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Closure
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Posts posted by Closure
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Thanks, for the reply's
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What are your thoughts? I am already SC for anxiety & depression rated at 70%. I filed for TDIU and receive SSD for the same. C&P listed below.
Thanks,
1. Diagnosis
------------
a. Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed
with a mental
disorder(s)?
[X] Yes[ ] No
ICD code: 309.81
If the Veteran currently has one or more mental disorders
that conform to
DSM-5 criteria, provide all diagnoses:
Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD
ICD code: 309.81Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Unspecified Bipolar Disorder
and Related
Disorder
ICD code: 296.80
Comments, if any:
Bipolar I-II have been diagnosed previouslyMental Disorder Diagnosis #3: Alcohol Use Disorder
ICD code: 303.90If additional diagnoses, list using above format:
#4 Cocaine Use Disorder 304.23
b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management
of the
Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): Lung disease
2. 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?
[ ] Yes[X] No[ ] Not applicable (N/A)
If no, provide reason that it is not possible to
differentiate what
portion of each symptom is attributable to each diagnosis
and discuss
whether there is any clinical association between these
diagnoses:Substance use and anxiety and depression are co-morbid
diagnoses
with the symptoms overlapping. Some of the specific
symptoms,
relayed to this examiner specifically
re-experiencing/flashbacks/nightmares are more specific
to PTSD.
c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury
(TBI)?
[ ] Yes[ ] No[X] Not shown in records reviewed
3. 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] Total occupational and social impairmentb. 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?
[ ] Yes[X] No[ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed
If no, provide reason that it is not possible to
differentiate what
portion of the indicated level of occupational and social
impairment
is attributable to each diagnosis:Substance use and anxiety and depression are co-morbid
diagnoses
with the symptoms overlapping. Some of the specific
symptoms,
relayed to this examiner specifically
re-experiencing/flashbacks/nightmares are more specific
to PTSD.
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?
No response provided.
SECTION II:
-----------
Clinical Findings:
------------------
1. Evidence review
------------------
a. Medical record review:
Was the Veteran's VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) reviewed?
[X] Yes[ ] No
Was the Veteran's VA claims file (hard copy paper C-file)
reviewed?
[ ] Yes[X] No
If no, check all records reviewed:
[ ] Military service treatment records
[ ] Military service personnel records
[ ] Military enlistment examination
[ ] Military separation examination
[ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire
[X] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents
[X] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA
treatment records)
[ ] Civilian medical records
[ ] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others
who have
known the Veteran before and after military service)
[ ] No records were reviewed
[X] Other:
VBMS
b. Was pertinent information from collateral sources reviewed?
[X] Yes[ ] No
If yes, describe:
Appeal info
2. History
----------
a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history (pre-military,
military, and
post-military):
see remarks
b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history (pre-military,
military, and
post-military):
see remarks
c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed
medications and
family mental health (pre-military, military, and post-
military):
see remarks
d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history (pre-military,
military, and
post-military):
see remarks
e. Relevant Substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and
post-military):
see remarks
f. Other, if any:
No response provided.
3. 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] Near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability
to function
independently, appropriately and effectively
[X] Chronic sleep impairment
[X] Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions or
recent
events
[X] Impairment of short- and long-term memory, for example,
retention of
only highly learned material, while forgetting to
complete tasks
[X] Flattened affect
[X] Impaired judgment
[X] Impaired abstract thinking
[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
[X] Inability to establish and maintain effective
relationships
[X] Suicidal ideation
[X] Impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritability
with periods
of violence
[X] Persistent danger of hurting self or others
Behavioral observations:
see remarks
4. Other symptoms
-----------------
Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to mental
disorders
that are not listed above?
[X] Yes[ ] No
If yes, describe:
PTSD symptoms
5. Competency
-------------
Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs?
[X] Yes[ ] No
6. Remarks (including any testing results), if any:
---------------------------------------------------
Veteran reports to C&P for the Mental Health DBQ on FEb. 24,
2016 after
being evaluated during his last C&P evaluation on 3-16-15.This is a C&P examination report dealing specifically with a
compensation
related disability assessment. Do not construe it as a thorough
evaluation of
other unrelated issues. It should not be used for clinical,
diagnostic, or
treatment planning purposes as we are specifically directed not
to treat
patients in the C&P setting.
Behavioral Observations
Veteran presented to the C&P area for the Mental Health DBQ
Evaluation
ambulatory and unaccompanied. Veteran was explained the limits
of
confidentiality and reported an understanding of the contents
verbally
provided and Veteran verbally consents to the evaluation.
Veteran was
considered a reliable historian.
Veteran is a 44 year old African American male who appears the
stated age.
Veteran appears to be of average height and weight. Veteran's
adhered to
civilian social conventions. Veteran's grooming was adequate and
Veteran was
appropriately dressed for the interview and climate. Veteran
related to the
examiner with ease in an open/candid manner after rapport was
developed.
Social/Family History: Veteran currently resides in Jackson, MS
in the
homeless program.
Social support: mom
Highest Level of Education/Degrees /Special Services:No changes
since his
last C&P evaluation on 3-16-15.
Military: No changes since his last C&P evaluation on 3-16-15.Latest Civilian Jobs:No changes since his last C&P evaluation on
3-16-15.
Legal: Arrested for domestic violence in January 2016, in jail
x4 days,
called 20 times
Mental Health Treatment:
Veteran reports receiving all of his mental health treatment
under the
direction of the Jackson VA. He indicates he has been receiving
mental
treatment at the Jackson VA.Mental Health Hospitalizations: Veteran reports no inpatient
mental health
treatment.
Alcohol/Drug Use History: Drug Treatment Programs:currently in
drug
treatment at VA. 30 day program-then to TRPCurrent Use: Last Use-ETOH, Cocaine-January 20, 2016
Head Injury-No changes since his last C&P evaluation on 3-16-15.
Current Medical Issues-Lung disease
Surgeries-No changes since his last C&P evaluation on 3-16-15.Medication Currently Taking: Aripiprazole, BuproprionMental Status: Veteran speech was clear, audible, logical, and
goal directed.
Eye contact was good. There were no bizarre or unusual gestures
or
mannerisms. Veteran related to the examiner as well as he could
given his
current emotional state. Veteran reported mood to be "anxious".
Affect was
observed to be EXTREMELY anxious with limited range of affect.
Affective
responses were mood content congruent.There was not any evidence of hallucinations, delusions, loose
associations,
or flight of ideas. Veteran denied any current thoughts of
harming himself,
others, or property. Veteran was provided the Veterans Crisis
Hotline number.Veteran was oriented to time, place, person, and purpose. The
quality of
Veteran's thinking was adequate, as Veteran could answer/explain
3/3 of the
proverb questions, without difficulty. Veteran's abstract-
conceptual thinking
was adequate as Veteran could relate to 2/2 of the
abstractions.Veteran's memory functions were not rendered impaired, as
Veteran was able to
recall 3/3 objects presented earlier upon immediate recall and
2/3 after a
one minute and 2/3 after a three minute delay. Veteran's mental
control is
viewed as adequate as Veteran was able to spell WORLD forward
and backwards,
recite the alphabet without error, count forward by three's, and
conducted
basic mental calculations without pencil and paper, with ease.
Veteran's
insight and judgment are considered adequate. Veteran's overall
intellectual
ability is clinically estimated to be at least average based on
his
vocabulary, fund of information, and language usage.Assessments: Veteran's overall MMSE score is29\30, which is
suggestive of
normal cognitive functioning. The MMSE is a screening instrument
designed as
a screening tool for cognitive impairment and it is not designed
for
diagnostic purposes.Veteran reports, "Not to well. I am not sleeping. I am having
alot of
anxiety. I hear voices. off and on since the past 5 years or
longer". I-"run
off the road". "I had one suicide attempt in Dec. 2015 took
pills"-20-refused
treatment when ambulance came. I get real depressed and that
makes me
irritable and I can't concentrate and focus. I have bad
relationships and I
get in fights with family and people in the community. I have
racing
thoughts. I am always thinking about dying, either me or my
family. I see a
dark spots and then it disappears when I look".
Veteran reports to C&P for the Mental Health DBQ. Veteran was
assessed for
the following clinical symptoms. Veteran reported how much the
following
symptoms were bothersome over the last two weeks, using the
rating scale 1
(little)-10 (great deal) or d (denies experiencing the symptom
over the past
two weeks). Please note that a self-report assessment is not
sufficient to
use alone for diagnostic purposes.
Impulsivity-y; poor memory-y; mood changes-y;
sadness/depression-y; loss of
interest/pleasure-y; hopelessness-y; thoughts of death-denies
current si, no
plans, no intentions; self-harm behaviors-see above; harming
others-ddenies;
crying spells-y;Loneliness-y; low self-worth-y; fatigue-y; lack of motivation-y;
appetite
changes-x2 meals daily; gambling problems-not currently; sexual
problems-ED;
relationship problems-separated from wife; auditory
hallucinations-see above,
command male voice; visual hallucinations-see shadows, tactile
hallucinations-d; gustatory hallucinations-d; olfactory
hallucinations-d;
racing thoughts-y; excessive energy-manic x2-3 monthly lasting 4
daysguilt/shame-y, not being able to provide for family; withdrawal
from
people-y; anxiety-y/worry-death/panic attacks-y, x1 weekly; fear
away from
home-y, scared something is going to happen; social discomfort-
y; obsessive
thoughts-ruminate about death all the time; compulsive
behaviors-d;
aggression-y/ fights-x30 including wife; frequent arguments-
wife;
irritability-y/anger-y; flashbacks-x2-3 weekly, kissed me on my
neck in the
service, fighting; sleep problems-y; nightmares-kissed in
service, denied
treatment for problems, anguish about service, x2 weekly;
recurring/disturbing memories-saa, x4-5 weekly; and work/school
problems-
last worked 2014, paranoid due to abseenteeism; hypervigilance-
y; exaggerated
startle reflex-loud and grinding; and avoidance-gay people-
reminded me of
being molested as a child and kissed me.
molested by cousin who was gay, kissed by shipmate, fear that he
is gay
because of molestation and being targeted by other gay men.
Veteran's Diagnosis is based on the DSM V.
Veteran Jones is a 44 year old African American
married/separated male that
served in Navy as a cook(MOS) and received several service
accommodations for
his service. Veteran reported that due to his experiences while
being
deployed he feared for his life and feared he was in great
danger due to
being in a hostile environment. This information was confirmed
by documents
in the records.
Remarks rationale: Based on the clinical interview, analyses of
symptoms
endorsed, reported events/stressors (MST/MTE), VBMS and CPRS
review, and
collateral information, the Veteran meets the criteria for a
diagnosis of
PTSD, Unspecified Bipolar, Alcohol Use, and Cocaine Use
Disorder, that is
debilitating for this VEteran. Veteran's triggers to his
untreated PTSD is
causing on-going symptoms and further exacerbating his Bipolar
Disorder in
which he is service connected.Veteran continues to be on high risk for suicide, in the
substance use unit,
and take medications as prescribed.
IU
Veteran's PTSD, Bipolar, and substance use disorders cause
severe impairment
in social and occupational functioning that reduces his ability
to be around
others; increased noise level, uncertainty/unpredictability, and
other known
and unknown triggers to PTSD, bipolar, and anxiety further
exacerbate his
symptoms
and further results in isolation and decompensation and
debilitating anxiety.
Veterans symptoms will be present whether he is sitting or
standing.
Therefore the likelihood of him functioning in a work setting in
a productive
manner at this time is highly unlikely. In fact, working in and
environment
that is outside of isolation of one-on-one, predictable, and
controlled is
likely to increase his symptoms.
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I do not know why I was denied my TDIU. Please read my C&P results and provide me with direction.
Thank you!!!
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Thank all of you for your comments. I too believe TDIU is favorable!!!
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Yes it is for TDIU.
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Just passing on this info...
ALLISON HICKEY EMAIL TO VA EMPLOYEES
VBA Colleagues and Partners,
There is no particular reason for this email today no anniversary event, no service birthday, no major milestone just a few thoughts to share. I have missed sending you more frequent notes. Some of you might have wondered where I went the last 2 months or so except for Marines in our midst who clearly saw their Birthday message and responded in force to me!
Frankly, I have been talking to our Veterans many who have sent me emails. I cant tell you how many emails I now get and personally write everyday but you are helping me answer their questions by your actions across the nation. Many of you are completing claims for them that have been waiting some time now. Thematically, their questions are about the status of their appeals, their dependency claims and even their health care concerns. I probably do well over 3-4 hours of emails with Veterans every day (many at night and on the weekends as well.) In fact, there are so many email communications going back and forth that some have asked how we sustain this level of engagement with our Veterans. Then I remember
That is why we are here to take care of them to answer their questions and concerns. It is our whole reason for being. Its the reason we have a job, a passion to serve, a sense of purpose, a roof over our heads and food on the table we have a job to do and they are the ones we do it for every day.
Each of us has the blessing to do this humble mission. Without the needs and questions from our Veterans, their families and Survivors we have no reason for our existence. They define our very reason for being. The extra patience, kindness and transparency we can show no matter how many times they land in our email box or phone or claims receipts make all the difference in their experience and thoughts about us and the honorable mission we serve.
Every interaction you have with a Veteran, their family or Survivor is an opportunity for us to show our kindness, appreciation, and understanding that they are the reason we do this mission. I ask you humbly, please do it well. If you are meeting with a Veteran, talking on the phone, or emailing be at your kindest and most compassionate self. Understand that sometimes they are frustrated (and often rightly so) and they need to be heard. I was reminded this week that we have one mouth and two ears for a reason we are designed to hear more than we say. Lets hear them and respond in healing ways.
Thank you for all the times you are so very kind, compassionate and professional with our Veterans, their families and Survivors.
Proud to be your USB
Allison
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I appreciate the advice, and thanks to all of you.
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I received this message from THE DIRECTOR of the VARO Jackson, MS
Good morning Daryl,
Your file was returned to our office from the Office of General Counsel (OGC) on Friday, January 30, 2015. We have begun processing your case as directed by the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) Remand. We will provide you with a more detailed update concerning our actions taken as directed by the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) Remand in the next 3-5 days. I want to assure you that our goal is to process your appeal as quickly as possible.
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Thanks Mike
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Same Post BIGGER Font.
@ Berta & et al,
First of all thanks for the quick responses and support. Is the VA aware that you have received SSDI solely for the Bi Polar?yes
And are they aware of the hospitalizations,in private or VA hosps? Yes. Also this is what I sent to the Associate Director @ the VARO Jackson, MS via email.
Hello Mr. Sanders,
I would like for you to assist me in getting my claim processed. I have a TDIU claim that is dated 1/27/2014, that has been in the gathering of evidence phase for a while. I have submitted the VA Form 21-8940, VA Form 21-4192, C&P results, statement in support of claim, numerous Dr. notes, SSDI notes Dr. statement. Also, please read and compare DR. Linda Lindman C&P note dated 10/29/2014 to Dr. Beth Curry's C&P note dated 5/9/2011 both being from the VAMC Biloxi. I regret that Dr. Lindman did not give me a fair C&P. Sir, I cannot afford another setback. This has become soooo stressful I am no longer employed due to my service connected disiabilty please see 21-4192 and Dr. John Beddingfield notes dated 12/31/2014. and my condition has progressively gotten worse. Please note that Alcohol was stated to be related to my military service according to Dr. Beth Curry statement as well as my Bipolar disorder of which was retroactive to 6/2005, I have been service connected for my Bipolar Disorder for 9 plus years. Furthermore Dr. Lindman did not follow the priority of the exam which was for an increase not to determine whether my Biploar was Service Connected which has already been proven and established I have been at this since 2005 remanded back from the BVA three times since then. Sir, can you please be the one to review my case so that I will not endure anymore Hardships than necessary?
Your help would be GREATLY appreciated as I have no further evidence, also I believe that the Evidence weighs in my favor resolving all reasonable doubt. I really need your assistance.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter. -
@ Berta & et al,
First of all thanks for the quick responses and support. Is the VA aware that you have received SSDI solely for the Bi Polar?yes
And are they aware of the hospitalizations,in private or VA hosps? Yes. Also this is what I sent to the Associate Director @ the VARO Jackson, MS via email.
Hello Mr. Sanders,
I would like for you to assist me in getting my claim processed. I have a TDIU claim that is dated 1/27/2014, that has been in the gathering of evidence phase for a while. I have submitted the VA Form 21-8940, VA Form 21-4192, C&P results, statement in support of claim, numerous Dr. notes, SSDI notes Dr. statement. Also, please read and compare DR. Linda Lindman C&P note dated 10/29/2014 to Dr. Beth Curry's C&P note dated 5/9/2011 both being from the VAMC Biloxi. I regret that Dr. Lindman did not give me a fair C&P. Sir, I cannot afford another setback. This has become soooo stressful I am no longer employed due to my service connected disiabilty please see 21-4192 and Dr. John Beddingfield notes dated 12/31/2014. and my condition has progressively gotten worse. Please note that Alcohol was stated to be related to my military service according to Dr. Beth Curry statement as well as my Bipolar disorder of which was retroactive to 6/2005, I have been service connected for my Bipolar Disorder for 9 plus years. Furthermore Dr. Lindman did not follow the priority of the exam which was for an increase not to determine whether my Biploar was Service Connected which has already been proven and established I have been at this since 2005 remanded back from the BVA three times since then. Sir, can you please be the one to review my case so that I will not endure anymore Hardships than necessary?
Your help would be GREATLY appreciated as I have no further evidence, also I believe that the Evidence weighs in my favor resolving all reasonable doubt. I really need your assistance.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter. -
Hello Everyone,
I have a question, I recently had another C&P for an increase of my SC Bipolar disorder which has been SC since 2005. However, the Dr. staed this time that my SC Bipolar is not related to my military service. My question is why would she say that when the exam was not for that but for an increase. Since being SC for Bipolar I have been awarded SSDI soley based on my SC Bipolar Disorder. Also, I have been hospitalized four time this past year 2013-2014 for my Bipoar Disoder. The question is will this take away my SC Biploar which is currently rated @ 30%. Also I requsested another C&P exam. Dr. stated that my service treatment records were not available for review so therefore how can she make a decision. The last C&P Dr. was very thorough in her report for which I had my SC Bipolar established in May of 2011 of which was retroactive to June 2005.
Thank you all in advance for the HELP!!!
Closure,
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Hello Everyone,
Just would like to know if I am getting close.
Thank you,
Closure
Details about your BVA Appeal received on 04/28/2014- Local VA Office of Jurisdiction: Jackson, MS
- Power of Attorney: A - American Legion
- Current Progress: With VLJ
- Current Progress Description: Your case has been received at BVA and is currently with a Veterans Law Judge for appropriate action.
Timeline of Your AppealDate of Progress Progress Progress Office 02/01/2006 Local VA Office Decision RO 02/13/2006 Notice of Disagreement (NOD) RO 06/14/2006 Statement of the Case (SOC) RO 07/18/2006 Substantive Appeal (Form 9) RO 02/08/2008 Certification of Appeal RO 04/28/2014 Received by BVA BVA 04/28/2014 Administrative Case Processing BVA 04/28/2014 With VLJ BVA 04/29/2014 With VSO BVA 04/29/2014 With VSO BVA 05/21/2014 With VSO BVA 05/21/2014 With VSO BVA 05/27/2014 With VLJ BVA 05/29/2014 With VLJ BVA 06/10/2014 With VLJ BVA -
Congrats!!!
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CONGRATS!!!
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Hello everyone,
Just wanted to inform you all of my SSDI approval. Also, should I apply for TDIU since it was granted on my service connections? Once again thank you Hadit Members!!!
Thanks,
Closure
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Congrats to you!!!
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Sooooo Happy for you, CONGRATS!!!
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Thank you all, for the response, Very helpful. I will continue to wait and thanks again.
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Does contacting your Congressman help with getting your claim back to the BVA? I received SSOC over a year ago. Please HELP!!!
Help me, please!!!
in Veterans Compensation & Pension Exams
Posted
Thanks to all of you, my claim was granted 100% P&T.