scarletto66

So this wasn't a VA doc, right? Why are we getting such a bad rap? Everyone in my family has served, but I've got to be honest; after my experiences when my son wanted to up after college I talked him out of it. He would have been the first officer and I would have been so honored, but jeez, even though he will be the first in our family not to serve I'm OK with it. I read these stories and even though my experiences have been horrible, they're nothing compared to many others. Absolutely heartbreaking. I'm sorry for your pain, both emotional and physical. Can you report that psychiatrist to the AMA? That seems like a violation of Dr./Patient confidentiality.

Exactly. Not only that, but CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, takes up to two years. My panic attacks are debilitating. I've been told that the side effects with Clonazapam, the benzo I'm taking, are fuzzy thinking and altered gait. Seriously? I'm OK with a slower thought process and not being able to run a mile in seven minutes vs. hiding in my closet and hyperventilating from panic. I agree that it's malpractice. I've tried to explain that I'm in therapy and that I just need something to help me while I'm in that process. I was told that there is no "quick fix." Wow. Pretty smug to sit there in your office with your Starbucks while I'm still digging trauma out of my skivvies. I've tried patient advocacy and they also told me it's a VA policy. Incidentally, we're on of the VAs being investigated by the FBI. Imagine.

I've been told that the new policy at the San Antonio VAMC and surrounding clinics is that no benzos will be prescribed any longer. I have panic disorder with agoraphobia, PTSD, MDD, and the anxiety is literally painful at times. I am in therapy when I can get an appointment, and I've been told that CBT will "ease" my anxiety. In the interim, I should listen to music when I have a panic attack. ????? I'd love to hear back from other vets to see if this is the case in regions around the country. Peace.

I appreciate the feedback. School has always been a safe and therapeutic place for me, so it was just a thoutht. 100% is occupational disabled, but I could definitely see why the VA would have issuses with school. I've always worked or been in school, and I suppose I feel guilty about not doing something socially productive. My best friend told me that getting my health back is socially productive and the most important thing I could concentrate on now. Thanks everyone, I thank you all for your service, and Happy MLK day.

Thanks for the responses. It's such a difficult decision. I am truly trying to do what's best, and sitting around the house dwelling on my issues and trying to fight anxiety has not been very successful so far. John is absolutely correct when he says the VA doesn't think like a normal person. I don't want to risk my 100%. Don't know what to do!

Hi Vets, I was recently awarded 100% for PTSD after being on 70% for about 18 months. Here's the interesting part: the processing of my claim took four months. I had one exam, and of course I've been going to all of my appointments at the VA, but I am still pleasantly shocked. From what I've read on this site MH disabilities are not rated P&T because the VA feels there is a possibility for improvement. Ha! I've gotten progressively worse over 20 years. My question is this: will attending graduate school affect my rating? I'm paying for it myself, not asking for voc. rehab. My previous job as a high school teacher exacerbated the PTSD and I can never go back to any type of educational position. I have high hopes of improving, and I want to prepare myself for the future. I'm not attending full time, just enough to keep me busy so that I don't dwell on my issues. I'm super smart, lol, and school has always been extremely theraputic for me. Being at home with nothing to do it not a good thing for me after working for twenty years. Does the VA even know if I attend school? What if I apply for financial aid? I am not trying to scam, I promise. I simply want to do what's best, and some of the VA's rules are wacky. School is not stressfull like work, I only go one day a week, study when I want, stay home if I want to. I do not want to do anything to jeopardize my rating. I hope anyone who reads this can understand the difference between working 50 hours every week and attending one class. Thanks

Hi There, Sorry I don't know of any doctors, but I'm a vet here in SA and I just wanted to say hello and offer my support. Thank you for your service and hang in there. It's a long road, but it's great that you found this site and can get advice from those that have gone before you. Take Care

Thanks for the response. I appreciate your help.

Hi Everyone, First, thank you for your service. I am rated 100% for PTSD but not P&T. I have a son in college and DEA bennies would be awesome. I have been 100% since 11/12, 70% for 10 years prior to that. I'm getting worse, not better, can't leave the house at this point. I saw the post that I can request P&T. How do I go about doing so? Thanks in advance.