anxiousinMD

@broncovet @john999 thanks for the feedback, the Peter Principle is exactly what I'm worried about. I guess I just wait and prepare myself.

I have had similar experiences with my VA psych. I've been on everything it seems like for my depression and insomnia. All of the sleep medications would lose their effectiveness or I would have what I call a fake sleep where I would be knocked out but wake up feeling (and looking) like I didn't sleep at all or with grogginess similar to a hangover, or they would enhance my nightmares to full blown night terrors. Most of the SSRIs made me feel agitated and like my head was full and "heavy"...I don't know how else to describe it...like my forehead was sliding off my face and it took all my energy to keep it where it's supposed to be. Also, "zombified" was a common result. I guess being a zombie isn't as bad as full blown psychosis, but I'd like to be able to function, not just be sedated and go through the motions. All these drugs made me feel much worse than the illness itself. I feel like it's prescription roulette...and maybe it's my anxiety but am I wrong for thinking all of this messing with my brain wiring is no different than chemical lobotomy? I know medication has saved lives and helps folks but in my case, I feel worse off. I guess I don't have any great advice either, but don't keep taking anything that's making you feel worse. Report your symptoms and side effects right away, but if you discontinue on your own, they'll note it in your records and it can look like non-compliance with treatment (I have a couple of those notes in my medical records, speaking from experience), so make sure you talk to your doc.

@Tbird my LTD company actually made me file for SSDI benefits and let me know that they would withhold retro and I'm required to appeal every denial. They threatened to withhold my payments until I showed proof I applied for SSDI. It doesn't seem legally fair or right but it is in the LTD policy language and it is what it is, I have very little fight in me. On a good note, I didn't know anything about SSDI benefits until my insurance company forced me to. It took me almost a year to get both applications in for VA and for SSA, working on the claims when I could with my kids. I'm waiting for the SSA decision as well, I submitted both claims around the same time. It's all enough to drive anyone off the edge. Thank you for the heads up about the taxes, I'm not sure how that works...I wasn't taxed last year on my LTD and it says something about non-taxable benefits and they didn't withhold anything...guess I'll figure that monster out when it hits me over the head.

Thank you @Tbird, this process is nearly unbearable, I'm afraid...the only thing that keeps me going most days is the ability to help support my kids in college...the LTD insurance is covering finances for at least another year (limited to 2 years for mental health issues), but after that I'm useless. If my claim bounces around at least I know it's being considered and not outright denied. I'm afraid the lack of a C&P and the speed means a denial. I guess if I'm denied I will have at least another year to appeal before things are completely unbearable. I know I'm fortunate to have the LTD insurance to fill the gap for now, but I'm not getting any better.

Thank you @Tbird for the encouragement and support. I'm not sure why my PNP chooses to constantly list MDD as my primary diagnosis, even though he is aware of my PTSD dx and treats me for every symptom of PTSD. He's written prescriptions and I'm currently on medication for the depression, anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, etc. He has never asked about stressors or reactions or the PTSD dx. I'm no medical professional obviously.

@Tbird Hi Tbird, thank you for this forum and for your reply! I understood it pays the same, but I didn't know if they would count my DX and treatment for MDD as evidence for PTSD increase, or if they would ignore it all as a non-SC separate issue.

My claim moved to Preparation for Decision phase (relieved to see progress but also terrified). Compared to others, my claim seems to be moving along. I was never scheduled for a C&P, but I have pretty thorough treatment records over the past year, a favorable IMO, and have history of disability leave from work. QUESTION: I am panicking because I just realized my VA treatment records over the past year lists the primary dx of Major Depressive Disorder (PTSD is mentioned a couple times), with medication prescribed for treatment of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. I put in an increase for my SC PTSD-MST, but MDD isn't SC already (although depression is a symptom of PTSD)...the majority of my treatment is for MDD. I know the VA doesn't allow pyramiding, but will that count for the PTSD increase evaluation? Or will they deny my claim and make me prove SC for the depression? I'm so worried now, I'm not sure why it didn't occur to ask before I submitted the claim and why it just occurred to me now, maybe the brain fog...please let me know your thoughts, I'm freaking out. At least if I know to expect a denial, I can mentally prepare and begin focusing my energy on the next steps...thank you in advance.

Thank you @pwrslm and @broncovet. My addy is up to date and I check my health e-vet account regularly as well just in case looking for the C&P appt, I have heard how they like to deny based on no-show C&Ps even when notification was never received. I don't think I have an auto denial...so maybe I won't need a C&P...we shall see. Guess I will continue to "hurry up and wait."

@EODCMC wow well hopefully they aren't messing with us and your claim does get decided within the timeframe...I saw some posts where updates did change on weekends and late hours so it does happen...but I also saw posts where the timelines eternally bounced around

Just noticed in my ebenefits the completion date moved up about 10 days...but the status still hasn't changed from gathering of evidence and I still haven't been notified of a C&P...I don't know if this is good or not, I realize the completion date can bounce around but wondering why it would be moved up to 2 weeks from now in absence of a C&P (I'm positive I didn't miss it, I called and checked). When I called the 800 number they said it could have been an info request or a DBQ...can they fill out a DBQ without me? Has this happened to anyone?

Hi there, I submitted my FDC in eBenefits May 19, and it has been sitting in Gathering of Evidence phase. The only status indicates my medical records which are all at the VA were requested June 25 and they still have not been received. eBenefits is reflecting the status of overdue for the request. I have submitted everything else, but do you think it would it help my claim along if I uploaded my medical records myself? Do the Blue Button medical records from myHealthevet count as official medical records? Will uploading these records kick me out of FDC? OR - what can I do or who do I call to get VAMC to send my medical records to VA?? Thanks for any advice!

PCW, Thank you for the advice and encouragement, it's greatly appreciated and reassuring. I saw somewhere on the VA site where you can check claim stats by RO that there's only about a 2 week difference in average processing time for FDCs and regular claims, so your post is very reassuring. I guess I've been reading the horror stories and was afraid I might be one of those that gets kicked out of FDC and it ends up taking years. But I believe my claim to be pretty thorough, my last job did submit the employer verification form and I am currently on LTD with my employer for about a year now. My IMO is consistent with my medical records and PNP notes, I only got it to reinforce rather than contend. Also thank you for your advice about the C&P...that perspective really makes me feel better. When I went to my initial C&Ps back in 2007, I didn't know what I was going in to, but I was just me and honest as I can only be, and I felt my decisions and ratings at the time were fair and the C&P examiners seemed compassionate and attentive. However, since my conditions have worsened, my related anxiety about everything has worsened. I don't really have friends or family to talk to so it's easy to get on the Internet and freak myself out.

Berta, thank you so much for the thorough response. My SSDI claim is for the same conditions as my SC disabilities. So, I will wait and see if either are approved favorably, and if so I will submit one decision as evidence for the other. It seems SSA moves faster but denial rate is high...I submitted both applications around the same time.

Sunny, Navy, Buck – thank you for your responses and advice. I read the same about GAF scores but read somewhere that a series of GAF scores over time can help the reviewer see a general picture. Not sure what mine says, but thought I'd include it in case it ever actually mattered to anyone's claim. Question – Since I have my SSDI initial and PTSD increase going on at the same time, if I were to receive a positive outcome on either before the other is completed, do you think it would help to submit that result to the other agency before they make a final determination? If I were to miraculously be a first time go on my SSDI, would submitting that decision to VA kick me out of the FDC process (read that submitting additional info does that). Thank you again for your time.

Hi Sunnyh, thank you for your response and advice. I also recently applied for SSDI and I'm waiting for that too. Were you approved for that on your first try? Good luck to you in your process.

Hi Berta, no the VA has not asked for additional evidence from me yet. I recently also applied for SSDI and I'm waiting on that as well.

Hello all, first of all thank you to all who share your stories and advice. While this is my first post, I've been stalking the forum for months as something to do during my insomnia as I wait for my decision. I have found both comfort and education here. I was hoping for some opinions, advice, or even encouragement. I realize I'm not in the worst shape compared to others, but this process has my anxiety through the roof. I am currently rated 30% SC PTSD-MST (total rating with other disabilities is 50%). My condition has progressively worsened, especially over the past few years. I submitted my FDC for PTSD increase and TDIU in May and it has been in Gathering of Evidence phase. All of my treatments have been with VA docs. My GAF scores average around 50. I obtained a favorable IMO to submit with my application. I haven't yet been scheduled for a C&P exam. Over the past several years I missed a lot of work, burned through my leave with sick days, was previously placed on both short and long term disability with my employer, all from my SC medical issues. I would appreciate based on your experience and thoughts on whether I might have a good case for increase, what my rating might be, whether I might get TDIU or P&T, how long it might take for VA to get my medical records from VA hospitals, if I will have to do a C&P exam (the thought almost triggers a panic attack), or any advice on what I can do to pass the time as I wait besides chronically check eBenefits and read every single thread on this forum. I realize I have a much longer wait ahead of me, so I figured I'd start engaging here. Thank you in advance for any help.