bobz

It showed up on myhealthyvet. go to the blue button download and only select VA Notes

Depends on which VA doc you are talking to. Regular doesn't think so, Neuro says from stem stroke in 98

Posting entire mental health C&P questionnaire. Does this look like they will raise from 10%? SECTION I: ---------- 1. Diagnosis ------------ a. Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a mental disorder(s)? [X] Yes[ ] No NOTE: If the Veteran has a diagnosis of an eating disorder, complete the Eating Disorders Questionnaire in lieu of this Questionnaire. NOTE: If the Veteran has a diagnosis of PTSD, the Initial PTSD Questionnaire must be completed by a VHA staff or contract examiner in lieu of this Questionnaire. If the Veteran currently has one or more mental disorders that conform to DSM-IV criteria, provide all diagnoses: Diagnosis #1: Diagnosis #1: Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, chronic ICD code: Indicate the Axis category: [X] Axis I [ ] Axis II Comments, if any: Veteran's anxiety and depression appear to be chronic reactions to psychosocial stressors, representing chronic adjustment problems. ICD code: Indicate the Axis category: [X] Axis I [ ] Axis II Comments, if any: Veteran's anxiety and depression appear to be chronic reactions to psychosocial stressors, representing chronic adjustment problems. Diagnosis #2: ICD code: Indicate the Axis category: [ ] Axis I [ ] Axis II Comments, if any: Diagnosis #3: ICD code: Indicate the Axis category: [ ] Axis I [ ] Axis II Comments, if any: If additional diagnoses that pertain to mental health disorders, list using above format: b. Axis III - medical diagnoses (to include TBI): Emphysema, migraines, stroke, dizziness, dyslipidemia, essential hypertension, paresis ICD code: Comments, if any: c. Axis IV - Psychosocial and Environmental Problems (describe, if any): Limited social support, chronic medical problems, physical disability d. Axis V - Current global assessment of functioning (GAF) score: 55 Comments, if any: GAF reflects moderate symptoms (i.e. frequent, moderate depressed mood, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability) and moderate difficulty in social functioning (i.e. few friends). 2. Differentiation of symptoms ------------------------------ a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? [ ] Yes[X] No If yes, complete the following question: b. Is it possible to differentiate what symptom(s) is/are attributable to each diagnosis? [ ] Yes[ ] 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: If yes, list which symptoms are attributable to each diagnosis: c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [ ] Yes[X] No[ ] Not shown in records reviewed Comments, if any: If yes, complete the following question: d. Is it possible to differentiate what symptom(s) is/are attributable to each diagnosis? [ ] Yes[ ] 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: If yes, list which symptoms are attributable to each diagnosis: 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) [ ] No mental disorder diagnosis [ ] A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication [ ] Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by medication [ ] Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, although generally functioning satisfactorily, with normal routine behavior, self-care and conversation [X] Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity [ ] Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or mood [ ] Total occupational and social impairment 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? [ ] Yes[ ] No[X] 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: If yes, list which portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis: 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 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: If yes, list which portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis: SECTION II: ----------- Clinical Findings: ------------------ 1. Evidence review ------------------ If any records (evidence) were reviewed, please list here: C-file was reviewed. CPRS medical records were reviewed. Veteran was administered the BAI and BDI-II. 2. History ---------- NOTE: Initial examinations require pre-military, military, and post-military history. If this is a review examination only indicate any relevant history since prior exam. a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history (pre-military, military, and post-military): Pre-military: Veteran was raised by a single mom in a good environment. His parents separated when Veteran was 6 years old, and he did not see his father after that time; however, he was close to his maternal uncles. He had one older sister and two younger paternal half-sisters. He had friends, enjoyed socializing, played sports and attended YMCA day camps. Military: Veteran went downtown in Germany with other people in the service. Post-military: Veteran has been married to his wife for 7 years, and they have been together for 13 years. He has been married once before. He has a daughter and son by his first wife. He was a single father for his daughter and son beginning when they were older children. He has problems becoming impatient and irritable in public when he deems other people to be behaving in a stupid manner, and his wife and daughter have had to intervene discreetly at times. He has "no patience for people," is sometimes anxious around people, and does not like being around people, and this has been the case for a little over a year. He used to have patience issues with his wife, but his mental health treatment provider has helped him to improve that. He has very few friends. He tends to his garden and plays with his dog. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history (pre-military, military, and post-military): Pre-military: Veteran earned C's in high school. He worked in a gas station as a mechanic. Per records, Veteran reported he earned D/F grades and completed his GED. Military: Veteran joined the Army at the age of 17 and served 8/1973-1/1975. He was stationed in Germany and was never in a combat zone. He was a communications center specialist. He was discharged due to a "blow up" at his first sergeant, and he received a "general under honorable conditions' discharge with an E2 rank. He also had an Article 15 because he was late after posting guards at various locations all night. Post-military: Veteran worked as a bouncer at a bar for a couple of years before working in installation and caulking. He worked for Nellis Air Force Base for 26 years as a heavy equipment mechanic, and then spent the last 6 years running the shop. He receives social security disability and is considered totally disabled due to physical problems. He denied any history of occupational problems. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health (pre-military, military, and post-military): Pre-military: No problems reported. Military: Veteran was nervous working in a small space in which various radios were going off and on all the time. He learned he had hypertension. Post-military: Per record 10/2012, Veteran reported that his top three concerns were anger/irritability, thoughts of harming someone else, and panic or anxiety attacks. His goal for treatment was to "be calmer, more tolerant." Veteran is frustrated and irritated that he can't do certain things he was able to do before due to physical problems. Little things make him upset (e.g. he dropped his truck off at a mechanic and was taken to a rental car facility, but was asked "50 million" questions and finally asked the person to call him a cab). Veteran wakes up drenched in sweat nightly, but has no nightmares. He experiences "a little" of depression and anxiety. He has always been anxious but his depression is more recent. He takes melatonin for sleep, and some nights are good and some are bad. He will sleep through the night or get up at 1 a.m. and not be able to fall back asleep. He is tired during the day and tries not to take naps, but if he does he will have a bad night. Veteran has had increased problems with memory and attention/concentration for the past 9 months, according to his wife. Veteran's score of 32 on the BAI is in the severe range for anxiety and his score on the BDI-II is in the severe range for depression. Veteran was prescribed buspirone by his primary care physician for a long time, and began seeing a psychiatrist last year at the Reno VA mental health clinic. He was taken off buspirone, which made a marked improvement. Currently he is prescribed sertraline, propranolol, and Wellbutrin. Before that he received treatment 2008/2009 by a psychologist. He was prescribed psychiatric medication in 1975 for anxiety. STRs show diagnoses of "anxiety reaction" and "nervous condition" in 1975, with reported symptoms of shaking, nervousness, and insomnia since 1/1975. Regarding suicidal ideation, Veteran commented, "Sometimes I feel like stepping back and saying you know what screw it." Veteran is "not going to give up" but said "sometimes I feel like it." He denied any history of suicide attempts. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history (pre-military, military, and post-military): Pre-military: No problems reported. Per records, Veteran reported that he was arrested prior to the age of 19 for possession of alcohol/drugs. Military: See above. Post-military: Veteran was arrested late 1975 or early 1976 for possession of marijuana. He was arrested for assault as bouncer in 1978 or 1979 but the charges were dismissed. The last time he was in a fight was 7 years ago. Veteran denied any history of homicidal ideation or attempts. e. Relevant Substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and post-military): Pre-military: No usage reported. Military: Veteran drank 1-2 beers on weekends, smoked hashish sometimes, and smoked cigarettes. Post-military: Veteran's alcohol use increased for a while until the early 1980's when he learned he was going to become a father and quit using it. He was smoking marijuana in the evening on days he did not have to go to work the next day, and stopped using it when he stopped alcohol use. He stopped smoking cigarettes 4/2013 when he learned he had emphysema. Per records, Veteran reported that he may have a couple of beers a month. f. Sentinel Event(s) (other than stressors): In February 2012 it was determined that Veteran had had a mini-stroke, which caused him significant distress. He learned he had emphysema 3/2013. g. Other, if any: 3. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Depressed mood [X] Anxiety [ ] Suspiciousness [ ] Panic attacks that occur weekly or less often [ ] Panic attacks more than once a week [ ] 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 [ ] Impairment of short- and long-term memory, for example, retention of only highly learned material, while forgetting to complete tasks [ ] Memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name [ ] Flattened affect [ ] Circumstantial, circumlocutory or stereotyped speech [ ] Speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant [ ] Difficulty in understanding complex commands [ ] Impaired judgment [ ] Impaired abstract thinking [ ] Gross impairment in thought processes or communication [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood [ ] Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships [ ] Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or a worklike setting [ ] Inability to establish and maintain effective relationships [ ] Suicidal ideation [ ] Obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities [ ] Impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence [ ] Spatial disorientation [ ] Persistent delusions or hallucinations [ ] Grossly inappropriate behavior [ ] Persistent danger of hurting self or others [ ] Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene [ ] Intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene [ ] Disorientation to time or place 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: Veteran has some problems controlling his irritability in public, but is not violent or inappropriate. 5. Competency ------------- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes[ ] No If no, explain: 6. Remarks, if any: ------------------- NOTE: VA may request additional medical information, including additional examinations if necessary to complete VA's review of the Veteran's application. THIS DOCUMENT WAS ORIGINALLY INITIATED BY: FRANCIS,JEANETTE E /es/ ELIZABETH MOSCO, PHD Clinical Psychologist Signed: 06/20/2013 15:27

By the way when I went and looked on EBenefits I found now it is kicked out to the end of 2014

The medical portion just confirmed that Yes I do have high blood pressure and have had since 1974 while I was in the Army. Used to be controlled pretty good now on 2 different meds for it and it is still a bit high. He made no mention of the stroke.

Well finally got to see the questionnaires that got filled out by doctors. Mental health Diagnosis #1: Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, chronic ICD code: Indicate the Axis category: [X] Axis I [ ] Axis II Comments, if any: Veteran's anxiety and depression appear to be chronic reactions to psychosocial stressors, representing chronic adjustment problems. b. Axis III - medical diagnoses (to include TBI): Emphysema, migraines, stroke, dizziness, dyslipidemia, essential hypertension, paresis ICD code: Comments, if any: c. Axis IV - Psychosocial and Environmental Problems (describe, if any): Limited social support, chronic medical problems, physical disability d. Axis V - Current global assessment of functioning (GAF) score: 55 Comments, if any: GAF reflects moderate symptoms (i.e. frequent, moderate depressed mood, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability) and moderate difficulty in social functioning [X] Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Depressed mood [X] Anxiety [X] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions or recent events [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to mental disorders that are not listed above? [X] Yes[ ] No If yes, describe: Veteran has some problems controlling his irritability in public, but is not violent or inappropriate. Veteran has had increased problems with memory and attention/concentration for the past 9 months, according to his wife. Veteran's score of 32 on the BAI is in the severe range for anxiety and his score on the BDI-II is in the severe range for depression. Ok folks thoughts?? I was first rated 10% for anxiety and gave doctor paperwork linking anxiety and depression. She was amazed I had it and I told her my cousin is a licensed doctorate-level psychologist so I knew where and who to ask.

Well Had both C&P exams done will cover both separately. First the one for the blood pressure and luckily it was up for the exam in spite of 2 different meds for it. The doctor seemed puzzled as to how that was and was looking into the c-file to see what was happening way back before computers. He also seemed confused about why the left arm wasn't working I mentioned that the neuro doc (VA) stated she thought it was a stem stroke and he found that in my records. hopefully that will help. Do have to say that this doctor deemed to actually want to get involved and did remark that I did have 2 very good doctors from all he had heard and read on them. I don't know but felt that tis one went fairly well. Then came the mental health exam and as I had read on here they wanted to talk about childhood but I remembered what I had read here and brought it back to why I was there. After the exam I did a bit of checking on the doctor that did the exam and found that she is a resident not fully a doctor yet and am wondering if this is standard practice for this type of exam. I am a bit concerned about the mental health portion of the exam. One other question they told me when I put in for the travel for the C&P and for a regular appointment the week prior that I live closer to Las Vegas and will only get paid to there not to Reno. I know that in my records my mental health doctor has commented that I should not drive in heavy traffic due to my problem with the stress and panic attacks and wondering if there is a way to fight that decision since traffic in Vegas sucks and I cannot drive there and must be driven. The VA does not provide travel from where I live to there nor is there any commercial travel (bus etc.) available where I live.

You know my mental health doc told me this would happen and advised me to seek the blue remedy from my regular doctor. She did prescribe it however I do pay the copy for it. I am interested in seeing what others have to say about this. Now to go look at my med records and see if what the MH doc said is in there.

NOpe not at all. Keep an eye on your back pay it should be the same month as your first payment if not call them.

Does this mean if you have been rated for over 20 years it is permenant?

Just to clarify Disabled Veterans Tax exemption is avaliable to all veterand regardless of disability percentage. Take the statement from VA showing what percent you have to your local tax assessor and they will get you going. After that they will send you a card you sign and return yearly. You may use it either on your property or on vehicle governmental taxes on yearly registration.

10 on each

OK I got out in 1975 never had an exit exam, when I cleared base in Germany doc gave me my medical records to hand cary to VA. There was a lot of documentation in there for high blood pressure as well as all of the test they ran. I have tried several times to get copies of these records but they can't find them no matter how hard I press the issue. They were delivered to the El Paso VA so I figure they are either there or in Waco. I finally filed to raise my rating last year, I am rated for hypertension and anxiety. Va doc says I had a TIA or mini stroke last Feb. They also started me going to metal health for the anxiety and depression after the stroke. When I filed the claim I sent information from Mayo clinic and Johns Hopkins stating the hypertension and stroke were directly related as well as the anxiety, stroke and depression were related. This is the first C&P since the intake exam I have ever had. 1. What are tthe chances they will actually raise the percentage? 2. Should I start now getting ready for an appeal or wait for their decission. By the way my Neuro doctor also VA says it was a stem stroke back in 1998 that took out my left arm making it mostly useless.

Yes 2 of the things SS rated me on are my VA disability and they are the highest rated ones. My Primary VA doc just says stroke, VA neuro and the SS doc say stem stroke and that that is what took out the lefft arm. Hope the C&P doc agrees with them.

I have done a lot of reading on this site and have learned a lot. I ever tried the DAV but did use the State Veterans Services here in Nevada. I sent him an email letting him know the C&P was coming up and he knows I have to stay overnight. He said come up the day before early and meet with me lets go over some things. Now if I remember to take the list of questions I have from studying on here. Thanks to all of you folks for getting us informed

By the way I go to get my SS medical records this week. Some of their rating is for myservice conected ittems

Ok finally got a C&P exam after a year. Been getting disability from VA since 1975, never requested to get it raised. Va doctor the regular one says I had a TIA last Feb. The Neuro Doc. says I had one in 98 which was in the brain stem which to9k out the left arm and hand. Now mental health treating for both anxiety and depression. Last December Social security rated me 100% disabled going back to NOv. 2011. Should I take a copy of their award letter and their medical records with me to the C&P?