elijahdoe

Hello, I am currently rated at 70% for PTSD and have a gambling addiction due to my anxiety and depression and gambling numbs my emotions but is having a heavy toll on my family and life. I have blocked myself at casinos but online casinos are very easy to access I want to stop gambling and wanted to see if the VA offers this type of support? Also, does the VA give ratings on gambling addiction? I really want to stop but am so depressed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently rated at 50% for PTSD and just had my C&P exam for an increase. Below is my current C&P results. Also I suffer from Major Depression and Erectile Dysfunction due to my medication. Could these two items be filed as secondary since the examiner did not list them in my C&P exam.Any input would be appreciated on to what my outcome may be. Thank you SECTION I: ---------- 1. Diagnostic Summary --------------------- Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with PTSD? [X] Yes[ ] No 2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD, moderate to severe, chronic Comments, if any: The trauamtic event was learning that a close friend of his killed two older female civilians. PTSD also causes secondary panic attacks 2-3 times per week. b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): No response provided. 3. Differentiation of symptoms ------------------------------ a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? [ ] Yes[X] No c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [ ] Yes[ ] No[X] Not shown in records reviewed 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 reduced reliability and productivity 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 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 SECTION II: ----------- Clinical Findings: ------------------ 1. Evidence review ------------------ In order to provide an accurate medical opinion, the Veteran's claims folder must be reviewed. a. Medical record review: ------------------------- Was the Veteran's VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) reviewed? [X] Yes[ ] No Was the Veteran's VA claims file (hard copy paper C-file) reviewed? [ ] Yes[X] No If no, check all records reviewed: [ ] Military service treatment records [ ] Military service personnel records [ ] Military enlistment examination [ ] Military separation examination [ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire [ ] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [ ] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [X] Civilian medical records [ ] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others who have known the Veteran before and after military service) [ ] No records were reviewed [ ] Other: b. Was pertinent information from collateral sources reviewed? [X] Yes[ ] No If yes, describe: On 11/25/2014, Dr. XXX conducted a C&P Initial Evaluation for PTSD and diagnosed the veteran with PTSD with panic attacks. 2. Recent History (since prior exam) ------------------------------------ a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history: Mr. XX is currently married to his wife of 10 years. He describes the quality of his current marriage as, "loving - but my wife puts up with me." He reports his irritability and anger can stress his wife. He adopted his wife's 14 year old daughter. He reports he has no friends of his own, but he reports he is friendly with many of his wife's friends. He tends to avoid crowds and group social activities. He is quite close with his parents. His main hobby is drumming and working on computers. Overall his social support is limited. He reports that the primary effect of his psychiatric symptoms on his social relationships are tension and distance caused by irritability, rage (including yelling, swearing, and very occasional violence towards inanimate objects - like punching a hole in the door), withdrawal, and emotional numbing. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history: Mr. XXX highest level of education is some college. He served in the Airforce. He is currently employed as a cyber security analyst at XXX a telecommunications company called XXX. He has worked at XXX since 2011. In 2012, he was written up for "going off on a customer." He reports he works from home or calls in sick 4-5 days a month due to feeling stressed. He reports during times of stress he impulsively loses his temper when talking with customers or makes careless mistakes. He is a lead, and he has five other analysists who report to him. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health: Mr. XXX denied history of psychiatric hospitalization, receiving out-patient therapy, receiving any type of psychopharmacological treatment, or prior suicide attempts. He has been referred to a psychiatrist by his PCP but he is not currently engaged in therapy. He receives medication management from his private PCP, and he is currently maintained on a regimen of Zoloft, hydroxyzine, prazosin and diazepam. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history: No arrests. Received an article 15 in the military after he learned of the murders. e. Relevant Substance abuse history: No response provided. f. Other, if any: No response provided. 3. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria --------------------------- Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, are from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The stressful event can be due to combat, personal trauma, other life threatening situations (non-combat related stressors.) 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 #6 - "Other symptoms". Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious injury, c) sexual violation, in one or more of the following ways: [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). 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] 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] 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] The duration of the symptoms described above in Criteria B, C, and D are more than 1 month. Criterion G: [X] The PTSD symptoms described above cause 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. 4. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Anxiety [X] Panic attacks more than once a week [X] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood [X] Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships 5. Behavioral Observations: --------------------------- Mr. XXX was casually dressed, and was cooperative throughout the examination. His speech was fluent. His psychomotor behavior was appropriate. His affect was constricted and his mood was anxious. His insight was intact. Thought process was linear, goal directed, and future oriented. No reported hallucinations or delusions. No reported homicidal or suicidal ideation. 6. Other symptoms ----------------- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other mental disorders) that are not listed above? [ ] Yes[X] No 7. Competency ------------- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes[ ] No 8. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any: --------------------------------------------------- Veteran's PTSD and panic attacks currently cause moderate socio-occupational impairment.

Yes, it should be compensated still. Meds do not make PTSD go away, it just numbs it. The VA has a list of what your symptoms should be for the required rating. http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-the-va-rates-service-connected-mental-disability.html

After looking at my C&P results, the examiner left out a lot of my symptoms. I also typed up a letter for the VA explaining all the problems that I am having including the information from my primary doctor. I hope that take those other items into consideration because it annoys me when the C&P examiner does not include all of the problems that I am having.

After looking at my C&P results, the examiner left out a lot of my symptoms. I also typed up a letter for the VA explaining all the problems that I am having including the information from my primary doctor. I hope that take those other items into consideration because it annoys me when the C&P examiner does not include all of the problems that I am having.

I am currently rated at 50% for PTSD and just had my C&P exam for an increase. Below is my current C&P results. Any input would be appreciated on to what my outcome may be. Thank you SECTION I: ---------- 1. Diagnostic Summary --------------------- Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with PTSD? [X] Yes[ ] No 2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD, moderate to severe, chronic Comments, if any: The trauamtic event was learning that a close friend of his killed two older female civilians. PTSD also causes secondary panic attacks 2-3 times per week. b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): No response provided. 3. Differentiation of symptoms ------------------------------ a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? [ ] Yes[X] No c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [ ] Yes[ ] No[X] Not shown in records reviewed 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 reduced reliability and productivity 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 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 SECTION II: ----------- Clinical Findings: ------------------ 1. Evidence review ------------------ In order to provide an accurate medical opinion, the Veteran's claims folder must be reviewed. a. Medical record review: ------------------------- Was the Veteran's VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) reviewed? [X] Yes[ ] No Was the Veteran's VA claims file (hard copy paper C-file) reviewed? [ ] Yes[X] No If no, check all records reviewed: [ ] Military service treatment records [ ] Military service personnel records [ ] Military enlistment examination [ ] Military separation examination [ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire [ ] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [ ] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [X] Civilian medical records [ ] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others who have known the Veteran before and after military service) [ ] No records were reviewed [ ] Other: b. Was pertinent information from collateral sources reviewed? [X] Yes[ ] No If yes, describe: On 11/25/2014, Dr. XXX conducted a C&P Initial Evaluation for PTSD and diagnosed the veteran with PTSD with panic attacks. 2. Recent History (since prior exam) ------------------------------------ a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history: Mr. XX is currently married to his wife of 10 years. He describes the quality of his current marriage as, "loving - but my wife puts up with me." He reports his irritability and anger can stress his wife. He adopted his wife's 14 year old daughter. He reports he has no friends of his own, but he reports he is friendly with many of his wife's friends. He tends to avoid crowds and group social activities. He is quite close with his parents. His main hobby is drumming and working on computers. Overall his social support is limited. He reports that the primary effect of his psychiatric symptoms on his social relationships are tension and distance caused by irritability, rage (including yelling, swearing, and very occasional violence towards inanimate objects - like punching a hole in the door), withdrawal, and emotional numbing. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history: Mr. XXX highest level of education is some college. He served in the Airforce. He is currently employed as a cyber security analyst at XXX a telecommunications company called XXX. He has worked at XXX since 2011. In 2012, he was written up for "going off on a customer." He reports he works from home or calls in sick 4-5 days a month due to feeling stressed. He reports during times of stress he impulsively loses his temper when talking with customers or makes careless mistakes. He is a lead, and he has five other analysists who report to him. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health: Mr. XXX denied history of psychiatric hospitalization, receiving out-patient therapy, receiving any type of psychopharmacological treatment, or prior suicide attempts. He has been referred to a psychiatrist by his PCP but he is not currently engaged in therapy. He receives medication management from his private PCP, and he is currently maintained on a regimen of Zoloft, hydroxyzine, prazosin and diazepam. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history: No arrests. Received an article 15 in the military after he learned of the murders. e. Relevant Substance abuse history: No response provided. f. Other, if any: No response provided. 3. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria --------------------------- Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, are from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The stressful event can be due to combat, personal trauma, other life threatening situations (non-combat related stressors.) 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 #6 - "Other symptoms". Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious injury, c) sexual violation, in one or more of the following ways: [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). 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] 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] 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] The duration of the symptoms described above in Criteria B, C, and D are more than 1 month. Criterion G: [X] The PTSD symptoms described above cause 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. 4. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Anxiety [X] Panic attacks more than once a week [X] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood [X] Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships 5. Behavioral Observations: --------------------------- Mr. XXX was casually dressed, and was cooperative throughout the examination. His speech was fluent. His psychomotor behavior was appropriate. His affect was constricted and his mood was anxious. His insight was intact. Thought process was linear, goal directed, and future oriented. No reported hallucinations or delusions. No reported homicidal or suicidal ideation. 6. Other symptoms ----------------- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other mental disorders) that are not listed above? [ ] Yes[X] No 7. Competency ------------- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes[ ] No 8. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any: --------------------------------------------------- Veteran's PTSD and panic attacks currently cause moderate socio-occupational impairment.

I am currently rated at 50% for PTSD and just had my C&P exam for an increase. Below is my current C&P results. Any input would be appreciated on to what my outcome may be. Thank you SECTION I: ---------- 1. Diagnostic Summary --------------------- Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with PTSD? [X] Yes[ ] No 2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD, moderate to severe, chronic Comments, if any: The trauamtic event was learning that a close friend of his killed two older female civilians. PTSD also causes secondary panic attacks 2-3 times per week. b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): No response provided. 3. Differentiation of symptoms ------------------------------ a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? [ ] Yes[X] No c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [ ] Yes[ ] No[X] Not shown in records reviewed 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 reduced reliability and productivity 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 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 SECTION II: ----------- Clinical Findings: ------------------ 1. Evidence review ------------------ In order to provide an accurate medical opinion, the Veteran's claims folder must be reviewed. a. Medical record review: ------------------------- Was the Veteran's VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) reviewed? [X] Yes[ ] No Was the Veteran's VA claims file (hard copy paper C-file) reviewed? [ ] Yes[X] No If no, check all records reviewed: [ ] Military service treatment records [ ] Military service personnel records [ ] Military enlistment examination [ ] Military separation examination [ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire [ ] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [ ] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [X] Civilian medical records [ ] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others who have known the Veteran before and after military service) [ ] No records were reviewed [ ] Other: b. Was pertinent information from collateral sources reviewed? [X] Yes[ ] No If yes, describe: On 11/25/2014, Dr. XXX conducted a C&P Initial Evaluation for PTSD and diagnosed the veteran with PTSD with panic attacks. 2. Recent History (since prior exam) ------------------------------------ a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history: Mr. XX is currently married to his wife of 10 years. He describes the quality of his current marriage as, "loving - but my wife puts up with me." He reports his irritability and anger can stress his wife. He adopted his wife's 14 year old daughter. He reports he has no friends of his own, but he reports he is friendly with many of his wife's friends. He tends to avoid crowds and group social activities. He is quite close with his parents. His main hobby is drumming and working on computers. Overall his social support is limited. He reports that the primary effect of his psychiatric symptoms on his social relationships are tension and distance caused by irritability, rage (including yelling, swearing, and very occasional violence towards inanimate objects - like punching a hole in the door), withdrawal, and emotional numbing. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history: Mr. XXX highest level of education is some college. He served in the Airforce. He is currently employed as a cyber security analyst at XXX a telecommunications company called XXX. He has worked at XXX since 2011. In 2012, he was written up for "going off on a customer." He reports he works from home or calls in sick 4-5 days a month due to feeling stressed. He reports during times of stress he impulsively loses his temper when talking with customers or makes careless mistakes. He is a lead, and he has five other analysists who report to him. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health: Mr. XXX denied history of psychiatric hospitalization, receiving out-patient therapy, receiving any type of psychopharmacological treatment, or prior suicide attempts. He has been referred to a psychiatrist by his PCP but he is not currently engaged in therapy. He receives medication management from his private PCP, and he is currently maintained on a regimen of Zoloft, hydroxyzine, prazosin and diazepam. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history: No arrests. Received an article 15 in the military after he learned of the murders. e. Relevant Substance abuse history: No response provided. f. Other, if any: No response provided. 3. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria --------------------------- Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, are from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The stressful event can be due to combat, personal trauma, other life threatening situations (non-combat related stressors.) 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 #6 - "Other symptoms". Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious injury, c) sexual violation, in one or more of the following ways: [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). 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] 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] 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] The duration of the symptoms described above in Criteria B, C, and D are more than 1 month. Criterion G: [X] The PTSD symptoms described above cause 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. 4. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Anxiety [X] Panic attacks more than once a week [X] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood [X] Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships 5. Behavioral Observations: --------------------------- Mr. XXX was casually dressed, and was cooperative throughout the examination. His speech was fluent. His psychomotor behavior was appropriate. His affect was constricted and his mood was anxious. His insight was intact. Thought process was linear, goal directed, and future oriented. No reported hallucinations or delusions. No reported homicidal or suicidal ideation. 6. Other symptoms ----------------- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other mental disorders) that are not listed above? [ ] Yes[X] No 7. Competency ------------- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes[ ] No 8. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any: --------------------------------------------------- Veteran's PTSD and panic attacks currently cause moderate socio-occupational impairment.

Thanks for the info. vawatchdog really needs a new website. lol

What specific rules have changed?

So should I file an appeal or should I file a Notice of Disagreement if I disagree?

Thank you sir. Sorry for all of the questions, I am new to this and still learning and educating myself. Thanks again. :)

Do you think I should try to request P&T for my PTSD since I have had it for over 11 years now even though I was just awarded disability for it ?

I just got my envelope in the mail with all of the information. How do I know if this rating is permanent. The incident that I am receiving benefits for now happened over 10 years ago. Thanks.

The amount for 31 Dec is a little over 1500. Does COLA factor in where you live or is it all the same? The amount I should be getting a month is 976.13

The one that shows for the 31st is 500 more than I should be expecting and it also says RETRO next to it. Not sure.