marinevet1987

On a different forum, several people told me they expected to get 30% or 50% when they recently received their results, and ended up with 100% P&T. I don't think I rate it, and not sure how I would receive it considering I feel like I can work some kind of job, just not the one I'm at now. I'm assuming that if someone is given 100%, that if they continued to work, it would probably be taken away quickly.

@L You are really the first person to point that out. I have posted this on another forum as well. I can agree that he basically put everything there is to put against a 100% rating. Good eye! I am thinking it will be 70% though. Maybe 100% if I would of filed IU.

If I lose my job, I definitely will. Is there a possibility they could give me IU since it does state my job is in jeopardy due to panic attacks? (I am on notice at work)

Thanks for your input buck! I'm wondering that since he put in there that my job is in jeopardy due to panic attacks, if that will help me? I can see why you would think the last paragraph could hurt.

I received my official C&P results today. I know most of the criteria such as the occupational and social impairment, as well as several of the symptoms fall into the 70% range. But I do have panic attacks frequently, that do affect my work. The doctor even put in there that my employment is in jeopardy because of my panic attacks. Would this sway it to the 100% range? Or do the symptoms and occupational impairment HAVE to fall into that range. I have a paper copy, so I can't just copy and paste it onto here, but I will put everything on here. Please tell me what you think:Does the veteran now have or has he/she been diagnosed with PTSD? YESMental Disorders Diagnosis #1: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ChronicDoes the veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? No(X) Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgement, thinking and/or mood.Evidence reviewed(X) VA claims file (hard copy paper C-file)RECENT HISTORYRelevant social/marital/family history:Veteran is more estranged from his immediate family, rarely talks to his brothers and has cut off all communication with his mother. He is currently involved in a serious romantic relationship. They are currently living together.Relevant occupational and educational history:Frequency and intensity of panic attacks has increased significantly. Veteran was admitted to the hospital in late November 2016 due to a panic attack. His current employment is in jeopardy due to his panic attacks. The fire department was called at his place of employment due to a panic attack.Relevant Mental health history, to inclue prescribed medications and family mental health:Medications have changed. He was previously was only on ambien for sleep. He is currently prescribed paroxetine, ambien, and hydroxyzine. Frequency and intensity of panic attacks has increasedPTSD DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIACriterion A:(X) Directly experiencing the traumatic events(X) Witnessing, in person, the traumatic events as they occured to othersCriterion B:(X) Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic events(X) Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic events(X) Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic eventCriterion C:(X)Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feeling sabout or closely associated with the traumatic events(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 assoiated with the traumatic eventsCriterion D:(X)Markedly diminished interest or particiaption in significant activities(X)Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others(X)Persistent inability to experience positive emotionsCriterion E:(X)Irritable behavior and angry outbursts typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects(X) Hypervigilance(X)Exaggerated startle response(X)Problems with concentrations(X)Sleep disturbanceCriterion F:(X)Duration of the disturbance is more than 1 monthsCriterion G:(X)The PTSD symptoms described above cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioningCriterion H:(X) The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substanceSYMPTOMS(X)Depressed Mood(X) Anxiety(X)Suspiciousness(X)Panic attacks more than once a week(X)Near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively(X)Chronic Sleep impairment(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 work like setting(X)Inability to establish and maintain effective relationships(X)Impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violenceBEHAVIORAL OBSERVATIONSVeteran arrived early to his appointment, casually and appropriately dress. Thinking was logical and organized. Completely oriented. Wide range of affect. Thought content was normal. Judgement and insight were estimated to be normal.

We are also having a debate on a different forum. They are saying there is no way you can get 100% IU, or schedular for mental health if a person is currently employed due to the fact 100% means "total occupational impairment". But several people are bringing up the fact that they were employed and it was granted to them. Any answers to that? Or were they granted 100% by error?

Not real sure I would want them to do that. I've showed my crazy at work, I definitely don't want to ask them to fill out a statement for how I act. I am hoping they forget about it, so I'd rather not bring it back into the spotlight

As a note, I am currently employed. I had a panic attack so bad earlier this month that the Fire Department had to be called to my work because I was hyperventalating. I have panic attacks daily (some not as bad as other). The panic attack where my boss had to call the fire department I basically had a mental breakdown in front of my boss. He told me I needed to get help, and sent me home for the day. He said that if it happens again, I could be considered "unfit for duty" and could lose my job. I submitted the fire department report, which shows they had to come to my work, to the VA, as well as a Statement in Support of Claim explaining that my boss said I could be fired if this is a reoccurring issue. Will that Fire Department report and support of claim statement help with the 100%? Also, I had to go to the ER back in November because I had such a bad panic attack.

I didn't originally file as IU. I would say it would be too late to now wouldn't it? Could they go ahead and put me on IU, without me requesting it? If they decided they wanted to, would they contact my employer and ask for information?

Wouldn't that involve them contacting my employer? I'm not sure how my employer would receive that.

no, i didn't file for IU

Well, now the waiting game begins to get the rating. I felt a sense of relief after the C&P was over, now it's back to waiting again to hear something.

Tbird, I have 3 of the symptoms from the 70%, that would qualify wouldn't it? Also, how do they expect someone that has near-continuous panic or depression to be able to hold a stable job? I would think that that symptom would be in the 100% range. near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

I just had my PTSD C&P exam yesterday for an increase from 50% Now, I know what I'm about to say is total speculation. No, I don't need you to tell me this stuff, because I know it is not 100% guaranteed. No, I haven't seen the final report, so nothing is final. But when he was putting stuff into his computer, he told me what he put in and went over it with me. So, based on this, do you think I could get a raise from 50%? He said he put: OCCUPATIONAL AND SOCIAL IMPAIRMENT WITH DEFICIENCIES IN MOST AREAS, SUCH AS WORK, SCHOOL, FAMILY RELATIONS, JUDGMENT, THINKING AND/OR MOOD Depressed mood Anxiety Suspiciousness Near-continuous panic or depression effecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively Chronic Sleep impairment Impairment of short and long term memory, for example, retention of only highly learned material, while forgetting to complete tasks Disturbances of motivation and mood Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships Difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or a work like settiing Inability to establish and maintain effective relationships The two things I can't remember if he said, but may of said, were: Impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence Difficulty inunderstanding complex commands What do you all think?

Not really. If you would of filed a fully developed claim, you should of sent in a DBQ when you filed. Basically a DBQ is supposed to take place of a C&P exam. If you had a C&P exam, it is the same thing as a DBQ. It sounds like you need to get a veterans service officer. You can find them through most counties. You can also find them through the American Legion and DVA. If you had your C&P through the VA, you can see the notes and compare them to your DBQ. If your veterans service officer thinks it needs to be submitted on top of it, they will let you know.

Nothing to be upset about, it is normal. Unless it involves some kind of physical exam, or a mental health C&P, they can do one without you. The appointment is just time set aside for the doc to do yours. For example, my first GERD C&P, I didn't have to attend. But the second one, I did attend and the doctor even said "Well, I don't know why they scheduled you to come in, I could of done all of this by your medical records since there is no physical exam" " I also want to know EXACTLY the who, what, when and where of any medical information that was obtained Thursday morning and EXACTLY how it is to be used as far as any open claim I have at this time with the VA? " - All of that information will be included in the exam report. It will say what doctor did it, as well as what documents they examined to get the information. What was the C&P exam for?

A C&P is not required if they think they already have enough evidence without it. Your claim could also return to the evidence collecting stage and they could order for one before it is all over.

Thanks ArNG11 , you are right... I'll just have to wait and see how it plays out. If I need to adjust fire and do an NOD, I will tackle that when I get there.

This has me nervous. I talked to my VSO today and he said it is very likely it should be 30%, but of course gave me the speech that nothing is 100% guaranteed. He said he is rated 30% for GERD and has basically all of the same symptoms. Now I have other people telling me no, no chance. Not sure what to think.

Temple VA contracted me out through a 3rd party company as well in the past. You won't be able to see the C&P in the VA notes. But, you can go to the Waco Regional Office on Clay Avenue and request a copy of the exam. Some 3rd party companies take awhile to submit it to the VA, so call the company first and see if it is there or not.

Would "Sleep disturbance caused by esophageal reflux" be considered detrimental to health? I wake up almost every night choking on acid in my throat.

Nothing physical was checked on the C&P. She even said herself that she could of done the C&P without me being there. I see that several of my symptoms (Persistent recurrent epigastric distress, pyrosis, regurgitation) are in the 30% range, so I don't know what to think. A copy of my C&P is below. Esophageal Conditions (Including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia and other esophageal disorders) Disability Benefits Questionnaire Is this DBQ being completed in conjunction with a VA 21-2507, C&P Examination Request? [X] Yes [ ] No ACE and Evidence Review ----------------------- Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this document: [X] In-person examination Evidence reviewed (check all that apply): [X] VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) [X] CPRS Diagnosis --------- Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with an esophageal condition? Yes Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ICD code: R69 Date of diagnosis: IN SERVICE Hernia hiatal ICD code: R69 Date of diagnosis: 2011 Medical history --------------- Description of the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's esophageal conditions: SEEKING INCREASE IN SC GERD CURRENTLY, WAKES UP WITH BURNING ACID IN THROAT AND HAS REFLUX THROUGHOUT THE DAY ON DAILY BASIS. WAKES UP SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. GREASY FOODS MAKES SYMPTOMS WORSE. OMEPRAZOLE 20 MG DAILY TUMS THROUGHOUT THE DAY Does the Veteran's treatment plan include taking continuous medication for the diagnosed condition? Yes Medications used for the diagnosed condition: OMEPRAZOLE 20 MG QD Signs and symptoms - Does the Veteran have any of the following signs or symptoms due to any esophageal conditions (including GERD)? Yes Sign and Symptoms: Persistently recurrent epigastric distress Pyrosis Reflux Regurgitation Sleep disturbance caused by esophageal reflux Frequency of symptom recurrence per year: 4 or more Average duration of episodes of symptoms: Less than 1 day Esophageal stricture, spasm and diverticula ------------------------------------------- Does the Veteran have an esophageal stricture, spasm of esophagus (cardiospasm or achalasia), or an acquired diverticulum of the esophagus? No Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs, symptoms and scars ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above? No Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above? No Diagnostic Testing ------------------ Have diagnostic imaging studies or other diagnostic procedures been performed? No Has laboratory testing been performed? No Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? No Functional impact ----------------- Do any of the Veteran's esophageal conditions impact on his or her ability to work? No Remarks, if any: ---------------- 07/28/2011 UPPER GI AIR CONT W/O KUB Thoracic esophageal, gastric, proximal small bowel motility morphology were notable only for small variably reducing hiatal hernia documentation of gastroesophageal reflux into the distal third thoracic esophagus.07/28/2011 08:32

I have read in several places that it is almost impossible to get more than 10% for GERD. Is this true? I am asking because I just had a C&P exam and I have several symptoms, but was told it probably isn't enough. Any ideas? My symptoms that were checked are: Persistently recurrent epigastric distress Pyrosis Reflux Regurgitation Sleep disturbance caused by esophageal reflux Frequency of symptom recurrence per year: 4 or more Average duration of episodes of symptoms: Less than 1 day

*******It seems my examiner filled it out with symptoms for 30 percent, but then checked no if it disturbs my works. Any guesses? Does her putting "doesn't impact my ability to work" going to hurt my claim? Esophageal Conditions (Including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia and other esophageal disorders) Disability Benefits Questionnaire Is this DBQ being completed in conjunction with a VA 21-2507, C&P Examination Request? [X] Yes [ ] No ACE and Evidence Review ----------------------- Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this document: [X] In-person examination Evidence reviewed (check all that apply): [X] VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) [X] CPRS Diagnosis --------- Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with an esophageal condition? Yes Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ICD code: R69 Date of diagnosis: IN SERVICE Hernia hiatal ICD code: R69 Date of diagnosis: 2011 Medical history --------------- Description of the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's esophageal conditions: SEEKING INCREASE IN SC GERD CURRENTLY, WAKES UP WITH BURNING ACID IN THROAT AND HAS REFLUX THROUGHOUT THE DAY ON DAILY BASIS. WAKES UP SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. GREASY FOODS MAKES SYMPTOMS WORSE. OMEPRAZOLE 20 MG DAILY TUMS THROUGHOUT THE DAY Does the Veteran's treatment plan include taking continuous medication for the diagnosed condition? Yes Medications used for the diagnosed condition: OMEPRAZOLE 20 MG QD Signs and symptoms - Does the Veteran have any of the following signs or symptoms due to any esophageal conditions (including GERD)? Yes Sign and Symptoms: Persistently recurrent epigastric distress Pyrosis Reflux Regurgitation Sleep disturbance caused by esophageal reflux Frequency of symptom recurrence per year: 4 or more Average duration of episodes of symptoms: Less than 1 day Esophageal stricture, spasm and diverticula ------------------------------------------- Does the Veteran have an esophageal stricture, spasm of esophagus (cardiospasm or achalasia), or an acquired diverticulum of the esophagus? No Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs, symptoms and scars ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above? No Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above? No Diagnostic Testing ------------------ Have diagnostic imaging studies or other diagnostic procedures been performed? No Has laboratory testing been performed? No Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? No Functional impact ----------------- Do any of the Veteran's esophageal conditions impact on his or her ability to work? No Remarks, if any: ---------------- 07/28/2011 UPPER GI AIR CONT W/O KUB Thoracic esophageal, gastric, proximal small bowel motility morphology were notable only for small variably reducing hiatal hernia documentation of gastroesophageal reflux into the distal third thoracic esophagus.07/28/2011 08:32