LongTooth

There is also, in my case, a history of sexual abuse as a child. I'm concerned that the VA will try and pawn off my symptoms as being a product of that and not the trauma suffered in service. This history is all over my private mental health records so I know the VA will see it. So I assume I should be as forthcoming as possible with the VA personnel? Or should I handle it a different way. Jason

thanks for the replies everybody they are certainly helpful and appreciated. So what I'm taking away at this point is that I absolutely have to be treated at a VA facility irregardless of the fact that my Psy Doc works for the VA. The exam has to be done AT the VA. I've got a records request in with NARA did that 2 days ago. My only concern is that maybe my medical records won't be in my DD214? As for buddy letters that may be a problem I wasn't particularly close to anybody at the time and it's been 13-14 yrs since the trauma which is why I was hoping to maybe track down some unit records for an official record of my culminating episode which was pretty epic and happened in front of everybody as we where getting ready to roll out of the motorpool. I ended up going awol twice. The first time was because the unit wouldn't get me the help I needed when I needed it. The second time was because my Top told me to pack my gear for NTC even though he knew I was going to start outprocessing. I felt the the move was punative and since by that point I no longer cared I went awol again. After the 1st time going awol upon my return I started recieving regular appointments for therapy and psyche meds lithium and prozac to be precise. These are the records I'm most concerned with as I feel they would best describe the situation that was going on at the time. Also I need to find my company grade article 15 I recieved at the time as this should show a soldier in dire need of help and not recieving any. Thanks again for the help. Jason

Hi, I have recently started the claims process with the VA (I filed an informal claim on 04-Sept-2013 I see a private therapist and have a current diagnosis of PTSD, Bipolar II, poly substance abuse. My therapist agrees with me that my disorders are SC I've taken the initiative already to get copies of my DD214 as well as my private medical records. Currently I'm trying to track down my records from when I was placed on a 72 hr hold in a psych ward in 2000. My prescribing Psychologist, who puts in time at the practice I go to, is also a VA doc. I guess my question is this. If my therapist tells me that they have diagnosed me with the above disorders does that mean that my Psychologist (the VA doc) had to have signed off on the diagnosis and if so does this mean that I should have an easier time with the VA? I'm also concerned that I may have to track down treatment records from the Army (I assume those would be in my DD214?) Where would I look for any SMR's that I may need? I also wonder if maybe I should try and track down any relevant records from my old Unit to show things such as an Article 15 and any evaluations done that would show the onset of my conditions. Also if anybody could advise me of what else I should be doing at this early stage to present an effective claim please feel free to advise me. Thank you in advance for any and all help Jason