Claim Nearing Decision Phase But I'm Concerned

[wpcoder]

I began a claim in August 2013, after going to the VAMC for the past 12 years from time to time for what they now call "anxiety and depression". I initially went to the VARO and they initiated a claim for "anxiety due to physical assault in basic training" and "back condition". Only on my second visit to the VARO did they provide me with Form 21-0781 for determining PTSD. The VAMC according to my medical records have never used the term "PTSD" in my file as of yet.

I have since gone to the DAV for representation, thanks in part to the great information on this website. I gave them my buddy statements to submit on my behalf since there was no documentation of the assault at the time.

I am concerned that as of today by file has been moved to the "Preparing for Decision" phase on eBenefits webpage. They estimate my claim to be complete between Jan 2014 - April 2014 - moving the window up one month from last week. That means my claim could be complete in less than six months total time.

I know I should be happy that it's not taking two years to complete, but this is almost too fast, maybe? They did the C&P for my back in October already (and have military documentation of a back condition on active duty), and I was not happy with the results when I read my records. I was unprepared and had not talked to the DAV yet, and didn't realize they rate your range of motion and not whether bending over causes you pain or not.

I have never done a C&P for PTSD or anxiety. Could they be using my medical records and buddy statements and not require a C&P? Or could that still happen?

I'm a bit naive on this whole process. I didn't even know there was such a thing as SC disability unless you got hurt in combat. Any help, thoughts, suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Navy04]

wpcoder,

Your claim is working very fast, and everything will be ok. Just wait and see what happens and if they low ball you as they have done us all, you will learn from this site what to appeal and how to. What Regional Office or state are you in? I filed my claim in Sep 13 and the VA is just now working the FDC. God bless and good luck.

[killemall]

Good luck

[JT24usn]

If they haven't done a C&P for claimed conditions (PTSD/anxiety) then I would be a little concerned. Jmho

[wpcoder]

I live in Kentucky. I am closest to the VAMC in Huntington, WV so I go there for treatment and also visit the VARO and DAV offices in that city. However, the VARO handling my claim is in Louisville, Ky. I might also add that I requested a copy of my records from the VA and the mental health clinic, although not labeling my condition as PTSD yet has indicated a GAF score of 50 for anxiety disorder (also seen it called depression disorder and mood disorder in the same records).

Thanks for the feedback. This online community is very helpful.

[wpcoder]

This can't be good. Today my status was upgraded to "Pending Decision Approval". I've never had a C&P Exam for anxiety, depression, or PTSD. That was my primary complaint. I did have a C&P for my back, my secondary complaint. My thoughts are that my records already show sufficient evidence for TDIU, or something is just wrong without giving me a mental health C&P exam before making a determination.

Your thoughts, anyone?

[carlie]

This can't be good. Today my status was upgraded to "Pending Decision Approval". I've never had a C&P Exam for anxiety, depression, or PTSD. That was my primary complaint. I did have a C&P for my back, my secondary complaint. My thoughts are that my records already show sufficient evidence for TDIU, or something is just wrong without giving me a mental health C&P exam before making a determination.

Your thoughts, anyone?

Perhaps w/the statements and treatment at the VAMC there is enough to SC

your depression.

I would not think at this point, there would be any concerns for consideration by VBA, for TDIU.

jmho