Loose Cannon

Interesting stuff...Here's what I would do to solve THAT problem if I were "king for a day": All contracted providers (let's use QTC as an example) MUST comply with ALL elements/details of a C&P exam as requested by the VA before they get paid a nickle. They're habit of spitting out half-ass reports with missing information will continue unless someone holds them accountable. Hit 'em in their pocketbook and maybe things will improve. If not, fire them and find another contractor to do the exams properly. In our current system, it's the veterans who suffer. I could go on forever on this subject but I'm sure everyone out there has their own story and can relate... Life goes on so I won't be holding my breath for changes any time soon. Again, JMHO. LC

This is an interesting article. This happened to me and it delayed my claim about a month. Overall, I think this is "minor" when you think about all the other delay tactics and other reasons why VA claims take so long...Check it out: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/11/military-complex-va-rules-may-delay-claims-111611w/ LC

usmcgirl, After reading many of the comments and opinions and the info you provided maybe this will put your mind at ease a little. First, you are in fact SC for PTSD. A diagnosis has been made by a medical professional from the VA. Second, a psychologist has even stated that your symptoms/condition is SEVERE and CHRONIC. Last but not least, you attended a C&P exam where the details of how this condition affects your ability to function, work, etc. were made with much more detail. Other good evidence you may wish to provide are "buddy statements" from family members, co-workers, bosses, or anyone else who can speak to the effect it has on your ability to function. As far as LCSW progress notes go...they are contained in your VA medical file- No need to send them as the VA obtains these records prior to your claim going to the rater. The Vet Center would help if you can get in to see someone but you also might consider going to the ER at your local VAMC. I went there when I had a "melt down" back in February and I got to see a Psychiatrist THAT NIGHT. They have someone on call 24/7 and you can "spill your guts" and it will instantly be part of your record with a psych doctor, not a LCSW or a nurse. They can also "confirm" your diagnosis and can often speed up the beaurocracy and get you in to see someone other than a LCSW if that's your desire. No need to worry about them throwing you in a padded room...that's only if you are a threat to harm yourself or others. JMHO.... LC

usmcgirl, Hey there, hope all is well. The important thing you should realize is that ALL progress notes from ANY VA appointment become a part of your file. I suggest going to your local VAMC and requesting copies through their Release of Information office. They'll have you fill at a short release form and print off copies for you. They are supposed to mail copies of any mental health notes but that depends on who's working there. More often than not, I'm able to get my mental health records printed and given to me while I wait- otherwise it takes about a week. I recommend viewing these often (monthly) so you can see what they are writing in your notes. I saw a LCSW weekly at the VA for many months while seeing my VA Psychiatrist once a month. That's pretty normal from what I hear. The first time I had my progress notes printed I was surprised to see that even the "secure messaging" between me and my Primary VA doctor were included...Be careful what you type if you use this service (it's a part of MyHealthyVet) because someday a VA rater may be reading your messages! LC

Berta, Thank you. That clears things up for me... LC

Hello All, As I try to stay busy while my case is scheduled to go to a rater on November 28th (according to "inside info"), some last minute questions are running through my mind. Perhaps someone out there could clarify a few things for me. First, the VA has never asked me for a copy of my DD-214 or any documents regarding my dependents. I'm assuming that this information is already in their possession or very easy for them to obtain. Is this a SAFE assumption to make? I don't remember sending anything like that back in 2005 when I filed my original claim. Second, if TDIU is granted how will they determine dependent eligibility? In other words, how will they know that I am married? I never completed any other form EXCEPT the form to request TDIU. I assume they have this info on hand...Is this a safe assumption? Finally, I am currently receiving 3 separate payments for my military service. Two are listed on my retirement statement as: Gross Pay, VA Waiver. The other is Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) since I was rated at 60% overall SC and 40% was due to combat. If TDIU is granted, I assume the CRSC pay will stop. Is that correct? I really don't want to "put the cart before the horse" and think that my claim is a sure thing-- I know how the VA works too well to get my hopes up only to have them dashed. But I am trying to plan my future finances down the road and eliminate as much uncertainty as possible. Your comments are appreciated...Thanks in advance. LC

Awesome...Congrats to you!! Make sure you copy your disability award and send it as further evidence to the VA for your claim. Great to hear your good news! :smile: LC

I can totally relate to what you're feeling. ANYTIME you feel like venting or dropping me a line or two, please feel free to do so- God knows I've used Hadit.com to do so on many occasions and sometimes it just makes you feel better to let things out to people with the same experiences. As for my SSDI claim...Its still a work in progress. I filed my original claim back in Feb '11 and it was denied around the last week in September. I immediately filed my reconsideration appeal only to have it denied in 8 days!! I spoke with the lady at disability determination services who told me I should file the next appeal within 60 days (ALJ Appeal) to keep my claim "alive/active" while I obtained additional evidence in the form of a C&P exam of my PTSD / TBI condition. I filed the ALJ appeal as she said. She also said that if I was able to provide her this evidence, she would be able to "recall" my case and change their decision if the medical evidence proved favorable to me. Finally, I received a copy of the exam!! Its a great report that as I said, should warrant awarding me SSDI. I called the lady back and sent her the report via certified mail...Hope to hear some good news sometime soon. Crossing my fingers and I'll let you know if I hear anything back!! Moral of the story: NEVER give up and be persistent while trying to keep your sanity! Dealing with the VA or SSA can be overwhelming and often seems like a full-time job. LC

Sounds like your going through almost the same thing as me. SSDI is a funny thing...some people report getting approval easy while others have to keep trying several times. I guess it all comes down to the documentation you have. As you know, SSA is very different than the VA when it comes to finding a person disabled. In their eyes, you are 100% or not. If you can work IN ANY CAPACITY they will use it against you and deny your claim. I suggest trying to get a doctor's report that states you are not capable of doing any work due to your condition...even SEDENTARY work. They have been very hard on me but finally I have what I feel will get me over the "hump" in a favorable C&P exam. By the way, I have PTSD/TBI also so I know how hard it can be to function in a work setting. Take it one day at a time and don't give up. You are not alone! LC

Carlie, You might have something there! Ha-ha-ha...yuk, yuk, yuk LC

Your doctor's note says you have not worked in over a year and a half... Why in the world would they pay you retro any further back than that?? Am I misunderstanding you or have you not been able to work longer than a year and a half? LC

Here's a link from the DAV website regarding the Army's change of policy for awarding a Purple Heart for TBI (concussive injury). Not sure why one branch of the service should be any different than others. A change in policy like this (if enacted) should be across the board, not just for army vets...Can you tell I was prior Marine Corps?! http://www.dav.org/news/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=461 Also...Check out the Military Order of the Purple Heart's website...all requirements are STRICTLY ENFORCED. http://www.purpleheart.org/Default.aspx LC

Yes....I filed a claim in early Feb for the following: An increased rating for PTSD (currently rated at 30%), a rating for TBI (no current rating yet), and a claim for TDIU based on the severity of my PTSD symptoms. In Sept I was scheduled for FOUR separate C&P exams. An exam for my PTSD/TBI with a psychologist, a hearing exam (currently rated at 10% for tinnitus), and a VERY THOROUGH physical exam complete with x-rays (currently rated at 20% for injury to both feet), and a GI Series exam. All my issues are service connected with an overall rating of 60%. Although the physical exam DID NOT specifically state that it was for my TDIU claim, I believe it was performed to assess my overall condition as it covered EVERYTHING under the sun and took a very long time for the doctor to complete. Perhaps someone else who has gone through the TDIU process can chime-in and tell you something else but this has been my experience so far. Ensure you have filed VA FORM 21-8940, Veterans Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability, if you believe you qualify. DO NOT ASSUME THE VA WILL AUTOMATICALLY AWARD TDIU even if it may seem obvious in your mind. Good Luck with your claim and hope this helped answer your question. LC

I have a claim in for IU and hope to hear something soon. Not sure if I could give you a definitive answer as to how the VA looks at it but as far as SSDI goes...they look at it COMPLETELY different. In their eyes, you are either 100% disabled or your not. Your ability to work part time or at all in ANY capacity would be a big disqualifier for receiving SSDI. Check out the rules on the Social Security website for disability and you'll see what conditions must be met. I have been down this road and it is a tougher battle than I imagined. Just yesterday I got a solid doctor's evaluation (C&P exam) that states in her diagnosis because of my current condition relating to PTSD, I am considered to be totally disabled...I immediately notified SSA of this new evidence and sent them a copy!! The point I'm trying to make is that in their 2 rejection notices the common theme was that although I wasn't capable of doing the same type of work as I had been doing when I was last employed I was still capable of doing ANY work...That's been their opinion up 'till now- no matter how much evidence I produced. I hope this new info shows them different but I'll find out soon enough. Keep fighting and don't get discouraged. You'll have good days but there will be very frustrating days ahead in dealing with either the VA or SSA. Good Luck to you. LC

Amazing...Just when I had thought I'd exhausted all attempts to get copies of my QTC C&P exam reports, the UPS van shows up and delivers me a box from the local VARO containing over 300 pages of my records. This is even stranger because I had called the VA 1-800 number first thing in the morning to try to get the status of my FOIA request to have copies of the C&P exams sent to me. I really wasn't expecting to hear anything of value but the man I spoke with was able to tell me the records were sent out last Thursday...and PRESTO, 3 hours later they arrive!! How cool is that?! He also was able to tell me that my case was scheduled to go to review on November 28th and that he really wasn't supposed to tell me that but he did anyway for which I am grateful. I am VERY HAPPY with what is contained in the doctor's exam reports. Although there are a couple of minor details I don't agree with, the findings, diagnosis, etc. should help my claim for increased rating for PTSD, TBI, and IU in the best ways. I contacted SSA and sent them copies of the exams and they will take another look to see if the new evidence warranted granting me SSDI. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed until I hear something from either the VA or SSA. Hopefully, Santa will drop of a nice envelope in my stocking this Christmas. If nothing else, at least this "new" news brings me peace of mind- something I haven't had in a long time. Wishing you all a Happy Veterans Day and of course, Happy 236th Birthday to all my fellow Marines! LC

UPDATE: I went to my VA Hospital to the ROI Office...The man there was able to log on to a govt website to see if the records were there...No joy, the records are at the VARO in Winston-Salem but according to him, they send them to Salisbury where they are kept...sooooooooo...I guess I've tried everything I can in my power to get these records and I'm officially giving up. Hopefully they will realize they have EVERYTHING they need, move my case to the DECISION PHASE and tell me some good news soon. That's not asking too much now, is it? (sarcasm at its' finest!). He told me I would have to go through the VARO to request copies which I already did with a FOIA request last month. Just gotta keep the faith and hope for the best. Thanks to all who chimed in in an effort to help...Now its time for me to find a hobby! LC

Any thoughts on CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) on a treatment for PTSD? Good...Bad...Indifferent? LC

Thanks! Yeah, the last thing I want to do is have my claim processing delayed. Hard to believe that in this day and age they haven't scanned it into a computer base whereby its accessible without "pulling" an entire folder to view it. Oh well, guess I'll head to my local VA Hospital today and just make a written request for copies to be sent and "wait it out" 'till it gets here...Thanks again for your reply. LC

Sounds like a plan...Thank you for the quick reply. This shouldn't slow down my VA claim in any way should it? LC

Nope...Never been denied a permit for SC PTSD. Only thing I understand gets in the way is if you are convicted of a Felon but don't quote me on that. I live in NC and have applied through the County sherriff's office where they do a background check and have you come back a week or so later to pick up the permit. Hope this helps you out. LC

Been to the Release of Information office at the VA Hospital I get treatment at and they are always helpful- sometimes giving me all copies of progress reports on the spot, sometimes mailed. I was wondering if a VA Regional Office (mine is Winston-Salem, NC) has a similar service whereby someone can pull up my QTC C&P exams on their computer and print them off for me...Anybody know if they operate like this? This is driving me nuts knowing that these exams are IN THE VARO BUILDING. I need them for my SSDI claim and really can't afford to wait until AFTER my VA case has been decided... Any ideas are appreciated. LC

My VARO is about a 3 hour drive from where I live. I would gladly make the trip if they could do that! Wonder if I try calling the 1-800 number if they would be able to do anything for me such as let me know if that is possible or better yet, send me a copy. My DAV rep actually works in the SAME BUILDING that the VARO is in Winston-Salem, NC...Wonder if he would be able to obtain a copy since he has POA to represent me? I also am wondering if I went to my local VA Hospital's Release of Information office if they would be able to access and print copies? So many questions...but this is vital to getting my SSDI approved, otherwise I'd just sit back and wait since I made a formal FOI request last month for this info. Hope everyone understands this. LC

UPDATE...On October 27th QTC called to tell me they sent the results of all C&P exams to the VA. After looking at EBenefits, it shows that these reports from QTC were received on November 2. I can accept the fact that my VA case must wait "in the stack" with other cases before getting rated but I really need a copy of the C&P exams to give to SSA for my SSDI case. I have been in contact with the person (Disability Determination Examiner) who denied my Reconsideration request and she said they could recall my case if I provide her with the exams and they show favorable evidence. Even though I provided her with the info/address where the exams were (Winston-Salem NC VARO) she said that since the case was closed, SHE could not request new/additional info. Yes...I filed for the ALJ Hearing to keep my SSDI request going and I will most likely be getting a lawyer's help for the rest of this...BUT... If I visited the Winston-Salem NC VARO where I know for a fact these exams are sitting, does anyone think I could get copies of them? What sense does it make to have to wait until AFTER my VA case is decided? That could take months and months...meanwhile I could be receiving SSDI if my SSDI case gets recalled and awarded- Retro payments are nice but don't help if with the bills or expenses I'm facing NOW. I also wouldn't have to endure the ALJ process. Just trying to get these C&P exam reports is my biggest challange right now. Any suggestions??

Been fighting with SSA to get SSDI approval for my PTSD since February 2011...Getting nowhere and getting the runaround (to put it mildly). I've had the original claim AND the reconsideration request shot down and have NEVER been scheduled for any exams. The VA has C&P exams and I've attended those in the past but NEVER has Social Security ever scheduled me for a CE exam...What gives here? Did you request your exam or am I just getting jerked around by the people at disability determination? I have about 40 more days left to appeal to the next higher level and have a ALJ hearing. Looks like I will need to get a lawyer to help since they continue to "lose my evidence" and disregard solid medical letters from my doctors. Just find it very strange that they have not had me go for an exam... LC

Congratulations!! You are truly an inspiration for us all. Hope I can continue to be able to learn from your experiences and persistence. Thank you and hope you can take some time to enjoy what you've worked so hard at for so long. LC