Jump to content
VA Disability Community via Hadit.com

VA Disability Claims Articles

Ask Your VA Claims Question | Current Forum Posts Search | Rules | View All Forums
VA Disability Articles | Chats and Other Events | Donate | Blogs | New Users

MEDIC04

Seaman
  • Posts

    10
  • Joined

  • Last visited

About MEDIC04

Profile Information

  • Interests
    U.S. Army Combat Medic/ Advanced Tactical Provider MOS68WW1
    2004 - 2012 OIF/OEF Veteran

Previous Fields

  • Service Connected Disability
    80%
  • Branch of Service
    Army
  • Hobby
    '70s Era big Twin Motorcycles

MEDIC04's Achievements

  1. Hey Charlie, I originally had one claim, for ptsd going. Later, before the original claim was finished, I added another claim with 8 other issues. Ebennies notified me that, since I already had an active claim, it would all be bundled. Now here's the curve ball: I received an award letter just for the PTSD, and my claim on the other issues is still open and ongoing. I don't know if that clarifies anything, or just makes it more confusing. I have 4 C&P exams through out the next 2 weeks for the other issues.
  2. Hello all, I hope your Veterans day / Remembrance Day was spent well and in good company. Yesterday, I finally received my first decision for one of the 8 claims I have with the VA. I was awarded 70% for my PTSD! About time! It was backdated a year too, which screws me outta a few months, but I am just happy I got something at this point. Now im just waiting for that first check! What a pleasant surprise from the VA on Vets Day.
  3. an older post from USMC_HVEQ, atates as follows: General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders: Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name .................... 100 Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities; speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence); spatial disorientation; neglect of personal appearance and hygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships ........................................................................................ 70 Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships ............... 50 Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as forgetting names, directions, recent events) ...................................................... 30 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 continuous medication .................................................................................. 10 Being that the examiner elected the option that generally accompanies a 70% rating for ptsd, in which you already have a 70% rating in, may prove challenging. Hopefully, ( and Im sure) an elder here has more info on resources to assist you with an increase.
  4. Shadow2b, besides the C & P I most recently completed for PTSD, I have literally repeated everything twice. To the point of, under my active problems list, I have duplicates of all my ICD-9 codes, stating one of two different dates. I dare not fathom why.
  5. Same thing keeps happening to me, Shadow2b. every time I get close to the estimated completion date of my decision, I get brought back to gathering evidence, and sent to a specialist or a C & P. Worst part is, every time im sent, the C & P goes great, the docs validate my claim, and add more active diagnosis to my charts. Then the process repeats. Filed my initial in early 2013, not slotted now to be finished until dec 2015 or later. Just hang in there. From what Ive read and seen, the Ebennies claims status chart is just to keep you on your toes.
  6. ---------- 1. Diagnostic Summary --------------------- Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-5 criteria based on today's evaluation? [X] Yes [ ] No ICD code: 309.81 2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD ICD code: 309.81 Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Alcohol Use Disorder mild ICD code: 305.00 b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): Brain Injury wihtout open intracranial wound and with concussion Comments, if any: See evaluation of 08/29/2014 in CPRS 3. 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? [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not applicable (N/A) If yes, list which symptoms are attributable to each diagnosis and discuss whether there is any clinical association between these diagnoses: Pt's ETOH use disorder causes him to drink excess ETOH about 3 times a week or so. c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not shown in records reviewed d. Is it possible to differentiate what symptom(s) is/are attributable to each diagnosis? [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not applicable (N/A) If yes, list which symptoms are attributable to each diagnosis: Per TBI eval - memory issues and headaches attributed to the TBI with insomnia which could be due to PTSD as well. 4. 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] Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or mood 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? [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed If yes, list which portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis: The PTSD causes the majority of his social and occupational problems and the TBI contributes by mainly causing his memory issues which impact his work. 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? [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] No diagnosis of TBI If yes, list which portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis: The PTSD causes the majority of his social and occupational problems and the TBI contributes by mainly causing his memory issues which impact his work. MILITARY STRESSORS: served for 8 years in the Army and was deployed to Iraq from 2008- 2009 and worked as combat medic. He experienced many traumatic events while there. One incident is described where an Iraqi with both arms and legs blown off which he treated etc and the pt later died. There were many such incidents dealing with the severly injured and dying. He has had many combat experiences and was in convoys and exposed to ied blasts 3. Stressors ------------ Describe one or more specific stressor event(s) the Veteran considers traumatic (may be pre-military, military, or post-military): a. Stressor #1: Combat experience in Iraq Does this stressor meet Criterion A (i.e., is it adequate to support the diagnosis of PTSD)? [X] Yes [ ] No Is the stressor related to the Veteran's fear of hostile military or terrorist activity? [X] Yes [ ] No Is the stressor related to personal assault, e.g. military sexual trauma? [ ] Yes [X] No 4. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria --------------------------- Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. Do NOT mark symptoms below that are clearly not attributable to the Criteria A stressor/PTSD. Instead, overlapping symptoms clearly attributable to other things should be noted under #7 - Other symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, referred to as Criteria A-H, are from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious injury, c) sexual violation, in one or more of the following ways: [X] Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s) [X] Witnessing, in person, the traumatic event(s) as they occurred to others [X] Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend; cases of actual or threatened death must have been violent or accidental; or, experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic events(s) (e.g., first responders collecting human remains; police officers repeatedly exposed to details of child abuse); this does not apply to exposure through electronic media, television, movies, or pictures, unless this exposure is work related. Criterion B: Presence of (one or more) of the following intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred: [X] Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s). [X] Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s). [X] Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of awareness of present surroundings). [X] Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s). [X] Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s). Criterion C: Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic events(s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following: [X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s). [X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s). Criterion D: Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following: [X] Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am bad,: "No one can be trusted,: "The world is completely dangerous,: "My whole nervous system is permanently ruined"). [X] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame). [X] Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities. [X] Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others. [X] Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings.) Criterion E: Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following: [X] Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation) typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects. [X] Reckless or self-destructive behavior. [X] Hypervigilance. [X] Exaggerated startle response. [X] Problems with concentration. [X] Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep). Criterion F: [X] Duration of the disturbance (Criteria B, C, D, and E) is more than 1 month. Criterion G: [X] The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Criterion H: [X] The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or another medical condition. Criterion I: Which stressor(s) contributed to the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis?: [X] Stressor #1 5. 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] 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] 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 6. Behavioral Observations -------------------------- Neat, clean, anxious at first and tense, pleasent and coorperative and answered questions willingly. Good eye contact. Denies any current SI/HI thoughts, plans or intentions but states that he is afraid he could hurt people when he is very angry. 7. Other symptoms ----------------- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other mental disorders) that are not listed above? [ ] Yes [X] No 8. Competency ------------- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes [ ] No 9. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any -------------------------------------------------- See rationale. NOTE: VA may request additional medical information, including additional examinations if necessary to complete VA's review of the Veteran's application. **************************************************************************** Medical Opinion Disability Benefits Questionnaire Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this document: [ ] Review of available records (without in-person or video telehealth examination) using the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process because the existing medical evidence provided sufficient information on which to prepare the DBQ and such an examination will likely provide no additional relevant evidence. [ ] Review of available records in conjunction with a telephone interview with the Veteran (without in-person or telehealth examination) using the ACE process because the existing medical evidence supplemented with a telephone interview provided sufficient information on which to prepare the DBQ and such an examination would likely provide no additional relevant evidence. [ ] Examination via approved video telehealth [X] In-person examination Evidence review --------------- Was the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed? No If no, check all records reviewed: [X] Civilian medical records [X] Other: VBMS MEDICAL OPINION SUMMARY ----------------------- RESTATEMENT OF REQUESTED OPINION: a. Opinion from general remarks: REQUESTED OPINION: 1. Is the Veteran's PTSD at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) proximately due to or the result of DUTY. If, in your opinion, it is not due to the veteran's s/c disability, but was as likely as not aggravated by the service connected disability, please so state. b. Indicate type of exam for which opinion has been requested: PTSD Initial Evaluation TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION PROVIDED: [ MEDICAL OPINION FOR DIRECT SERVICE CONNECTION ] a. The condition claimed was at least as likely as not (50% or greater probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event or illness. c. Rationale: This pt meets DSM V criteria for PTSD. His history indicates that the PTSD clearly started while in Iraq after he was exposed to many severly traumatic incidents. His entire personality and life changed after that. He does currently work and it appears that the pt is able to maintain this job as his boss is also a Vet and helps the pt alot but the pt still has trouble at work especially with memory related issues and dealing with co workers. The tp has a supportive GF but has no contact with anyone else in the family or past friends etc. This pt does have moderate to severe PTSD and was encouraged to follow up on all treatment recommendations. ************************************************************************* etc. Any guess on a ball park of what % I should get? I know the VA awards differently it seems from person to person, im just curious on opinions. Thanks a ton.
  7. Thank you Georgiapapa and Berta, It didn't even cross my mind that, since I am claiming so many issues at once that it would take longer then usual. Makes perfect sense. Guess Im just going to have to hurry up and wait, just like everyone else. Thanks again.
  8. Hey Gang, was wondering if anyone could shed some light on why my claim may be taking an unusually long duration. I enlisted in early 2004- 2012 in the Army as a Medic. After a successful 8 year career and 18 months in the sandbox, I was honorably discharged. In early 2013, I filed for a PTSD compensation claim while receiving care at a VA facility. I was diagnosed with PTSD, Anxiety, Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Vision Loss, Headaches, TBI, Loss of consciousness secondary to Blast injuries from blast within 30 meters, sleep apnea, and a bunch of others. I filed for compensation for all of these, since I had the diagnosis codes attached to my file as active problems, diagnosed in a VA facility. 10 months went by, with no action on Ebennies or via mail from the VA on my claim status, while I was ( and still am) actively receiving care from my local VA facility. As of two months ago, I started receiving requests for records, stressor statements, STRs, and essentially any proof I could manifest. Luckily for me, I have a copy of every set of orders, medical records, After action reviews, Award letters, letters from senior officers, Incident reports, and every other piece of proof the VA could ever possibly ask for. And they received everything they asked for within 3 days. I then went for a C & P exam 4 1/2 weeks ago, and it couldn't have went better. I got the "More likely then not ( greater then 50% likely)" statement for chronic PTSD, TBI, and all of the secondary items I filed for. She also included an extra statement saying that it completely inhibits my day to day life drastically and completely, and the evidence provided was paramount and left no doubts in her mind. Sounds great, right? well, now, 4 1/2 weeks later, my case is still in the gathering evidence stage. Even though they have requested nothing new, and are not waiting on anything from third parties. EBennies says my claim should be done around December of next year. And I don't know why. that's over 2 years on a claim with more evidence then you could fathom. Any thoughts? Did reading this kill enough of your free time? Can you really not believe " Its not Butter"? Any advice, thoughts, kind words, etc. would be appreciated. It felt good to get this off my chest and on "Paper". Its been eating at me for a bit. regards, MEDIC04
  9. Hey Shadow2b, Welcome Aboard and thanks for serving. One aspect of the C & P exam we cannot see is the Verbiage "As least as likely as not" and so on that normally accompanies your report. Depending on what the examiner reported, can greatly effects the rater's decision on percentage (at least here in St. Pete ive noticed.). Also, I noticed as I read your exam report that there is some "family history" of stressful incidents. If you're going to file for an upgrade in rating, you're going to want to prove that your PTSD stems from combat/ is service connected. They love to say, "oh he had issues BEFORE his service". This means you have to prove that, if that is true, your service aggravated your symptoms/ made whatever underlying issues you had worse. Just some stuff Ive seen friends and battle buddies go through, food for thought.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Guidelines and Terms of Use