Hello all, My wife came across this site and I have been doing reading and there is a lot of good info. I recently had my compensation and pension exam least Wednesday. I am curious as to the rating you guys think I might receive . I am thinking 10% or 30%. I deleted the stressor info and other identifiers. Thanks in advance.
2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): Obesity, Fatigue.
[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.)
[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] Hypervigilance. [X] Exaggerated startle response. [X] Problems with concentration. [X] Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep). Criterion F: [X] Duration of the disturbance (Criteria B, C, D, and E) is more than 1 month. Criterion G: [X] The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Criterion H: [X] The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or another medical condition. Criterion I: Which stressor(s) contributed to the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis?: [X] Stressor #1 [X] Stressor #2 [X] Stressor #3 5. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Depressed mood [X] Anxiety [X] Suspiciousness [X] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood 6. Behavioral Observations -------------------------- The Veteran was reserved, but was cooperative with exam. He easily engaged and spontaneously interacted. His memory was intact. He was alert and oriented to person, place and time. His affect was full. His mood was "5/10 for depression, 10/10 for anxiety." His thought process was linear and goal directed. His thought content was unremarkable for psychotic symptoms. He denied suicidal or homicidal ideation. His judgment and insight were fair. 7. Other symptoms ----------------- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other mental disorders) that are not listed above? [ ] Yes [X] No 8. Competency ------------- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes [ ] No 9. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any -------------------------------------------------- No remarks provided. NOTE: VA may request additional medical information, including additional examinations if necessary to complete VA's review of the Veteran's application. **************************************************************************** Medical Opinion Disability Benefits Questionnaire Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this document: [ ] Review of available records (without in-person or video telehealth examination) using the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process because the existing medical evidence provided sufficient information on which to prepare the DBQ and such an examination will likely provide no additional relevant evidence. [ ] Review of available records in conjunction with a telephone interview with the Veteran (without in-person or telehealth examination) using the ACE process because the existing medical evidence supplemented with a telephone interview provided sufficient information on which to prepare the DBQ and such an examination would likely provide no additional relevant evidence. [ ] Examination via approved video telehealth [X] In-person examination Evidence review --------------- Was the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed? No If no, check all records reviewed: [X] Other: vbms, cprs, capri MEDICAL OPINION SUMMARY ----------------------- After reviewing the Veterans STR, Medical Records and examining, it appears that he has the diagnosis of PTSD. It is at least as likely as not due to or the result of the experiences in service. Rationale: The Veteran meets DSM-5 criteria for PTSD. He has been in treatment for his symptoms since 2010. He reports recurrent nightmares, sleep impairment, hypervigilance, irritability and estrangement from others. He did not have these symptoms prior to his military service. Thus, it is clinically reasonable to conclude that he has the diagnosis of PTSD related to his experience in service.