Ruffcreek

Purple--No I don't work and haven't worked since January of 2008. When I was awarded the 100% for PTSD I had just started attending the 6 month Coping Skills classes for PTSD at the local VA. About 2 months into the class I had a C & P exam because I had requested am increase from 50%. The examiner stated "He has severe symptoms and is participating actively in treatment at the VA PTSD clinic. He is still early in treatment so is not possible at this time to make a realistic assessment in how our treatment might diminish the present high level of PTSD symptoms. His present level of symptom reporting would keep him from being able to function effectively in gainful employment." In the RO's decision they state "since there is a likelihood of improvement, the assigned evaluation is not condsidered permanent and is subject to a future review examination." At the last Coping Skills class I told the moderator Dr. XXXX, that I felt I was "still in Box 1 and felt I didn't accomplish anything." [This should be in his notes and at the VA] Last week I had the moderator, Dr. XXXX write a letter for me. It was very wordy but he did say "he received group therapy for this disorder from March through October 2008. Veteran had psychological testing of PTSD symptoms administered at the beginning and end of his participatiion in group psychotherapy, which did not reflect an improvement in PTSD symptoms over that time period. He continues to receive psychiatric services from our clinic beginning in February 2008." I have also had my medication increased to 5 mg of Prazosin and 150 mg of Sertaline in the last couple of months. So I feel my PTSD has actually worsened and I should be granted Permanent. Of course I also worry they will try to decrease my rating too.

I just received my Notice of Award for SS disability. I'm assuming it is for PTSD which I have a 100% VA rating which is not permanent. I think they are going to be calling me in for a C & P in the next few months to see if my condition has changed. Will the SS disability carry any weight for my case to be P & T and should I file a claim for P & T now or just wait until they call me in for the C & P? Anything else I should or shouldn't do at this point? Thanks!

Talk about fast! I received my Notice of Award this morning. It took only 7 days from the Notice of Decision letter. Glad to be over with it!

This sounds like this may be a Residual Functional Capacity Assessment exam. I just had one done in January. When I set up the appointment they scheduled me for 5 hours. However when I went for my appointment the PT said it would probably take only about 3 hours since I am able to go through each routine without having to take long breaks in between. On the other hand some people need to take long breaks therefore taking more time. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for all your comments. I appreciate it and just want mention that I do have an attorney so he will get most of the retro but it was worth it.

My claim for SS disability was denied last summer and I appealed and have received notice for my request for a hearing before an ALJ. Then unexpectedly yesterday I received the following letter from SS. "This determination is based on another review of your claim. As a result of our additional review, we are able to make a fully favorable medical decision and find that you meet the medical requirements for disability benefits. The onset of your disability is established as of January 18, 2008. Therefore, it is not necessary to have your case decided at the hearing level. We have not yet made a decision about whether you meet the nonmedical requirements, but we will make that decision soon. You will soon get a notice about the amount of your payments if you meet the nonmedical requirements." This seems positive to me but 1) is this normal for them to do another review after I appealed the 1st denial?, 2) what are nonmedical requirements?, and 3) anybody care to guess how SOON the decision will be made? Thanks to anyone who cares to comment.

Purple..We may be talking about 2 different things here. But the first one I was in was a 6 week program and it was an orientation program. Don't know if it was the same as Yoggie referred to but it seemed to me to be a basic program to get you sucked in to the next step of the program which is the Coping Skills program which lasts about 6 months. I just finished it today. Anyway it didn't seem to hurt my cause for an increased rating. But I can see where it could maybe be used against you. This has only been my experience with it.

I always assumed it is better to be in treatment if trying for an increase. It shows that you are doing something to treat your condition. Example: If you quit taking your medication for a condition for which you are rated the VA will take away or decrease your rating. Additionally just a few months ago I asked for an increase for my PTSD rating while at the same time taking one on one counseling and group therapy at the VA. My rating went from 50% to 100%. Good luck!

Congratulations!!

Congratulations!!

Congratulations CW!!

Congratulations!!!

Congratulaions!!

Congratulations!! Now buy the best. Ruffcreek

Congratulations Larry!!!!! Ruffcreek

Bigpapa, Congratulations!!! You've certainly earned it. Ruffcreek

Congratulations Tom!! I know the feeling. I got my 100% a couple of weeks ago.

Ricky My OSA was diagnosed in October of 2007. In that same month I filed a claim "for Sleep Apnea secondary to and/or aggravated by service connected PTSD." In January 2008 my doctor, a Pulmonary Specialist wrote a letter for me stating it is his opinion that my sleep apnea is as least as likely as not aggravated by my service connected PTSD. He also stated that it at least as likely as not that my PTSD is aggravated by my obstructive sleep apnea. So I guess what you are saying is that I will need to get my imo stating that it is secondary and due to ptsd and not aggravated by ptsd correct? Thanks for everyone's help. Ruffcreek

I recently went through the same situation. I was told by VSO that it would take 30 to 60 days for a decision. After about 50 days I sent an IRIS asking for status of my claim. They sent reply back saying I would be receiving notice in the mail shortly. At exactly 60 days from my last C & P exam I received my decison. So I would say your's is just around the corner too. Just need to be patient. Good luck!

Not a problem Tagandbag. Sometimes it's difficult to communicate on these things. But in the end we usually get things sorted out.

Thanks Ricky--That answers my question.

Thanks for your response Tagandbag Just to clarify, I'm not implying that I would receive benefits for both retirement and disability. Just that I would get my retirement now and if I am approved for disability than the higher disability benefits would kick in. Any retro payments would be only for the difference in the retirement and disabilty.

Just wondering---I have an appointment next Monday for applying for SS disability beneifts. I also turn 62 in November. Does anyone know if I could apply for early retirement and SSD at the same time? Thanks

Larry, I'll drink to that!! Couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks Ruffcreek

Pete53, But as stated in 4th paragraph down I am on a CPAP. Ruffcreek