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Inarticulate&Distorted
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Posts posted by Inarticulate&Distorted
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so here's probably the last thing i am going to say about this, VA Ratings are as xxxxxx up as the IRS. you know, do your taxes, and see if you're right, but if you guess wrong you may get fined and going to Prison, harsh system right. especially seeing how anyone who pays Social Security taxes pretty much has all their stuff sent to one place.......the point is, its a system where we literally have to guess if we're doing it right, but at the expense of our FIRST mistakes hurting us. too many of us end up fighting for so long because we do not have the proper tools that sometimes it's our Survivors who end up collected what's owed to us. Seriously, start making phone calls, get a scanner ready to send stuff to lawyers, or blow the dust off the old fax machine. at this point in your case, literally ask a lawyer if he thinks you have a Solid enough case to win a DRO, that is ALREADY scheduled based off your N.O.D. that YOU filed. get yourself to a lawyer, he that works hard gets to play hard.
Good Luck brother, keep us here Updated
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1 hour ago, Andyman73 said:
I wish my MH C&P examiner had been stoic. I would most likely have been granted SC. But no, I got the slicked back hair, big "cat who ate the canary" grin and a snake oil huckster attitude. He was quite happy to talk about everything except the reason for my exam, nor did he really want to talk about my sleep problems or alcohol abuse much either..
Sad truth, mine had shitty 3rd rate classical music playing in tye backround, wasn't Chopin, Beethoven or Bach......sounded like walwruses getting xxxxxx by polar bears
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Now that i know for sure that it is ok to tell you all my lawyer i will gladly do so. My Representation is through Robert Friedman & Assosciates. He is VA Acreddited to represent all of us, no matter your location. As it stands, all my information goes to one of his many caseworkers that are in that VA RO jurisdiction. They send me literally copies of everything i send to them, everything they send to me, and everything they send to the Appeals Dpt. These people do not bullshit you. If you have a legally binding case, they will agree to represent you if they know they can win based on the Laws, Rules, and Regulations of everything pertaining to us, the Veterans. It is sad that one must pay to actually find someone who will pick up a weapon and stand back to back with you as the mighty VA Idiocricy beats at you unflailingly, unflichingly, and unfathomably. We are all we have Vets. Get every advantage you can. I too was turned down by my first batch of lawyers, and i had already gone through 3 different civy VSO's.
Good Luck
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Indeed, as of yesterday my N.O.D. was filed with the VA by my lawyers office. They always email me all PDF's of what they send and when i looked through it i was highly satisfied. We're going for 70% Schedular, TDIU, and P&T. The beautiful thing is that all the arguements are based on the VA's own Psychologists C&P notes. So yeah, looking pretty good. I do ok on my current income, but the Health benefits alone have helped sooooo much. I've told everyone i care to tell that this last year has been so shockingly different since i was approved last year. Im highly medicated, but still cant maintain. Even worse, now that all these chemicals are floating through my body at such high doses, that if i even wait longer than 14-17 hours to take em i beggin a descent into rage and other nicieties. All we can do as Vet's is help ourselves, and each other
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Yeah partner, VSO's that actually KNOW what the fuk they're talking about and know what to do are few and far between. Problem is, those good ones are not our answers. I personally just feel that we have to be the ones who make the important decisions about our own claims. ANY time you allow someone else to make a decision FOR you means you are aleeady beggining the process of LOSING. take control, we are our OWN advocates, librarians, historians, researchers, inqurierers, it wasn't until i grabbed my balls and started taking care of my own shit was i able to get to where i am now. Just sayin
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17 minutes ago, OldJoe said:
Right now in the DRO phase of the appeal, if this doesn't pan out then yes, I think I am stuck going the route of getting a attorney.
This worries me brother, because NOW is when you NEED the Lawyer, a BVA Appeal can literally take YEARS
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I.M.O.
Take your most recent decison letter, copy it about 5 times, then, get in touch with a VA ACCREDITED attorney. If he is willing to at least look at the facts and determine if you have a viable case, put the IME/IMO on the back burner for now. I don't speak for every Case, but when it comes to mine, if a IMO/IME the Lawyer would work with you to get one, only if you personally end up forking over only about a third of it in cash money, and the other 2/3's against your Retro. A Lawyer is a good tgermometer to jusdge your claim against, if tgey brush you off, stand back and look at it from a diffeent perspective, and do more RESEARCH.
Good luck
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To list the many many Tags would have been ludicrous. My case is relatively new. I joined here last year, this place has always been great to calm burned out nerves. I sometimes don't make sense to myself let alone anyone else. But when I got out, I went tearing away from anything and everything that even REMOTELY resembled authority. People being able to control my life terrified me to the point where it has literally affected every single part of my life. I came here seeking help and I got it. So, if my story can help anyone else, and my opinions on what you can do to help your own Battle, because that's what this REALLY is, then I will feel like I have done a small and meager effort to pay it forward.
My C-File isn't stuffed to the gills with medical records because I didn't serve long enough to qualify for VA Medical. My Claims were handled fairly fast compared to the average. My Story is simple, I got kicked out of the US Army Infantry, after Basic, but I did not finish my A.I.T. We were OSUT. How and why is my business, and I have completely accepted that now. I wasn't even aware I had "issues" until about 9 years after I got out of there. And, a further 6 years before I swallowed my pride and went and finally asked for the help, that I had been convinced by every Veteran I knew, that I now have.
I filed my initial claim for PTSD with Anger and Depression.
5 months later they denied me without a C&P, oh gosh gee wilikers was I disappointed. But, once again, fellow Veterans pointed me the way. I went to my Second VSO, and they filled for Depression, and I was scheduled for a VA C&P Exam. Why do I emphasize the VA part, well, I had learned from reading here at Hadit that C&P exams don't show up on your VA website thingy. Which, I thought to myself, that IS kind of important, you know, so no one can "lose" your record of that particular exam. I must admit that my best decisions I have made after getting my actual 50% Service Connected decision letter last year was to continuously educate myself. Not just about me, but the VA itself.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU BRING YOUR COPYS OF YOUR PERTINENT INFORMATION WITH YOU. Sure that really friendly guy on the phone making your appointment is probably say it's not necessary to bring any documents, the Examiner will have ALL your evidence. Bullshit, don't ever leave your case DEPENDENT on ANYONE else' actions!
Seriously, I took that advice from someone here, and it saved my ass. A actual Lt. Col. in the US Army Medical Hospital Diagnosed me with exactly what i was filing for. Match the Words, don't try to guess, don't try to infer. Take all your important verifying information with you. Don't leave out anything that you feel may hurt your case, if you think the VA is going to not use any excuse to take away what they give you, you are DEAD wrong. They will dig for it and hunt it down. Be honest, give them everything. But remember, you are literally not DEFENDING yourself to these Raters, you are pressing your case base on verified fact. They will work harder to rip your benefits away, than they are supposed to help you get them.Tell them something is wrong if you don't know exactly, and make them give you an examination, it is your right as a Veteran. I see too many Vets who are always asking others for help, guess what, it's up to US.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Seriously, you need to know more about your Disability's then the people who wrote the books and TREAT you for it. No one knows your Disability's like you. Because they are literally YOURS, not as a statistic or a Roster Number. Because remember, these are not minor discomforts or passing ailments. These damages are severe enough to make us DISABLED. You are LEGALLY entitled to the compensation for the damages done to you, maybe that's why the VA Denies us so consistently. No matter how many changes in Technology or public opinion, they have NEVER done it at a pace that allows most of us to barely maintain our composure and dignity. As far as the Law goes, if you have evidence, you're solid, it is not the RATER who is processing your claim wrong, it is YOU.
Every "T" must be crossed, every "i" must be dotted. You have to make your case so solid,that it would literally be a breaking of the Law not to Service Connect you, or a fair Scheduler Rating, or TDIU. You have to SLAM THAT Claim DOWN ON THAT RO's desk, and CHALLENGE him to find flaw in every single interpretation of the Laws, Rules, Regulations.......
Become your own greatest weapon, by realizing that you personally can't do that, you have to show it through your work, every page has to be meticulous, don't give them any reason to take the scalpel to your pages. I have a theory, based on how fast I was Denied the first Claim, how fast I was sent for a C&P for my second and winning Claim, and the fact that I was approved the DAY after my C&P exam. I personally feel, as if the moment a Rater can find a reason, and Literally the first reason, he denies and kicks out. Because I was denied without even a C&P exam. Then, when my second claim got sent up, they took one look at it, and knew they were caught out, so as soon as they got my results, they gave me 50% and expected me to be grateful for it. Never stop, always press on, continually advance, and when you can't advance, you bear down, shield up, and dig in. You are now in the Trenches of the VA, and we are literally all here because we are STILL Brothers and Sisters in Arms, against our own people.
My OPINION of VSO's and LAWYERS
A VSO, no matter where he works, is not gonna fight for you, oh they will file paperwork.....if you tell them what to file, you see, they just mostly don't have the balls for you, because they have balls for EVERYONE. A Lawyer, on the other hand, is motivated by Passion, and Profit. Think about it, if you were to Arm yourself with a Hypothetical Spear-like weapon, would you not want the one with the longest reach, sharpest point, and stopping power? A Lawyer, will fight, because he will look at your Claim, in whole, at ALL the FACTS, and take your case ONLY IF HE BELIEVES THE LAW IS ON YOUR SIDE AND HE CAN WIN IT! That alone, is a boost of confidence that will sustain your Hope, while unfortunately also being a two-edged sword. If he doesn't take your case, then do MORE HOMEWORK. If you can convince a VA registered Lawyer to take your case, you're fairly solid. ONCE AGAIN, MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION.
Always Dig Deeper than the Surface Picture that the VA forces on you,If the Law is on your side, stand firm, and advance,Remember that you are right, and you need not defend against their No, but insist on your Yes.
Good luck y'all
![win-or-die-va[1].jpg](//content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2016_07/5790bfb3e973c_win-or-die-va1.thumb.jpg.ca0b348de9590baa0e16013a7371e682.jpg)
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On 12/23/2015 at 5:13 AM, broncovet said:
If you had previous PTSD diagnosis, then it makes me question as to why VA even ordered a C and P exam. If you had(have) a current diagnosis, in service event, or "stressor" for PTSD, and a nexus or link between the two, you should NOT need a C and P exam, because you already have the requisite evidence. Its called "developing to deny". Its VA
"Doctor shopping" to find a doc who will give evidence to deny. They can always find one, if they send you to enough exams. Dont let em do that.this is giving me hope for when i finally get to try for my PTSD stuff again.....the other thing that gives me hope is reading about the JSCC
Good luck to all
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4 hours ago, nlualum82 said:
Stoic is not necessarily bad. You might consider it professional, clinical and impartial and those can be the best. Good luck!
this right here says it all.
i had a horrible and confrontational C&P, but still, his outbursts allowed me a significant insight into how i needed to go about my Appeal. And what's more, according to muh Lawyer, I should have received 70% Scheduler Rating. So yeah, despite how horrible it was, i was LITERALLY approved the day after my C&P exam.......go figure
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here is a little information that may help. Your words,
"Of 2001 while on active duty in the army his mother had passed in May of that year,he saw mental health on post in August 2001 prior to the attempt to take his life,but for some reason we cant locate any of those records!"
So, the dirty rotten part of life is the way the Military in general has fukt all of us Vets with "mental health" issues. Noticed the quotation marks?! You see, back in 2001 when your husband was in service, they were referred to as(i shit you not) Behavioral Health. See that, that's how they twisted it, you weren't "sick", you were a "problem child". What changed??? Simple, soooooooo fuking many Vets were literally blowing their brains out when they came home from War. You know, that thing we do to kill other humans, despite the fact that if you think about it, we literally had to be brainwashed into killing. You know, by lack of sleep, constant physical exhaustion......things get fukt quick.
My situation was rather strange, it was not my Lawyer, my previous THREE VSO's, or even info i could find online. I googled the hospital where i was stationed and started poking around, talked to a bunch of people. One person, a SFC down in the old physical file room set me straight. When we we're looking for our "counseling" records we need to ask for our "Behavioral Health" records. You see, i got copys of my NPRC File not once, but TWICE. No records besides my evaluation from the Lt. Col at the Base Hospital. But this lovely old Sgt saved my ass, and maybe my sanity. Before say i think 2004 or 2005, we were the "losers", but after so much outcry and a lot of updates to military policy, mental health is exactly that, mental. NOT behavioral. Good luck finding something, remember, his "Medical Records" wont contain anything outside of a "Normal Military Hospital". Military Doctors are Officers with actual Doctorates or M.D.'s. The "Community Mental Health Services" were Behavioral Health. I repeated it because I think you should listen carefully to what i am about to say next. Any diagnosis made by ANY Professional who is NOT A P.H.D. PSYCHOLOGIST, is worth NOTHING. Why you may ask? Because Psychologist's are trained and their specific forte is DIAGNOSIS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL disorders. Psychiatrist M.D.'s, who can prescribe up to Shedule 2 Narcotics, their diagnosis isn't even applicable.
How does this help you if any diagnosis WAS written by a "counselor"? Well, it at least provides a CONNECTION to his Stressor. That helps in many ways.
What else could you do? Well, someone shoots himself with a gun, don't MP's usually you know, look into it? Yeah, reports y'all. Not only police, but Officers and Non Coms ALL file reports, they do, and THOSE, get archived. JSCC is what the RO is supposed to "get in touch with" as part of "helping the Vet". PAHlease.....what a joke, get into the muck, this IS trench warfare, your fight with the VA will NEVER be over, find your Shield(information) and Armor(Substantiated LEGAL facts), then you must craft your Lance(A FUKIN Lawyer).
You see, i had a TERRIBLE C&P exam with the guy, he was sooooo unprofessional that he rubbed in the fact that only Psychos could make diagnosis that it gave me a unexpected insight into the VA that blew my mind. So, i got lowballed, but i used that information to my advantage, the Local VA Hospital offered me the services of Psychs and Counselors, i said no, i will only see a Psychologist. You know how many they have? 1.........yeah. so, i have a civilian psychologist and medication RNP. And i only give the infotmation to my Lawyer. That is IT. YOU, have to start the fight, but remember, no one will fight AS hard or harder than you but one person, a Lawyer. Sad truth, but there Is an old saying, Money makes the Mare go.....
Good Luck,
Educate yourselves first, be the best witness to your own defense, become a Layperson who knows as much about your condition as those who studied it in books and labs.....YOU, are your greatest tool, but find others that can help you hone in on the target, and the ones that will more importantly, Loose the Reins and on to battle.
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Well like i said, what he wrote down is what i am having the hardest part accepting, there are things i wasnt "allowed" to discuss, yet ther it is in black and white that he should have asked me! What a crooked ass system lol. Thank you gentleman
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Just a heads up, i disagree completely with some things here, but most importantly it should be noted that this helped me receive a 50% Service Connected
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LOCAL TITLE: C&P MENTAL DISORDERS
STANDARD TITLE: C & P EXAMINATION NOTE
DATE OF NOTE: SEP 08, 2015@09:00 ENTRY DATE: SEP 08, 2015@10:06:32
AUTHOR: redacted for privacy COSIGNER:
URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED
Mental Disorders
(other than PTSD and Eating Disorders)
Disability Benefits Questionnaire
Name of patient/Veteran: REDACTED BY VETERAN
SECTION I:
----------
1. Diagnosis
------------
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: Persistent Depressive Disorder
ICD code: 300.4
Comments, if any: Vet states he suffers from chronic dsyphoric mood, low motivation,
insomnia, hypersomnia, low energy levels, low self-esteem,
concentration problems.
b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the
Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): Diabetes Melitis
2. 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
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[ ] 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
------------------
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
[ ] 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
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a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history (pre-military, military, and
post-military):
Vet states he runs away from conflict, and has moved out of state 10
times since his discharge from the army in 2000. VEt lives with his
father and grandmother in Washington. Vet states he cannot live alone
due to fear, and depression. He said he tried living with a girlfriend
once, for 2 months. He states that relationship ended due to arguing.
Vet has never married and has no children. HE reports he has not had a
girlfriend since 2008 because he is controlling and has difficulty
trusting others. VEt states he has no close friends, other than video
game friends he has on-line. Vet was raised by his father, sister, who is deceased, and 2
half-sister and half brother. He states he is distant from his mother, and
siblings. He state he cuts out people that cause him stress in his life. Vet
reports he didn't live with his mom growing up due to her drug
abuse.
b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history (pre-military, military,
and post-military):
Vet worked most recently in April, 2015, in a factory making industrial
windows. HE reports he worked there a few months. Vet states he walked
off the job because he said, "people were screaming at me." He
was most stably employed at a gas station for a year from 2011-12. He said that
job ended when he had an argument with his brother, whom he was living
with at the time, and had to move out of state. HE notes he has moved 4
times out of state in the past 4 years.
Vet reports he served in the army for a few months in 2000, but was
discharged early due to his low motivation, and depression symptoms.
Vet adds he got into fights with members of his platoon. Vet reports he has
had 26 jobs since his discharge in 2000.
c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and
family mental health (pre-military, military, and post-military):
Vet reports he had 2 counselors, once for 4 sessions and once for 3
sessions, and received Adderall and Ritalin tried 8 years ago.
Vet was diagnosed in service with Adjustment Disorder with depressed
mood by Dr. Chin on 5 October, 2000.
d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history (pre-military, military, and
post-military):
jail for assault, of neighbor in 2011, at same time criminal mischief,
and possession of marijuana in 2002.
e. Relevant Substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and
post-military):
heroin abuse, age 22, marijuana on and off until 2011, alcohol abuse
from 2009-2014, after sister died of brain aneurism.
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] Suspiciousness
[X] Chronic sleep impairment
[X] Impaired judgment
[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
Behavioral observations:
Vet appears as a cooperative, casually dressed, well groomed, long bearded, Caucasian male who was oriented X 4. He was able to accurately list 3 words after a 3 minute delay. He accurately performed serial sevens, and listed the 5 most recent presidents of the U.S.A. without difficulty. He admits to having episodic suicidal ideation without a specific plan. He denies suffering from homicidal or psychotic ideation. Vet complains of suffering from a chronically dysphoric and anxious mood, and he displayed a wide range of affect.
4. Other symptoms
-----------------
Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to mental disorders
that are not listed above?
[ ] Yes[X] No
5. Competency
-------------
Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs?
[X] Yes[ ] No
6. Remarks (including any testing results), if any:
---------------------------------------------------
Vet appears at least as likely as not to meet the DSM-5 criteria with Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia). It appears at least as likely as not that the vet's current symptoms of depression are related to vet's depression and low motivation noted in service medical records dated 18 October, 2000, in which vet was described with "constant depression...failure to adapt to military life...low motivation."
In summary, vet does not have a diagnosis of adjustment disorder with depressed mood that is at least as likely as not caused by diagnosis in service. Instead, vet's current diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder appears to be a continuation of his prior diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Depressed mood which was noted in mental status evaluation by Dr. Chin on 5 October, 2000. Vet suffers from severe social, emotional, and occupational impairment as a result of his depressive disorder.
/es/ redacted for privacy PhD
LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Signed: 09/08/2015 10:06 -
LOCAL TITLE: C&P MENTAL DISORDERS
STANDARD TITLE: C & P EXAMINATION NOTE
DATE OF NOTE: SEP 08, 2015@09:00 ENTRY DATE: SEP 08, 2015@10:06:32
AUTHOR: redacted for privacy EXP COSIGNER:
URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED
Mental Disorders
(other than PTSD and Eating Disorders)
Disability Benefits Questionnaire
Name of patient/Veteran: REDACTED BY VETERAN
SECTION I:
----------
1. Diagnosis
------------
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: Persistent Depressive Disorder
ICD code: 300.4
Comments, if any: Vet states he suffers from chronic dsyphoric mood, low motivation,
insomnia, hypersomnia, low energy levels, low self-esteem,
concentration problems.
b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the
Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): Diabetes Melitis
2. 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
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[ ] 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
------------------
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
[ ] 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):
Vet states he runs away from conflict, and has moved out of state 10
times since his discharge from the army in 2000. VEt lives with his
father and grandmother in Washington. Vet states he cannot live alone
due to fear, and depression. He said he tried living with a girlfriend
once, for 2 months. He states that relationship ended due to arguing.
Vet has never married and has no children. HE reports he has not had a
girlfriend since 2008 because he is controlling and has difficulty
trusting others. VEt states he has no close friends, other than video
game friends he has on-line. Vet was raised by his father, sister, who is deceased, and 2
half-sister and half brother. He states he is distant from his mother, and
siblings. He state he cuts out people that cause him stress in his life. Vet
reports he didn't live with his mom growing up due to her drug
abuse.
b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history (pre-military, military,
and post-military):
Vet worked most recently in April, 2015, in a factory making industrial
windows. HE reports he worked there a few months. Vet states he walked
off the job because he said, "people were screaming at me." He
was most stably employed at a gas station for a year from 2011-12. He said that
job ended when he had an argument with his brother, whom he was living
with at the time, and had to move out of state. HE notes he has moved 4
times out of state in the past 4 years.
Vet reports he served in the army for a few months in 2000, but was
discharged early due to his low motivation, and depression symptoms.
Vet adds he got into fights with members of his platoon. Vet reports he has
had 26 jobs since his discharge in 2000.
c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and
family mental health (pre-military, military, and post-military):
Vet reports he had 2 counselors, once for 4 sessions and once for 3
sessions, and received Adderall and Ritalin tried 8 years ago.
Vet was diagnosed in service with Adjustment Disorder with depressed
mood by Dr. Chin on 5 October, 2000.
d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history (pre-military, military, and
post-military):
jail for assault, of neighbor in 2011, at same time criminal mischief,
and possession of marijuana in 2002.
e. Relevant Substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and
post-military):
heroin abuse, age 22, marijuana on and off until 2011, alcohol abuse
from 2009-2014, after sister died of brain aneurism.
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] Suspiciousness
[X] Chronic sleep impairment
[X] Impaired judgment
[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
Behavioral observations:
Vet appears as a cooperative, casually dressed, well groomed, long bearded, Caucasian male who was oriented X 4. He was able to accurately list 3 words after a 3 minute delay. He accurately performed serial sevens, and listed the 5 most recent presidents of the U.S.A. without difficulty. He admits to having episodic suicidal ideation without a specific plan. He denies suffering from homicidal or psychotic ideation. Vet complains of suffering from a chronically dysphoric and anxious mood, and he displayed a wide range of affect.
4. Other symptoms
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Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to mental disorders
that are not listed above?
[ ] Yes[X] No
5. Competency
-------------
Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs?
[X] Yes[ ] No
6. Remarks (including any testing results), if any:
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Vet appears at least as likely as not to meet the DSM-5 criteria with Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia). It appears at least as likely as not that the vet's current symptoms of depression are related to vet's depression and low motivation noted in service medical records dated 18 October, 2000, in which vet was described with "constant depression...failure to adapt to military life...low motivation."
In summary, vet does not have a diagnosis of adjustment disorder with depressed mood that is at least as likely as not caused by diagnosis in service. Instead, vet's current diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder appears to be a continuation of his prior diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Depressed mood which was noted in mental status evaluation by Dr. Chin on 5 October, 2000. Vet suffers from severe social, emotional, and occupational impairment as a result of his depressive disorder.
/es/ redacted for privacy PhD
LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Signed: 09/08/2015 10:06 -
Are you all ready for my Redacted C&P Exam Results? i think this is the Lowball of the Lowballs lol! in all seriousness, this exam kind of pisses me off because the a$$hole wouldn't let me talk about my other diagnoses and yet check marked that i have no other diagnoses! during the whole exam he was rude and obnoxious and ultimately wouldn't let me talk very much. when i got in for my other Exams im going to demand that he not be allowed to see me. Also, i was never asked if i was homicidal, because believe you and me i would have told him!
there are a few other things i disagree with here, but ultimately it got me my 50% rating. i refuse to go in stinking and acting a fool just because people say it will get you 100% i think the facts lend to my disability, and i still have more issues to fight. look forward everyones opinions!
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Thank you ArNG11, i am all over it. I have recently done a Intent to File for september of this year for my other issues, as i was being evaluated for the depression the Doc would not allow me to discuss my other issues, although i did state that my other issues often exacerbate my depression, i.e. PTSD, Anxiety, Panic Disorder and ADHD makes it a large convaluted mess. MyDAV rep and i talked and we agreed that we are going to appeal based on the employment issue and some other things. I have yet to see my actual C%P results. And obtaining my C-file is the next thing on my list. its a relief to qualify for all healthcare save Dental. Im going to keep my appointments with my civilian Psy and also take advantage of starting with the VA. Only sad thing really is that i lost my ability to appeal my PTSD with anger and depression upon being rated with Depression. But i have hope, and really this site has given me focus and direction on where i can go from here. I appreciate you all?
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Whoa, that was fast!! Just had the c&p yesterday and already rated, congratulations! Which RO is your claim out of? I was granted service connection for two conditions Aug 14, 2015, still waiting to be rated out of Winston Salem, I'll give it another sixty days or so, again congrats!!
from what i understand, my file was in St Louis Missouri. But while i was at the C&P Exam the Doc asked me if some town in Wisconsin sounded familiar, he said thats where my file was, but i think my case was reviewed in St Louis, sorry about you having to wait so long. Keep us posted here, feel free to hijack this thread when you get your results?
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it appears to still be uploading, i did see a VA Psychologist in Hillsboro Oregon so it is within the VA system. i am rated at 50%, but still think that is a lowball, and will definitely be getting with my DAV rep to see what we can do about that
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Thank you yes, i look forward to posting a redacted version of my C&P on here, especially seeing how i've had 26 jobs in the last nearly 15 years, been to college and dropped out twice, and have been homeless for a period of 3 years, yeah im smelling a rushed lowball in my opinion. but i will gladly share info. thanks for the words of encouragement, i have used ebenefits to do a Intent to File for September of this year, so i can fight my PTSD case with better footing and from within the VA health care system.
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I checked my claim status on Ebenefits this morning. i had my my C&P yesterday, case is closed, Ebenefits shows me at 50% for persistent depressive disorder (claimed as adjustment disorder with depressed mood). i feel its a start. just wanted to say thanks to all of those who answered my original post. and that i am still going to fight the good fight, but now i can do it within the system.
Thanks
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I do have ebenefits and healthevet premium accounts, if someone could talk me through it i would appreciate it greatly
![win-or-die-va[1].jpg](http://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2016_07/5790bfb3b5220_win-or-die-va1.jpg.75a1cf3ed463f8bf45e395fe9af771eb.jpg)
In the Trenches.....against our own people
in Success Stories
Posted