seejeremy

Plus one on emailing Bob McDonald. I received very positive results after emailing him and Allison Hickey. Magically my claim started to move faster, C&P exams were scheduled and the retro was in my bank account. Your congress people may be able to help as well. Email your senators and representatives for your district. In my case I didn't hear back from the senator at all. However, the representative had someone on her staff that dealt specifically with constituent services. They contacted me within a day or two of emailing them and were very helpful in getting my VA money to me.

Good luck with that. I usually wait 30 days for an appointment, and that's if they don't cancel the appointment a few days before the appointment.

I agree with broncovet. I am still on my wife's insurance because treatment at my local VA is exactly like that. Some good (psych) and some bad (general medicine or whatever the regular doctor is called).

There is. It is in CFR 38, part 4.96. Essentially, if one nostril is completely blocked, or both nostrils are 50% blocked, it is rated at 10%. I have this rating, and I also receive 10% for rhinitis and 10% for sinusitis. There are others here that are far more knowledgeable than I am and I'm sure they will chime in to correct me or offer additional insight.

Thanks. I'm already at 100%, because I have several other ratings. The MDD is the only thing that is rated for "future exams." Without the MDD I have 94% in ratings with no future exam. I'm just hoping to get over the P&T hump.

I'm already rated 70%, so I'm thinking they won't lower it. I initiated this claim hoping to get it rated as permanent and total. I'm hoping that, at worst, my rating remains unchanged. Anything here scream "permanent and total" or "not permanent and total"?

Hi everyone. The results of my C&P exam are available and I would like to know what you think? I am currently rated at 70% for MDD, not permanent and total yet. I am worried about the bold part where the doctor says that my symptoms cannot be traced to one mental health diagnosis. With no longer being able to work a full time schedule, I'm hoping to get permanent and total just for my peace of mind. I apologize in advance and thank you all for any insight you can provide. Mental Disorders (other than PTSD and Eating Disorders) Disability Benefits Questionnaire a. Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a mental disorder(s)? [X] Yes[ ] No ICD code: 300.4 If the Veteran currently has one or more mental disorders that conform to DSM-5 criteria, provide all diagnoses: Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: Pervasive Depressive disorder ICD code: 3004 (F34.1) Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Generalized Anxiety Disorder ICD code: 300.02 (F41.1) Mental Disorder Diagnosis #3: Unspecified Persoanlity disorder ICD code: 301.9 (F60.9) b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): No response provided. 2. Differentiation of symptoms -- a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? [X] Yes[ ] No is not p b. Is it possible to differentiate what symptom(s) is/are attributable to each diagnosis? [ ] Yes[X] No[ ] Not applicable (N/A) If no, provide reason that it is not possible to differentiate what portion of each symptom is attributable to each diagnosis and discuss whether there is any clinical association between these diagnoses: The Veteran's Persistent Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety disorder, and Unspecified Personality Disorder produced some overlapping symptoms and it is impossible to distinguish the proportion of each symptom attributable to each diagnosis. c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [ ] Yes[ ] No[X] Not shown in records reviewed 3. 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? [ ] Yes[X] No[ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed If no, provide reason that it is not possible to differentiate what portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis: The Veteran's Persistent depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety disorder, and Unspecified Personality Disorder produce overlapping effects such that the relative portions of social and occupational impairment cannot be differentiated. 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 Clinical Findings: -- 1. Evidence review -- 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: [X] Military service treatment records [X] Military service personnel records [ ] Military enlistment examination [ ] Military separation examination [ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire [X] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [X] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [ ] 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? [ ] Yes[X] No 2. History -- a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history (pre-military, military, and post-military): Veteran has remained married to his wife, daughter is 16 years old and is driving, and Son is 20 years old. Veteran went to Washington State and is back. Veteran does not interact socially and does not go to church. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history (pre-military, military, and post-military): Working part time at XXXX as a manager starting this week. Veteran worked at XXXX, left in July 2015, returned to XXXX in November 2015. Veteran started online classes in May 2015 and dropped out in September 2015. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health (pre-military, military, and post-military): Veteran denied a family history of mental illness. Veteran maternal uncle committed suicide. Veteran is in treatment with Dr. XXXXXX and is prescribed Wellbutrin, hydroxyzine, and divalproex. Veteran has a history of hospitalization for suicidal behavior. He has fleeting passive suicidal thoughts but no plan. Veteran said thoughts of his family prevent any plans or intent. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history (pre-military, military, and post-military): Denied new e. Relevant Substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and post-military): Veteran denied a family history of alcoholism or drug abuse. Veteran reported a personal history of alcohol use but denied alcoholism and no longer drinks. f. Other, if any: No response provided. 3. Symptoms -- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Depressed mood [X] Anxiety [X] Panic attacks that occur weekly or less often [X] Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions or recent events [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 Behavioral observations: Mental Status: Veteran wa s cooperative. Veteran was casually groomed and dressed. Veteran answered questions appropriately. Veteran was oriented to person, place, and time. Veteran's eye contact and psychomotor activity was within normal limits. Veteran's rate of speech was within normal limits and his thought processes were linear and goal directed. Veteran demonstrated mild anxiety symptoms. Veteran's mood was mildly depressed and anxious and Veteran's affect was congruent with his mood. Veteran's thought content did not demonstrate evidence of delusions or hallucinations. Veteran's recent and remote memories appeared to be within normal limits as evidenced by his ability to report his treatment history, treating providers, and medications. Veteran earned a 28/30 on the MOCA. Insight and judgment appeared to be within normal limits. Veteran convincingly denied current suicidal ideations or homicidal ideations but reported a history of a suicidal overdose and recent passive suicide thoughts. Veteran reported thoughts of his family prevent suicide. 4. Other symptoms -- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to mental disorders that are not listed above? [X] Yes[ ] No If yes, describe: Symptoms: Veteran reported hard time interacting with people and gets agitated very easily. Veteran said he is slow to interact and sees others realize it before he does. Veteran said he does not catch it until it is over. Veteran is cutting himself. Veteran feels he cannot work full time - sensory overload with people, stress, and responsibility. Feels his life will collapse and he will fall apart. He feels everything is his fault. His family is supportive and if they were not there he would be hospitalized. Veteran reported anxiety attacks. Veteran gave the example of going to Texas Road House, thinking he is Okay, then having sensory overload described as freaking out, shaking, heart pounding, and hyperventilating. Veteran reported depressive symptoms including minimal appetite but stable weight, low energy, apathy, low self-esteem, and poor concentration. 5. Competency -- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes[ ] No 6. Remarks (including any testing results), if any: -- ADLs: Veteran gets up at 7am, gets ready and goes to work. Veteran works 3 days a week for an 8 hour day. The Veteran gets off work 5pm, after work goes home and does nothing. Feels every little thing gets him agitated. Veteran reads tablet, plays on computer, watches TV, HDTV. Typically they eat at 7pm, does not do much; watches TV and computer. Veteran goes to be about 10:15pm. Typically gets 5-6 hours of sleeping 24 hours. Veteran has a cpap. Wife cooks, all three clean, wife does laundry, AND they all shop. Veteran pays high school boys to cares for the yard. Veteran's wife typically pays most bills but Veteran checks to make sure wife pays bills and pays himself bills when wife is traveling for business. PERTINENT RECORD REVIEW: Veteran's c-file was reviewed in VBMS DD 214 Doctor Name PhD FML form - Veteran is unpredictable - very effective worker one day and might struggle to maintain the next day. VHCS: 7/22/16 Doctor Name PhD: Veteran's FML has been approved and he will be working part time. 7/13/16 Doctor Name MD: Veteran continues to be anxious, depressed, hopeless, and irritable. Veteran cut himself 3-4 times on thigh. Denied SI. Sleeps 4.5 hour, appetite and energy decreased. Living with wife and daughter. Working at Fortis College part time. Counseling with Dr. XXXX helping 7/6/16 Doctor Name PhD: Dx: Persistent Depressive Disorder, GAD, provisional Borderline PD. 4/20/16 Doctor Name PhD: Veteran continues to struggle with depressive symptoms, apathy, and passive SI. 2/10/16 Doctor Name PhD: Veteran reported feeling numb. 1/13/16 Veteran is very active as he works during the day and is involved in family events at night. 12/11/15 Doctor Name PhD: Veteran reported a dysfunctional childhood. Veteran described depression began in 2006 and anxiety in 2001. Veteran is working but when he becomes anxious he goes into the bathroom and hides.

Thank you all for the research and answers. I'll look into my meds and see if any have this as a side effect. Thanks again!

Hi everyone. I have a question regarding tinnitus. I filed last year and was denied without a C&P exam. I spent most of my career on the admin side due to what civilians call medical malpractice at an Air Force hospital. So, other than a short tour in Bosnia, no combat experience that could have caused it. I would like to know if tinnitus could be secondary to one of my other disabilities. Please don't get me wrong, I don't want anything I'm not entitled to, but I've had ringing in my ears for as long as I can remember so if it is service connected, I'd like the VA to rate it. I am currently rated for: MDD-70% Sleep Apnea-50% Sciatica, Right-40% BPH-40% Tracheotomy Scar-30% (this, and everything related to it, is where they really screwed me up) Sciatica, Left-20% right medial epicondylitis-10% GERD-10% Allergic Rhinitis-10% Sinusitis-10% (secondary to rhinitis) Deviated Septum-10% Hypertension-0% Left thumb scar-0% Meds currently include Divalproex, Bupropion, Lisinopril/HCTZ, Nexuim, Atorvastatin, Hydroxyzine Pamoate, and Tamulosin. I apologize for the length of this. Like I said, if tinnitus isn't tied to any of this, fine. But if it is, I'd like that service connection documented. Thanks everyone.

I've had a few C&P exams go in my favor that I really thought the doc either didn't care or was incompetent. I say that because they just asked me questions and I answered them. I was honest in my answers, but they did no exam to confirm my statements. Off the top of my head, my deviated septum and BPH were rated without the doc doing any type of exam. All they did was ask questions. I agree with waiting until it shows up on the blue button.

It is very normal. Just try to ride it out in peace. It's hard not to get too worried about those dates, because they seem to be arbitrary dates that shift around for no reason. Try to be patient, you'll get there.

That is very normal. Those dates change constantly and really don't mean too much other than a "best guess."

Same here. Site works great on computer and tablet. Chrome and Safari user here.

So my doctor mentioned this week that I may need to attend a residential DBT program somewhere for about 6 weeks. Has anyone here attended one of these, and if so what was it like?

Hi everyone. It's been a while since I've had a claim close (prior to this one), and I can't remember how long it takes the BBE to show up after a claim is complete. My compensation claim closed on 6/27. Shouldn't I have the BBE by now? Thanks.

Thank you! I'll include it and hope for the best.

So, do you think I should include the FMLA paperwork with the information that my doctor included on the forms? My goal is P&T, so I'm on the fence on if paperwork helps that or not.

Emailing Secretary McDonald got me timely results last year. Hopefully it will help you as well. I also had luck with one of my congresswomen.

Thanks Vync. I really don't expect it to be raised from 70% to 100%. I am mainly hoping to get the 70% to a P&T status. With my other ratings, that will put me at 100% P&T, if I understand everything correctly. I understand that the VA can call me in at anytime for an exam, but being P&T would make me feel better about having a reliable source of future income. Hopefully that makes sense?

I received the FMLA paperwork from my doctor today. During our appointment, we settled on three 8 hour days per week as something that might help me. She listed the duration as 1 year. I want to share some of her comments on the paperwork with you all, and get your thoughts on whether or not I should include this paperwork with the increased rating request I submitted recently. She indicated that there are part of my job that I am unable to perform. To clarify, she said that I "can complete most independent tasks, but not in a timely fashion or by the deadline. Not dependable." When the form asked for other relevant medical facts, she included the following: "Veteran has significant anxiety and depression. A stressor can aggravate these symptoms to a higher degree than what would be expected. He will need to walk away from his work for moments and/or leave work secondary to this stress. Multiple stressors at once will make these already difficult/significant stressors unmanageable. He is not dependable." When asked if "the employee will be incapacitated for a single continuous period of time due to his/her medical condition" she said yes and when asked for dates of incapacity she wrote "only under significant stress." She listed our bimonthly appointments and my quarterly psychiatrist appointment as the treatment schedule. She also indicated that I will need to be absent from work for flare-ups depending "on the number of stressors and the magnitude of the significance." For additional information she wrote "Veteran may perform exceptionally well one day, but then struggle to maintain the following day. He is unpredictable. By cutting his hours, he can better manage his stressors. He will remain in mental health treatment (psychiatry and individual psychotherapy." Because I want the company to allow me to stay part time after the FMLA runs out, she also added that "the goal is to manage his symptoms to return to full-time employment." Should I include this documentation with my rating increase request? Or should I allow the treatment records to serve as the only documentation. The MDD rating (70%) is the only rating listed as requiring future review, so I am hoping to make it permanent, just so I feel better about having consistent income in the future. I asked my doctor about completing a DBQ, but she informed me that her superiors have cracked down and told them that they cannot do them because they are biased toward the patient. Please forgive me for the long post and information overload. I appreciate the insight you all provide.

Hi everyone. I started my claim a few weeks ago and submitted it tonight. My doctor will be giving me the FMLA paperwork on Wednesday, and I have informed my boss that it is coming. He is a retired Air Force chief, so he is very understanding. I am hoping that the notes from my biweekly psych appointments, along with the FMLA paperwork, will be enough to convince the VA to make the 70% rating P&T. It is currently the only rated disability that indicates a future review date, with all of my other ratings totaling 94%, so I'm hoping that this will put me over the "hump" to 100% P&T. Thanks to Broken Soldier & Buck for providing information and encouragement.

Congrats on the good news!

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone else has an opinion on whether or not I should go ahead and file for an increase. While I greatly appreciate brokensoldiers' responses (seriously, thank you) I am really worried about the VA jacking with my 70% MDD rating and decreasing it. I had an appointment with my VA doc on Wednesday and I was a complete wreck for most of it. She has asked me to consider quitting and volunteering somewhere or to see about finding a part time job that is low-stress. If this matters, she is waiting to do the FMLA paperwork until mid-July so that I can earn some money to do some repairs on the house before I have a reduction in income. Continuing to work has been extremely tough, and I find that I am an irritable jerk sometimes for no reason at all. I appreciate any additional input and/or guidance you all have to offer. This place kept me sane during my initial claims process and continues to help me now.

Sometimes your VA letters in eBenefits will be updated as soon as a claim closes. You can check there and see if it reflects an updated percentage..

We do have STD at work, but since the doc and my wife think part time work will be ok, I don't think I would need STD. I agree about the stress of reduced income because I feel horrible that my wife is the big bread-winner while I'm the guy that can't handle a full time job. When I start FMLA and begin a permanent part-time basis, will that do anything to my 70%, other than maybe making it P&T? Would it increase the percentage? Because I'm worried about lost income, I'm just trying to figure out if SMC S would be an option? Or does SSDI do anything for reduced income or would I need to be totally unemployed? Thank you all for the help! This is always my first stop when I need real answers.