gpark009

So i logged onto Ebennies today, and seems most my secondaries were put added. Also they dropped the syncope to 30% but upped the PTSD to 70% which they added TBI under still keeping me at 80%, but I'm now 100% due to disabilities in the UI i guess, i attached a pic. I am still gather buddy letters and have a Nexus letter from my PCP, I think I'll leave it alone. How long do I have to file a NOD?

So i logged onto Ebennies today, and seems most my secondaries were put added. Also they dropped the syncope to 30% but upped the PTSD to 70% which they added TBI under still keeping me at 80%, but I'm now 100% due to disabilities in the UI i guess, i attached a pic. It shows award date as 08/27/2015 but i filed the claim 04/07/2015 I am still gather buddy letters and have a Nexus letter from my PCP, I think I'll leave it alone. How long do I have to file a NOD?

Glad it is moving but haven't seen a percentage change, I am still showing 80%, so we will see.

Glad it is moving but haven't seen a percentage change, I am still showing 80%, so we will see.

Update: 10-3-15 now ebennies says preparation for notification, no percentage change yet

Update: 10-3-15 now ebennies says preparation for notification, no percentage change yet

Thanks, yes she is great, she has been my primary care provider for years. I figure now that ebennies has changed to pending decision approval, I'll take this letter to my VA PCP appointment the middle of this month and get stuff documented, and just save in case I have to have more evidence.

Thanks Buck, hopefully works in my favor

Update 10-2-15Logged onto ebennies and it has changed to pending decision approvalEstimated Completion: 10/14/2015-10/25/2015So it's all out of my hands, crossing fingers, any new evidence I guess compile in case I need to do a NOD

Update 10-2-15Logged onto ebennies and it has changed to pending decision approvalEstimated Completion: 10/14/2015-10/25/2015So it's all out of my hands, crossing fingers, any new evidence I guess compile in case I need to do a NOD

So I have been seeing the same civilian doctor since my medical retirement. I have suffered from various unexplained symptoms. My civilian doctor has now diagnosed me with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Migraine Headaches, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She has reviewed all my soldier medical records, and my Va medical records. After a long talk she feels that these diagnoses were caused from my deployments in Iraq. She has only prescribed me a couple medications for my CFS for muscle and joint pain. After talking she felt it was better i take everything to my VA PCP and get it documented and get free meds from the VA, to help me with costs. Below is the letter she has written for me to take to the VA. Any opinions and guidance on this? Dr. XXXX XXXXXX, M.D. XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX RE: XXXXXXXXXX XXX-XX-XXXX DOB: XX-XX-XXXX To whom it may Concern: I am writing this letter on behalf of my patient, Mr. XXXXXX, who is under my care for chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome. I am a board certified general practice physician. I have over 34 years of experience as a medical doctor. I have reviewed Mr. XXXXXX service medical records from August XXXX to June XXXX. Based on my review of his service medical records, I believe his chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome today is more likely than not related to military service while deployed to Iraq in 2003 and 2006/2007, as it was likely present and undiagnosed at that time. Mr. XXXXXX provides a history that suggests symptoms consistent with chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome during his time of military service in 2007. At that time, he was under medical care for neurocardiogenic syncope, which could have contributed to these symptoms, as could have the patient’s medications at the time. However, I believe that it is more likely than not that Mr. XXXXX XXXXX did suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome at the time of his military service to present day, and that his symptoms, consistent with this disorder, were not recognized due to his other medical problems. It is also my professional opinion that Mr. XXXXX chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome are aggravated by his currently diagnosed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Please feel to contact me for additional information if necessary. Sincerely, Dr. xxxxxxxxxxxx, M.D.

thank buck, yah I hope I can get 100% too, taking care of three kids and raising a grandbaby these days gets tough.

Regarding the un-employability i have also filed for SSDI because of my disabilities. My PCP Doctor (Civilian) filled out a Residual Compacity Form In that RFC she included all my VA disabilities and my CFS, Fibramyalgia, IBS and headaches. She has also written Nexus letters for the CFS, IBS, and Fibramyalgia with a more then likely cause by military service while deployed in Iraq. With the reviewed C-file, med records etc. I plan on scanning and uploading the Nexus letters, but would it also be benefitial scanning and sending the RFC that's going to SSDI to the VA rater too?

This Claim was part of a larger claim with secondaries etc. Below is what claim was put in. This C&P for PTSD was last exam, so now just waiting. Ebennies saws all my docs should be at the rater by the 8th of October. Coronary artery disease with neurocardiogenic syncope (Increase) - Had C&P was given MET 1-3 - chest pain (Secondary) Post-traumatic stress disorder with persistent disorder of initiating and maintaining restful and enduring sleep (Increase) - bipolar disorder (Secondary) - anxiety condition (Secondary) - depression (Secondary) - headaches (Secondary) - chronic fatigue syndrome (Secondary) Head injury (New) - headaches (Secondary) - Been getting treatment for years for Migraines since medical retirement in 2008 Un-employability (New)

So be it if it's a reduction, if its fair I'm good with. I do have a particular question, I have a claim for TBI also, and in my records it shows it and in VA records it also shows. Given this report, what the examiner said will they take that in account for my TBI Claim? c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not shown in records reviewed

Congratulations!!!!

No update as yet, I did look at ebennies and looks like October 8 is the date the rather will have all info uploaded by.

Like i said earlier this Psychiatrist was very thorough. I can look at this wag and see in my opinion its 50%-70% range, just curious about everyone else opinion.This exam was part of multiple exams for my disabilities. I am already service connected 50% PTSD.I also claim my TBI which I still haven't gotten service connected yet, hopefully even if they put my TBI and PTSD together at least it'll finally be rated. I also claimed chronic fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and depression as secondaries.Even though this is the PTSD forum, i think knowing my history is important for people to give an opinion. I also put in a claim for and increase for my Coronary Heart Disease with Syncope which I'm rated 60% for. Secondaries to the syncope were also the fatigue and, headaches.So I have no idea how the VA is going to bundle all this up together, I'M sure there is a way.

LOCAL TITLE: C&P EXAM Review Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Disability Benefits Questionnaire Name of patient/Veteran: SECTION I: ---------- 1.Diagnostic Summary --------------------- Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with PTSD? [X] Yes [ ] No ICD Code: F43.10 2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD ICD Code: F43.10 Comments, if any: Mr. vvvvv service connected PTSD diagnosis is continued. However there is no need for a separate diagnosis to account for his sleep disturbance, as sleep disturbance is a symptom accounted for by PTSD (symptom E.6) and is therefore already accounted for by the diagnosis. Mr. vvvvv also described what appear to be alternating periods of hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. From a review of his records this appears to be the first documentation of his issue, and it is unclear what it might mean. More evidence is needed prior to finalizing a diagnosis of a bi-polar spectrum disorder. Given his age and lack of prior reports it would be unexpected for him to develop such a condition at this point in life. There are a number of possible explanations for his mood concerns at this time so additional diagnostic data is needed prior to finalizing this possible diagnosis. b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): see medical examination 3. Differentiation of symptoms ----------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed [ ] Yes[X] N c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not shown in records reviewe d. 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: PTSD and TBI can be difficult to fully delineate due the presence of a number of shared symptoms or indicators. For example, irritability, cognitive deficits, insomnia, depression, fatigue, and anxiety are among the symptoms/complaints of persons with TBI as well as PTSD. However, there are also some symptoms distinct to each diagnosis, including PTSD - Flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, nightmares, and re-experiencing phenomeno TBI - Headaches, sensitivity to light and/or noise, nausea/vomiting, visual disturbances, dizziness/vertigo The TBI examiner noted the presence of light sensitivity, but then denied any residual symptoms of TBI. Therefore it is unclear what might account for the light sensitivity as this it typically a residual attributed to TBI (when present). Mr. vvvvv has a number of symptoms specific to PTSD including avoidance, hypervigilance, and re-experiencing phenomenon (thoughts/dreams). The remaining symptoms are shared and cannot be reliably attributed to one etiology. Therefore, it is not possible to fully delineate symptoms without resorting to speculation 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[X] No [ ] No diagnosis of TBI 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: His symptoms are so intertwined that isolating their respective contribution to his functional challenges would require considerable speculation. 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: [X] Other: VBMS/CPRS records were reviewed. b. Was pertinent information from collateral sources reviewed? [ ] Yes[X] No 2. Recent History (since prior exam) ------------------------------------ a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history: In terms of his social relationships he noted he is currently married to his 3rd wife, and has two step-children who are grown, and a biological son from his first wife who has just turned 15 and lives with the veteran. He has been married this time for about 5 years. He noted that their relationship has been problematic over the last year; "It is almost weekly that we argue and talk about divorce. We have had verbal domestic after verbal domestic; the primarily reason I probably haven't gone to jail is because I was a law enforcement officer in the small town where I live and everyone knows us." Socially he has one "military buddy that I served with; him and my wife are why I've started trying to get more treatment. We talk on the phone or on line and that's about it. I don't have any other friends. He does remains in monthly contact with his biological family. "They come up once a month to get my son and then drop him off. That is pretty much when I see them unless there is an emergency." He is not working so he does not have any co-workers. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history: He medically retired from the Army in 2008 due to a heart condition. He went to work for his hometown police department "and I was doing pretty good. I got some help here and I thought things were going well. I had some problems in 2010 and was doing some drinking but I just embedded myself in work. My physical health condition got the best of me so I had trouble at work. I resigned my position there. I tried to get a job with vvvvvvvvvvvpolice department, and I had a start date, but they do a lot more extensive background check. They put me on admin leave for a while, and then said 'can't do it, background don't clear'. I did some wildlife control, went through Voc-Rehab and everything, and did pretty well with that until my syncope took over." He has not worked since 2014. He noted that he is scheduled to see Voc-Rehab in vvvvvvv on the of September. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health: He has worked with behavioral health in the past, but hasn't been in since approximately 2009. He recently met with a psychiatrist. He stated that "It was easy in that job to hide." He became "embedded" in work which he feels helped him manage his symptoms. Now that he is not working he cannot distract himself from his thoughts. He is currently prescribed Sertraline, Prazosin, mirtazapine, and divalproex. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history: Denied any legal problems. e. Relevant Substance abuse history: Denied drug use; has used alcohol in the past, "but I haven't used any in a good while." He was drinking heavily saying "I had to drink in order to fall asleep." He hasn't used alcohol in 4 months by his report. He noted "I was getting hammered; 1/2 bottle and some beer, and you drink the 1/2 bottle so you numb everything and drink the beer faster. I'm pretty proud that I've been able to wean off of that though." 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] Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s) [X] Witnessing, in person, the traumatic event(s) as they occurred to others 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 effect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s). [X] Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of 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] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame). [X] Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities. [X] Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others. 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: No response provided. 4. 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] Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions or recent events [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 work like setting [X] Impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence 5. Behavioral Observations: --------------------------- see remarks section 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: --------------------------------------------------- Mr. cccc brought a 'journal' and some notes that helped him track his functioning/moods. PRESENT MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS ---------------------- FREQUENCY, SEVERITY, AND DURATION OF NON-PTSD PSYCHIATRIC/MEDICAL SYMPTOMS: Moods: Mr. vvvv noted that "the last week of July was awesome; I had all the energy in the world. I bought a used XXXXXXX and started working and tinkering on it. My wife asked me if I was on meth because I had so much energy, but I wasn't. She reamed me for buying the XXXXXXX because I shouldn't have spent that money. That lasted about a week." He noted "it is probably about every 3-4 weeks I'll have episodes like this. I won't need medication, and won't need meds for headaches or anything. I didn't have any syncope. I'm up . . . just up. That is why she asked if I was on meth. I wasn't even eating. I was drinking coffee, and just constantly going. It was crazy." He indicated that he has only started experiencing these episodes "probably a month before I was released from the vvvvvv police department, so that would have been in NOV 2013." He cannot identify any triggering event for these episodes. "When I'm going . . . it was like I was a crack head. I worked dope for years (in the police force) and I know what those people look like. I just kept going and going and going." These episodes end suddenly. "I'm out for three days after that. When I crash from something like that there is no alarm clock, there is no waking me up. I might wake up and use the restroom, get something to drink, and then I'm out in the chair. Then I just feel like total crap after that." Usually I have a pulsating headache that feels like it is about to pop. He describes being very depressed for a while after that until the depression "gradually wears off". The severe depressed phase of this can last "3-4 days", and then he moderates into a less depressed state. If he experiences syncope in the middle of his depressed phase it is even worse. He described episodes of major depression alternating with hypo-manic episodes for the past 3 years (approximately). He described his lack of emotional reaction to his grandmother passing away, "which freaked out my wife and my dad. Anxiety: "I stay away from crowds." He stated "I told a guy off in the parking lot before I came in here today. I'm waiting for a car to pull out and a guy pulls up behind me and starts yelling. I exited my car and told him I was waiting for a car to pull out the parking sport." He described being very easily irritated and described situations where he was very easily bothered/irritated. He described being quite willing to verbally confront people when he is irritated. He cannot attend his son's football games due to the noise/chaos/crowds; "just a lot of people; I've had a panic attack at his first game this year, so I can't go now." He also noted that he does not go to the grocery store, and when he does he just sits in the truck while his wife goes in. He also stated "If you ever see me in Wal-Mart before about 9pm you know it has been a really good day." In public he noted "I'm looking for concealed; ankle knives, chest knives, lighters, ankle holsters. I worked narcotics for years so I'm looking for everything. . . . Tattoos, knives . . . you name it and I'm looking. It annoys the shit out of my wife. She does it a little bit, but I know where the exit is and how I'm going to get to it." He describes evaluating potential threats and how he will respond. "I suppose that being a cop after all this probably didn't help anything." He remains very easily startled by noises. "4th of July I locked myself in my room. It took the police to get me out of my room. I was freaked out; I could see myself in the back of my mind saying 'what the heck are you doing Gary?', but I heard popping and I had a sudden panic that I was being shot at and returning fire. I had two pistols with me. I was in there for almost 14 hours that weekend. A friend of mine on who was law enforcement got me out. Nothing was reported because it was a friend of mine. I can't remember everything, but I can just remember the fear. It freaked me out, that is the worst one I've ever had. I've had others, but not like that." Does go out to eat, but must go at low traffic times. He described an incident today prior to coming to this appointment where he verbally confronted someone in the restaurant who was being too loud for his liking. PSYCH EXAM ========== GENERAL APPEARANCE: Appropriately dressed/groomed PSYCHOMOTOR ACTIVITY: Unremarkable SPEECH: Unremarkable ATTITUDE TOWARD EXAMINER: Polite, Attentive, and Cooperative AFFECT: Congruent MOOD: "In the middle; I've been stressed about this thing of course." ATTENTION: Attention Intact ABLE TO DO SERIAL 7'S? Yes ABLE TO SPELL A WORD FORWARD AND BACKWARD? Yes ORIENTATION: INTACT TO PERSON: Yes INTACT TO TIME: Yes INTACT TO PLACE: Yes THOUGHT PROCESS: Unremarkable THOUGHT CONTENT: Unremarkable DELUSIONS: None JUDGMENT: Understands outcome of behavior INTELLIGENCE: Average INSIGHT: Fair DOES THE PATIENT HAVE SLEEP IMPAIRMENT? Yes; With his medication he is sleeping approximately 7 hours a night, which is an increased of an hour or two compared to before he started taking medication. He noted "The alarm clock will not wake me up, but go about two blocks away and slam the lid on a trash can and I'll be awake." He continues to experience regular nightmares; nearly every night. He noted "I don't always remember them. Before the meds I vividly remembered them, but now I won't. I know I had one and it scared me and woke me up, but I won't remember now that I've started the meds." He also has episodes every 3-4 weeks where he cannot sleep at all due to an apparent hypo-manic episode. TYPE OF HALLUCINATIONS: None DOES THE PATIENT HAVE INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR? No INTERPRETS PROVERBS APPROPRIATELY? Yes DOES THE PATIENT HAVE OBSESSIVE/RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOR? Yes; Checks locks repeatedly; very concerned about home security. He noted "I'll get home and lock the door. 10 minutes later I'll check it again. Then I can be sitting on the couch and I'll get up and check it again. My bold lock. . I'll test it and make sure it is locked. Gun locks are checked several times a day. Ordinance is inventoried at least once a week. I beep my car lock several times during the day. I have a bad obsession with mail. I'll go check it, and then go check it again. One time I checked it 5 times one day; my wife apparently counted it. It was like I forgot I guess." DOES THE PATIENT HAVE PANIC ATTACKS? Yes; Noted that he has the more serious panic attacks "when I get put in a serious situation. Probably 1-3x a month." The more severe types of them last 1-2 hours. He describes classic panic symptoms during those episodes. He has a number of smaller ones "throughout the month." The number of attacks "just depends on where I'm at. If I'm around people and noise I'll start freaking out and having more." He painfully avoids certain situations in order to avoid experiencing panic attacks. IS THERE PRESENCE OF HOMICIDAL THOUGHTS? Denied IS THERE PRESENCE OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS? Acknowledged some transient ideation, but denied any plan, or intent. He noted that over the 4th of July he "put the gun to my head" but didn't pull the trigger." That was his only attempt. EXTENT OF IMPULSE CONTROL: Poor EPISODES OF VIOLENCE: yes EXAMPLES OF EFFECTS ON MOTIVATION/MOOD OR OTHER COMMENTS: Can become verbally aggressive quickly and easily; very outspoken. Stated "I grabbed my wife once when she woke me up, but I've never physically hit her or anything." He does have a history of physical aggression. He described a tendency to become verbally aggressive quickly, and stated "Then I try to get away. If you let me go then it will be OK. If you follow me then it may not be. It doesn't take long, and within 30 minutes I'll feel terrible whether the argument was my fault of not." ABILITY TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM PERSONAL HYGIENE? Yes IS THERE PROBLEM WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING? HOUSEHOLD CHORES: TOILETING: GROOMING: SHOPPING: Strongly prefers to avoid crowds. SELF-FEEDING: BATHING: DRESSING/UNDRESSING: ENGAGING IN SPORTS/EXERCISE: "I used to work out until my syncope popped up." TRAVELING: DRIVING: "Most of the time my wife drives. I will drive it is a short distance or an emergency because of my syncope. OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES: "I used to hunt and fish but I don't anymore. I was a big time football guy but I don't even watch it on TV anymore." DESCRIPTION OF OTHER PROBLEM WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING: MEMORY ------ REMOTE MEMORY: Normal RECENT MEMORY: Normal IMEDIATE MEMORY: Normal EXAMPLE(S) OF MEMORY DISORDER: Described forgetting his grandmother's name while giving her eulogy, which was very embarrassing. SOCIAL WORK SURVEY ------------------ WERE SOCIAL WORK SURVEY RESULTS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN THE DIAGNOSIS/ASSESSMENT? No survey done WERE ALL TESTS RESULTS INCLUDED ON THE EXAM REPORT? Yes MENTAL DISORDER: MENTAL COMPETENCY ---------------------------------- DOES THE VETERAN KNOW THE AMOUNT OF THEIR BENEFIT PAYMENT? Yes DOES THE VETERAN KNOW THE AMOUNTS OF MONTHLY BILLS? Yes DOES THE VETERAN PRUDENTLY HANDLE PAYMENTS? Yes DOES THE VETERAN PERSONALLY HANDLE MONEY AND PAYS BILLS? Yes IS THE VETERAN CAPABLE OF MANAGING FINANCIAL AFFAIRS? Yes EXAMPLE(S) TO SUPPORT THIS CONCLUSION: The Veteran and his wife manages their own finances currently. He noted "I binge sometimes, like on the vvvvv. We are making ends meet, but it is getting tight." Most of his financial 'binges' are in the $100-$150 range. IS A SOCIAL WORK ASSESSMENT NECESSARY TO RENDER AN OPINION? No ** All diagnoses obtained were based on the criterion contained in DSM-V; The GAF scale is not part of the DSM V and has been discontinued. **

Thats wrong one sry, im looking

wrong form

yes I have done my first initial filing for ssdi. I've had my c&p exam for my heart condition and the evaluator gave me a Met 1-3, and said that I shouldn't even be trying to work. Now what he told me and said in his notes could be completely different he was a contracted doctor. My C&p for mental health is today at the vamc, I claimed secondaries to my primary of PTSD bipolar, anxiety, headache, chronic fatigue. An yes I also have this with a claim of unemployability.

A VA Phsy doc made the diagnosis, as far as seeing another one if you what more opinions, talk to your PCP and ask if they can refer you to a different one. Being one that has gone the route of a civilian mental health doc. Expect to have at least 10 1 hour visits before he or she does any diagnosis in writing. I am serious i went back and read through the civilian docs notes and everyone till the 10th one said i think he may has suffered, i think he may have.... As far as DBQ or Nexus i asked my mental heath doc with VA to do one to and she said she couldn't. She stated he was apart of the evaluation team of doctors so she couldn't.

Hi Everyone this is my first post and like to ask what your thought are on journals for PTSD. Currently I am Rated: 60% CHD with neurocardiogenic syncope 50% PTSD 10% Left Leg 10% Right Leg CHD with Neurocardiogenic syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness associated with a drop in arterial blood pressure, quickly followed by a slowed heart rate. Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) is also referred to as vasovagal syncope or neurally mediated syncope also what i was medically retired from the Army from. I have been unable to stay employed for about a year now because the syncope and ptsd. Honestly who wants the liability of someone who can black out at any time. Also over the years my PTSD has worsened. Like everyone here i got to see my share of what most people don't. I'm and OIF vet deployed twice. My specialist for my heart had me keep a log for my onsets, and syncope episodes (I get 2-4 a month). A combat buddy of mine talked to me a few months back and said he started writing in a journal if things effected him etc for ptsd and any significant events or feelings. He then transferred notes on a calendar and took it with him to his C&P exam the last time he went. He said the the calendar helped him, and the evaluator understood because he could't remember many days times event in last three months he was effected so he used the calendar to refresh his memory. What are you guys/ladys thoughts on this?