Chrys86

Hey All! So its been 6 months since I have filed for benefits, I did file for multiple claims and I filed within one year of separating from service. I had all of my c&p exams in January and have been patiently waiting on my claim to move from evidence gathering. According to the website they attempted to put in a PIES request in January which was unsuccessfully? (can someone explain what that would be) They then put in a request for my personnel files end of Jan. (no luck) again mid February (no luck) in March, you guessed in no luck and most recently again May 15th. Someone please help me understand why these files have not been sent. I understand sometimes they magically become lost if it were years ago but I literally filed less than a year from active duty. I just feel like I am getting the run around especially since I had multiple favorable C&P exams (posted perviously). At what point do they give up trying to get these records? How much will this affect my decision? timeline: Filed with VSO December 11th Nashville, TN C&P Exams: middle of January Conducted by VA Branch of Service: Coast Guard

I will definitely be reaching out as I do feel as though I have sleep apnea, when I don't have insomnia and I didn't even think to put it in the claim.

Here is exam. I took out some stuff that had where I worked etc so it may look like letters are missing. SECTION I: ---------- 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 ICD code: 000 2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD ICD code: 000 b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the mental health disorder (to include TBI): Meniers disease, Migraine headaches. ICD code: 000 3. 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 [X] No [ ] Not shown in records reviewed 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 with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or mood b. For the indicated occupational and social impairment, is it possible to differentiate which impairment is caused by each mental disorder? [ ] Yes [ ] No [X] Not Applicable (N/A) c. If a diagnosis of TBI exists, is it possible to differentiate which occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by the TBI? [ ] Yes [ ] No [X] Not Applicable (N/A) SECTION II: ----------- Clinical Findings: ------------------ 1. Evidence Review ------------------ Evidence reviewed (check all that apply): [X] VA e-folder [X] CPRS c. Relevant mental health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health (pre-military, military, and post-military): 2019 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Chronic (ICD-10-CM F43.12) The Veteran denies mental problems pre military.Veteran denies family history of mental illness. The Veteran's symptoms of anxiety, irritability and isolation began while in the Coast Guard for interdicting Illegals from Cuba and drug smuglers in Soyh America waters. The Veteran denies suicide attempts in past. The Veteran's most recent VAMHC appointment was on 1/1/2019 with diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Chronic (ICD-10-CM F43.12). The Veteran is presently on the following psychotropic medication: d. Relevant legal and behavioral history (pre-military, military, and post-military): DUI x1 in 2017. e. Relevant substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and post-military): The Veteran denies alcohol usage. The Veteran denies illegal drugs. The Veteran denies any alcohol or drug treatment.She has attended a few AA meetings in 2017. f. Other, if any: No response provided. 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: In Coast Guard Duty she saw dismemberment while catching a drug smuggler. 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? [ ] Yes [X] No If no, explain: Was on activity duty on board a ship but not in a combat zone. b. Stressor #2: She saw migrants who were caught being chained and she felt poorly treated for the few months many of them had to stay on the ship.She is Cuban descent and was horrified at their alleged treatment. 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? [ ] Yes [X] No If no, explain: She felt horrified at their treatment.She blames herself for not speaking up about what she saw.This covered a 2 year period. c. Stressor #3: She felt threatened a great deal of the time on ship based on the dangerous Drug Smugglers they caught. 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? [ ] Yes [X] No If no, explain: She helped catch 60 smugglers over the 2 year period. 4. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria --------------------------- Note: 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 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 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 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] Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am bad,: "No one can be trusted,: "The world is completely dangerous,: "My whole nervous system is permanently ruined"). [X] Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others. [X] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame). [X] Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities. [X] Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others. [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: No response provided. Criterion I: Which stressor(s) contributed to the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis?: [X] Stressor #1 [X] Stressor #2 5. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Depressed mood [X] Anxiety [X] Suspiciousness [X] Panic attacks that occur weekly or less often [X] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions or recent events [X] Flattened affect [X] Difficulty in understanding complex commands [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 [X] Inability to establish and maintain effective relationships [X] Obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities [X] Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene [X] Intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene 6. Behavioral Observations -------------------------- Mental Status Evaluation today. The Veteran was awake and alert.She was tremulous. General appearance is within normal limits. Veteran showed no unusual gestures or grimaces. Affect was flat. The veteran is oriented in all 3 spheres. General information is within normal limits. Recent and remote memory are intact. Judgement within normal limits. Number sense is within normal limits including subtracting serial sevens. Veteran denied auditory and visual hallucinations and/or delusions. Veteran denied wanting to harm or kill self or others. The Veteran denied suicidal or homicidal ideation or intent. 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 -------------------------------------------------- I explained to the veteran that the data I am collecting from the veteran would be read by others in evaluating the veteran's claim and therefore the usual confidentiality the Veteran might expect in a visit with a physician would not apply in this setting. The veteran states that the veteran understood this and was willing to proceed with the examination. The criteria contained in DSM-V are being used for this evaluation. I suggested the veteran continue mental health treatment for the veteran's mental health problems. I gave the veteran a paper containing the following telephone numbers: National Suicide Hotline Resource:1-800-273-TALK (8255); Emergency Contact: (when you need immediate help/support); Nashville ER: 615-327-4751 or 1-800-876-7093 ext. 67790 Murfreesboro ER: 615-867-6000 ext. 24862 Non Emergent Contact: (when you need non immediate help/support) Tennessee Valley Health Care System Telephone Care Nurse Line: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m 1-800-228-4973. After Hours: 1-877-291-5311. See MO. **************************************************************************** Medical Opinion Disability Benefits Questionnaire Name of patient/Veteran: ACE and Evidence Review ----------------------- Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this document: [X] In-person examination Evidence Review --------------- Evidence reviewed (check all that apply): [X] VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) [X] CPRS MEDICAL OPINION SUMMARY ----------------------- RESTATEMENT OF REQUESTED OPINION: a. Opinion from general remarks: The Veteran filed a claim within a year of his or her discharge from active duty military service. Please evaluate the following disabilities: " ptsd, b. Indicate type of exam for which opinion has been requested: Initial PTSD TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION PROVIDED: [ MEDICAL OPINION FOR DIRECT SERVICE CONNECTION ] a. The condition claimed was at least as likely as not (50% or greater probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event or illness. c. Rationale: The claimed stressors are related to the Veteran’s fear of military activity. The claimed stressors are adequate to support a diagnosis of PTSD. The Veterans symptoms are related to the claimed stressors. The Veteran has significant symptoms of PTSD which include hyper vigilance, depression, chronic sleep disturbance, flashbacks, poor concentration, isolating more and having irritability to other people to the point of anger.

Ill try and upload my exam for PTSD in a moment as soon as I find it. The gentleman on the phone said they still needed my personal records but yes I submitted everything else for the claim with the help of a VSO. As far as what i filed for. PTSD, Migraines, Vertigo, Tinnitus, Syncope, Hearing Loss, right shoulder, hip, knee, ankle injury.

I called and apparently they're still waiting on my personal records and that is it, annoying though. I had three different exams and they all have "at leastly like as not" as far as a nexus is concerned, the exam for my PTSD is pointing towards 70% as well but Im preparing to be denied since I hear majority of initial claims are denied

Hey Guys I know this is probably asked like a million times over and over again but anyone know how long initial claims are taking to process? Im kind of going stir crazy. I filed December 10th 2018, I had my C&P exams on Jan. 18th. On Feb 21st they closed a request for information stating "No longer needed" (What does that even mean) And I have been sitting at gathering evidence ever since. I read over my exams and everything seems favorable so I know a rating is coming, just wondering when I could see the next step happening.

Thank you for taking the time to respond, I was afraid I was getting the run around. They were perfromed directly through the VA. The other 2 exams were submitted within 10 days and its been 24 days and still nothing on the 3rd.

My seperation date was december of 2017 and i filed for compensation before then. I know it matters for back pay, let me clarify and say i was wondering if it mattered in regards to the amount of time it was taking the doctor to write the exam notes. I have both, and my general exam notes are not available as I was told they were still being drafted which is what my question is about.

Newbie! So i had 3 C&P exams on Janurary 18th, back to back. General, audiology, and mental health. Yesterday I went to get copies of each one and my general wasn't available. After a few different phone calls I am being told that the doctor hasn't finished the notes of the exam and it is still being drafted. Mean while my exams for the other 2 have already been recieved. Tell me is this normal? The guy I spoke to was extremely rude and informed me that I was well aware that this process takes months or years, sure maybe the entire process from start to finish but months to type up the report from the exam? I asked if it may be due to needing more supporting exams and he flat out said no, but otherwise couldn't tell me why it wasn't finished. My claim was filed within a year of my separation date if that information even matters.