cco0112

I believe the game changer was the fact that I wrote a memorandum spelling out exactly why I should receive an EED of date of separation. As you can see of the first page, I also had information that implied I had PTSD while on active duty. I also had a great C and P examiner that specifically mentioned that I’ve had PTSD since active duty. My examiner also opined that my substance use likely covered many of symptoms which is why the examiner at my previous CP missed the diagnosis. Finally, I submitted sworn statements from my father, wife, civilian employer, and my supervisor from active duty. I also submitted a detail 6 page that listed everything I experienced on deployments and a journal of my symptoms. My experience with the VA has been a positive one. There is no way it would have been without the help of everyone here who has been fighting for the improvement of the VA. In some cases, especially when one puts the work in, the right outcome can be achieved.

Just to provide an update. I was granted service connection, rated at 30%, and given an EED back to the date of my separation. I filed my new claim on December, completed the C and P exam in January and received a rating today. I believe I was lowballed on my rating but the fact that I received the EED makes me feel like I got a fair shake.

I understand your frustration. My claim was slotted to be complete on March 7. My estimated completion date went from March 29 to April 29 to May 5 within 5 business days. On Friday, my new estimated completion date is April 4. Broncovet must be right, it’s generated automatically off some algorithm. I’ve called up to the VA’s 1800 number and asked them for more information. It’s hit or miss but 1 out of 2 people up there have been helpful and provided me with information that I couldn’t see on va.gov. Nothing wrong with paying attention to your claim but just know you have no control over the VA. You can only drive yourself crazy and many of us can not afford any further stress.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. To answer your questions: 1. I submitted new evidence consisting of buddy statements (military supervisor, wife, dad who is a veteran, and a coworker), a letter from an LPC stating I had PTSD which was caused by military service, a synopsis of everything I experienced in Afghanistan, and a daily journal of symptoms of 14 days. I also submitted that a request for my rating be retroactive to my initial submission/ETS date based on the information in my second post. 2. I was denied because the C and P examiner didn’t provide a PTSD diagnosis. I’ll work on uploading the documents. This doesn’t matter except to echo what many vets have previously stated throughout this forum but I was very naive about the C and P exam. The examiner asked for background (school, work, childhood) and then asked if there was anything else I’d like to discuss. I thought she was taking about my background so I said no. Then she ended the exam. I naively thought that she must have read my file and already knew I had PTSD. It’s laughable now looking back.

Should I argue that the VA missed critical evidence from my active duty service files when making their initial denial? I. The Veteran’s Administration failed to consider critical service records at the time of denial. Please consider the following information from my mental health physical conducted on or around May 31, 2016 by Dr. John C. Coleman, a military psychiatrist. This exam was performed while I was on active duty at REDACTED. Dr. John C. Coleman states the following in his notes (Exhibit B): Sergeant REDACTED “finds himself irritable and will shut himself off from others to avoid snapping at them” …” Patient became tearful when describing soldiers that died or incurred serious morbidity from war in Afghanistan. He explained as a REDACTED he had to see all dead civilians that were brought in for against U.S. government. He also described significant anxiety over his future.” Dr. Coleman went on to notate the following psychiatric symptoms” a. significant weight loss (not dieting), b. insomnia or hypersomnia nearly everyday c. fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day d. excessive anxiety and worry e. difficult to control/stop the worry f. restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge g. difficulty concentrating or mind going blank h. irritability (doesn’t want to be around anyone) i. sleep disturbance j. anxiety attacks. Dr. John C. Coleman continues “Patient did 15-6 Investigations while deployed as redacted, saw Afghan bodies and processed claims from Afghan Nationals. The worst thing that happened was seeing the results of War. He experienced/witnessed events in which he thought life was in danger or thought he was going to be seriously injured or endangered. He is re-experiencing these events and is experiencing intrusion, in addition to arousal/reactivity. Experiences 2-3 hours of sleep on weekdays, experiences excessive sleepiness, sleeping partner noticed unusual behaviors while sleeping. He describes insomnia, symptoms possibly consistent with PTSD. His exposure to atrocities of war either first or second hand with threat of possible death could be etiology of possible PTSD that is part of differential diagnosis. Dr. John C. Coleman makes the following four (4) DSM 5 diagnoses: a. (F41.9) Unspecified Anxiety Disorder b. (F90.0) Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type c. (Z63.4) Uncomplicated Bereavement d. (Z91.82) Personal History of Military Deployment II. Less than seven months following Dr. Coleman’s opine, I would check myself into REDACTED, a treatment center that specializes in PTSD and Substance Abuse Disorders within the military community. I was diagnosed by REDACTED, Licensed Professional Counselor, and REDACTED, Clinical Dependency Counselor on January 10, 2017 with the following DSM 5 diagnoses: a. (F43.10) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

I really appreciate everyone who takes the time to help other veterans out with these types of questions. I initially file for PTSD in 2016 which was denied. I did not appeal as appealing was the least of my concerns as I was suffering with severe substance abuse/ptsd issues. I completed inpatient and am coming up on a year sober. I reopened my PTSD claim in September of 2018. I had my CP exam and the psychologist gave a PTSD diagnoses and opined it was service connection. He also stated "It is noted that the PTSD symptoms were partially masked by his substance use, which explains why he did not appear to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD at the time of Dr. Ewing's evaluation (March 2017)." Is there anyway to get my rating retroactively applied to when I initially filed in 2016?