mnsoldier89

This claim is for PTSD and Anxiety, if I get denied one I'm hoping the other gets approved. I have been doing this myself no attorney although I've had some help with the VSO. They have not questioned my eligibility since I was on active duty orders for basic training. I appreciate the help Berta I will look over other similar cases.

In my smr's I told the doctor I had dizziness and chest pain, also difficulty standing in formation without feeling like I'll faint. She diagnosed me with vertigo but I gave her anxiety symptoms I was only 17 at the time. How do I get my 201 file? I developed a severe anxiety condition which effectively ruined my life which Is why I submitted a claim. Its unfortunate she diagnosed me with vertigo in basic and not anxiety. Establishing a Nexus is proving to be difficult. I was discharged from the military with a general discharge - honorable conditions due to "unsatisfactory participation" One weekend I sat down with my CO and first seargent and basically broke down saying I can't do it anymore. In my eyes my mental health was more important than the consequences. I don't have the money for a lawyer, and am just trying to get through this nightmare of a process. Ignore the quote on bottom, I dont know how to delete it.

Just got the notes tonight, he didn't seem very friendly..I think this did not go well: Is this DBQ being completed in conjunction with a VA 21-2507, C&P Examination Request? [X] Yes [ ] No SECTION I: ---------- 1. Diagnosis ------------ a. Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a mental disorder(s)? [X] Yes [ ] No If the Veteran currently has one or more mental disorders that conform to DSM-5 criteria, provide all diagnoses: Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: Unspecified Anxiety Disorder with Panic Attacks Specifier ICD code: F41.9 b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): Noncontributory 2. Differentiation of symptoms ------------------------------ a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [ ] Yes [ ] No [X] Not shown in records reviewed 3. 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 [ ] 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 [ ] No [X] No diagnosis of TBI SECTION II: ----------- Clinical Findings: ------------------ 1. Evidence Review ------------------ Evidence reviewed (check all that apply): [X] VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) 2. History ---------- a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history (pre-military, military, and post-military): The veteran was born and raised in Minnesota but moved around a lot, ending up in various places in MN. His father was not in his life very much. His mother worked for international Dairy Queen and later as a pharmacy technician. His parents divorced when he was about 6 and he remained with his mother. He noted a couple of stepfathers in his life and they were generally okay. He has 2 sisters and 2 brothers. He described a good childhood. He has never been married. He has 1 child, 1, with his girlfriend and she has a child, 5. He and his girlfriend and children live in Janesville. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history (pre-military, military, and post-military): The veteran graduated from high school in 2008. He attended basic training during the summer of his junior year; June and July 2007, finished school, then went back for AIT in September 2008 until December 2008. He was trained as an aviation operations specialist. Following discharge from the Air National Guard he tried school a few times but dropped out. He said he has worked numerous jobs but because of anxiety and panic attacks isn't able to keep them. For the last year he has been working with the Geek squad which he said is generally going okay. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health (pre-military, military, and post- military): The veteran noted that his father possibly had some mental health issues as well as being alcoholic. The veteran said he has never been hospitalized psychiatrically nor had any counseling. He said he started medications in 2011, on Paxil and Xanax when necessary. He is currently on Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and hydroxyzine as needed. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history (pre-military, military, and post-military): The veteran noted that he was charged with careless driving in 2007 as his blood alcohol was 0.07. He was also arrested in 2012 for driving without insurance and missing a court date. In 2017 his ex- girlfriend went out of state with their child and they had a domestic incident. He is on probation for 2 years. He denied any homicidal ideation. He said he had some suicidal thoughts on and off since he was 17. He is not currently suicidal. e. Relevant Substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and post-military): The veteran noted that he used marijuana at times recreationally but not for the past 3 years. He noted social drinking in the past but said he never drank heavily. f. Other, if any: The veteran served in the Air National Guard, completing basic training between June 2007 and August 2007 and AIT from September 2008 until December 2008. He was trained as a aviation operations specialist. He left the Air National Guard in 2014. He said he broke down in front of his CO noting that he could no longer deal with the service because he felt that the weekend drills had become "mentally torturing." The veteran submitted in his statement: During our training in 2007 there was a soldier threatening to kill us by hiding M16 rounds. That soldier was brought into the Drill sergeants office and a fight broke out. He was sent to a Mental Hospital by MP's for the entirety of our training most likely longer. Between that incident and the numerous heat casualties I was witnessing on a near daily basis I began feeling like I was going to faint all the time along with difficulty breathing and heart palpitations. I checked myself into Winder Medical Clinic on Ft. Benning and spoke to a female doctor. She said I may have vertigo and proceeded to transfer me to a hospital through an ambulance since I was having a sever panic attack. I received treatment at both facilities and ever since I have had recurring issues on a daily basis with Anxiety/PTSD. Standing in formation would make me feel like I'm going to faint or cause a panic attack where I would be forced to sit down no matter the consequence. There were two deaths of heat strokes possibly more during my stay at Ft. Benning. 3. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Anxiety [X] Panic attacks that occur weekly or less often [X] Chronic sleep impairment [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 worklike setting 4. Behavioral observations -------------------------- The veteran was casually dressed, appropriately groomed. Affect: Congruent and oddly engaging. Oriented X 4. Thought processes, generally goal directed. There were no perceptual disturbances. The veteran noted that he is anxious "24/7" though I noted he did not appear anxious today. He said that is because he is on medications and also does meditation. He notes panic attacks occurring at least weekly. He notes low motivation at times to do things. Voice and speech, within normal limits. Intelligence level likely average. There was no psychomotor agitation nor retardation observed. Memory, generally intact. He goes to bed about 9 PM with some sleep continuity disturbance, noting that they have a 1-year-old. His appetite is poor though weight has been stable. Concentration is difficult at times. His mood is lethargic. His energy level is low. He gets up about 6 AM. He works full time. He socializes on a limited basis noting he has difficulty with relationships and can't do a lot of things because of his anxiety. He said he stays home a lot. He notes current stressors involve being on probation and difficulty dealing with people. 5. Other symptoms ----------------- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to mental disorders that are not listed above? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe: There are likely personality disorder issues; deferred, and not diagnosed at this time. 6. Competency ------------- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes [ ] No 7. Remarks (including any testing results), if any: --------------------------------------------------- STRs note the veteran was seen in July 2007 during basic training reporting chest pain. Records note he was told he had a small heart murmur but it was nothing serious. He was reportedly referred to his PCP. There is also a reference during a periodic health assessment about July 2007 indicating that he reacted to bee stings with "swell up, hives, and anxiety." There were no mental health issues noted in that report or others. Veteran seen at the Family Medical Center in 2011 noting anxiety and panic attacks in class. Records from Lakeview in 2013-14 note diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. The veteran has continued to be seen at Lakeview with diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks. The intake exam noted no history of depression, mania, or psychosis. He reported no suicidal thoughts or suicidal intention. He reported no substance abuse. He noted at that time that he had been diagnosed with anxiety in the military at age 18. In summary, the veteran meets ICD 10 diagnostic criteria for Unspecified Anxiety Disorder with Panic Attacks Specifier. This condition is less likely than not related to the veteran's report of anxiety in the service noting that there are no references to anxiety during his service time other than chest pains, possibly related to a small heart murmur. Records suggest that his primary anxiety issues began in 2011, much of it related to work, relationships, and psychosocial stressors. the doctor notes that Records suggest that my primary anxiety issues began in 2011, much of it related to work, relationships, and psychosocial stressors. However he never asked me how i was after basic training until that time like monthly drills and annual training. I was very disorganized and spacy, anxious, and reclusive. frequently missing drills, I told myself my mental health is more important than them being mad at me for staying home. That was the case for everything including work and relationships, and still is to this day. I feel like i'm off to a terrible start to this claim.