind that I am still a new guy on Hadit, and the old vets here will probably give you much better advice. I do recommend reading every entry under the PTSD forum. There is a wealth of knowledge there. Good luck to you brother.

Cavtrooper088

[Pete53]

If you can link PTSD and have an established verifiable stressor you would be rated between 30% and 50%. If you can link your sleep problems to service maybe another 30%

Good Luck on your claim.

[Berta]

Pete gave a good assessment- there is more information as to what he meant by "moderate' in the C & P results and you can request a copy of exactly what they contain from the VAMC where the C & P was done.

This BVA case shows a little more as to how they rate PTSD.

http://www.va.gov/vetapp09/files2/0914580.txt