mjenlou

I am a little confused about my C&P exam results. For one thing, I have already been diagnosed and currently being treated for PTSD by my VA MHP, but the C&P examiner says I dont have PTSD. Another thing I noted is how she left out some of the things I told her and switched a few things on a couple of my answers. Anyway this is part of my exam results. Can anyone tell me what it means? Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-5 criteria based on today's evaluation? [ ] Yes [X] No If no diagnosis of PTSD, check all that apply: [X] Veteran's symptoms do not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD under DSM-5 criteria [X] Veteran has another Mental Disorder diagnosis. Continue to complete this Questionnaire and/or the Eating Disorder Questionnaire: Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Other Specified Trauma or Stressor Related Disorder Comments, if any: The Veteran reports traumatic stressors related to his time in Iraq (see below)that meet criterion A of PTSD. He endorses many symptoms of PTSD but does not meet Criterion C, avoidance symptoms specifically related to the trauma. 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 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 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: It is likely that some symptoms of PTSD were present soon after the Veteran's deployment. However, these were not reported as being significantly distressing until 2014. It is the opinion of this writer that the GAD developed within the past few years and that is when symptoms became less manageable. Based on this, it is estimated that the GAD/Depressive symptoms combination and the OSTSRD contribute equally (50/50) to the Veteran's level of social and occupatonal impairment. RESTATEMENT OF REQUESTED OPINION: a. Opinion from general remarks: MEDICAL OPINION REQUEST TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION REQUESTED: Direct service connection OPINION : Direct service connection b. Indicate type of exam for which opinion has been requested: Initial PTSD 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: The OSTSRD is based on symptoms related to the Veteran's reported military trauma and is thought to be directly service connected because the intrusive symptoms are about the military experiences. However, it seems that additional Depressive Disorder seems to have become a significant problem more in the past few years. Some general anxiety seems to have been present over the years, but reaching the level of need for treatment appears to be just recently. General anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms were apparently not reported in the military and are less likely than not directly connected to military service.