OIFX3

Got my rating today. 30%

Is there anyone out there that can figure the percentage up? I dont think im doing it right. Thanks ------------------------------------------------------- status post right knee anterior cruciate ligament tear repair (previously evaluated under DC 5259) 10% Service Connected ------------------------------------------------------- secondary......instability, right knee  10% Service Connected residual scar, right knee anterior cruciate ligament repair surgery -------------------------------------------------------- 10% Left knee pain secondary to right Service Connected -------------------------------------------------------- degenerative disc disease with arthritis, lumbar spine (previously claimed as lumbar spine disorder, evaluated under DC 5237) 20% Service Connected ------------------------------------------------------- secondary to degenerative disc....................radiculopathy, right lower extremity 10% Service Connected ------------------------------------------------------- post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) PTSD - Combat 10% Service Connected ------------------------------------------------------- and i figure I will get the bilateral factor for knees

anybody?

Hello everyone I am new to this site and I was wondering if I could get some insight about my claim. I pulled up my C&P notes on a PTSD claim that I filled and was trying to match what the doctor wrote to my benefits expectations. It seems im mixed between 10% and 30%. Is there anybody that could give their opinion on why I should expect. Thanks! 1. Diagnostic Summary --------------------- Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-5 criteria based on today's evaluation? [X] Yes [ ] No 2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD Comments, if any: At least as likely as not incurred in combat tours (3 x in Iraq between 03 and 07); Purple Heart in first, and CAB in second. Cav Scout Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Panic Disorder Comments, if any: Recurring transient episodes of intense fear associated with breathing difficulty, palpitation, perspiration Mental Disorder Diagnosis #3: Unspecified Depressive Disorder Comments, if any: SYMPTOMS: Sadness; diminished energy and self esteem; symptoms shared with PTSD - diminished sleep, hope, concentration, interests b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): TBI and others 3. Differentiation of symptoms ------------------------------ a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? [X] Yes [ ] No b. 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 and discuss whether there is any clinical association between these diagnoses: See shared symptoms as above c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not shown in records reviewed 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: The question with regards to impact of any TBI will be referred to a TBI examiner to address 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 due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by medication 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 [X] No [ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed 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: Depression (Prevalence of depression-PTSD co-morbidity: implications for clinical practice guidelines and primary care-based interventions. Campbell DG - J Gen Intern Med - 01-JUN-2007; 22(6): 711-8 ) and panic disorder (Co-morbid panic attacks among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder: associations with traumatic event exposure history, symptoms, and impairment. - Cougle JR - J Anxiety Disorder - 01-MAR-2010; 24(2): 183-8) frequently co-occur with PTSD. While each co-morbidity further limits Vet's psychosocial functioning, gauging the exclusive and adverse impact of each co-morbidity on Vet's functioning separate from that of another is not feasible. 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: The question with regards to impact of any TBI will be referred to a TBI examiner to address SECTION II: ----------- Clinical Findings: ------------------ 1. Evidence Review ------------------ Evidence reviewed (check all that apply): [X] VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) [X] CPRS 2. History ---------- a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history (pre-military, military, and post-military): in an intact family. Had good childhood. Keeps up with parents and a younger brother who all in the same town. No conduct issues in childhood nor in service. Married for past 13 years to an LPN, and they have 2 sons - 6 and 2 yo. Good relationship within family. Reclusive outside. Living in Waverly, TN with his family since separation from service in 2009 conduct issues in childhood nor in service. Married for past 13 years to an LPN, and they have 2 sons - 6 and 2 yo. Good relationship within family. Reclusive outside. Living with his family b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history (pre-military, military, and post-military): EDUCATION: HS in 2002; associate degree in 2011. MILITARY: Honorably served ARMY from 02 to 09; E5; Cav Scout for first 5 years and then transport coord. Other details as above. Post service: Two long term jobs - first for 3 years as a storage desk clerk; got tired. Current job for past 3 years as a chemical plant operator. No negative feedback so far. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health (pre-military, military, and post-military): Connected with TVHS MH services as an outpatient d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history (pre-military, military, and post-military): N/A e. Relevant Substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and post-military): N/A f. Other, if any: N/A 3. Stressors ------------ Describe one or more specific stressor event(s) the Veteran considers traumatic (may be pre-military, military, or post-military): a. Stressor #1: 3 Iraqi tours - see other details in diagnostic section Does this stressor meet Criterion A (i.e., is it adequate to support the diagnosis of PTSD)? [X] Yes [ ] No Is the stressor related to the Veteran's fear of hostile military or terrorist activity? [X] Yes [ ] No Is the stressor related to personal assault, e.g. military sexual trauma? [ ] Yes [X] No 4. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria --------------------------- Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. Do NOT mark symptoms below that are clearly not attributable to the Criterion A stressor/PTSD. Instead, overlapping symptoms clearly attributable to other things should be noted under #7 - Other symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, referred to as Criterion A-H, are from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious injury, c) sexual violence, 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 [X] Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend; cases of actual or threatened death must have been violent or accidental; or, experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic events(s) (e.g., first responders collecting human remains; police officers repeatedly exposed to details of child abuse); this does not apply to exposure through electronic media, television, movies, or pictures, unless this exposure is work related. 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 affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s). [X] Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of awareness of present surroundings). [X] Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s). [X] Marked physiological reactions 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] Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s) (typically due to dissociative amnesia and not to other factors such as head injury, alcohol, or drugs). [X] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame). [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] 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] 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 5. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Depressed mood [X] Anxiety [X] Panic attacks more than once a week [X] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions or recent events [X] Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or a worklike setting 6. Behavioral Observations -------------------------- No response provided. 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.