Alb

Thank you for your answers, I just hate the thought of going through another C&P. The last one put me in the psych. Ward. Too much stress and panic attacks will being interviewed. I wanted to hurt myself to make the pain go away!!

Back in Oct 2008 received 100% for PTSD. They did not make it permanent because they wanted to see me in more therapy and in house treatment program (MST). I have gone to group therapy since Oct. May question is should I appeal for T&P or just wait til Oct 2010 when they have me scheduled for a second C&P?

I have another claim pending, what percentage would I need to get at 60% if awarded along with the 40%. What would it take in VA math. At least another 30% signal rating claim?

Has any one had a C&P done at VA for back or neck (sprain/DDD) and when awarded the VA did not even use the results of the C&P to come up with a disability percentage? I had a C&P done where they did not use their own exam. They ended up using an exam that was done at Physical Therapy, just so they could give me a lower rating. Can I appeal this and let them know that the C&P exam done at the VA was the latest exam results, which would give me a higher rating because of less ROM.

The back pay for PTSD is awarded from Jan 2004. So this means I would not get any back pay for my cervical or lumbar claim since it is in the time frame of the PTSD claim? Right???

I filed a claim for cervical and lumbar in may 2007. Received notice today about award and appeal info. They first denied the claim then came back and awarded me. The C&P doctor said I was healed. (dumb Nurse doctor), in the process I was awarded 100% PTSD in Oct 2008. I have not received any pay yet, because of fiduciary issues with me handling my money.

I was awarded 20% cervical strain and 20% lumbar strain. What does this percentage add up to in VA terms.

I take lexapro for my PTSD and depression. Buspar works great for anxiety, (with very little side effects) ziprasidone to keep a level mood (no more anger attacks) and zaleplon for sleep. You just have to mix and match for the best effect for you. Keeping trying different medications till you find the right mix. Do not try more than one new medication at a time so you can watch the side effects. I was given three new meds at once and ended up with mouth sores and eye cruststation. (infection) Could not figure out which new med was causeing the bad side affects to be discontinue.

I was service connected for PTSD, it was noted at my C&P that I was not in regular outpatient treatment sessions and no inpatient treatment program. This was noted to be recommended and beneficial by the C&P examiner so the residuals of my condition, may improve with regular therapy. Since there is likelihood of improvement, the assigned is not considered permanent and subject to future review examination. My question is*** can group therapy in this case be mandated or can I just attend my personal sessions with my psychologist. Can the C&P examiner reduce my rate if I do not attend group therapy or inpatient program that was recommened? I have gone to the group sessions and all it has done is make my symptoms worse. I cannot bare to reopen the wound everytime I go and talk about my PTSD issues. It hurts too much to bring up the past. It makes my PTSD worse. What can I tell the C&P examiner next time I go. Is there a way now I can request P&T with only going to group therapy for about 4 months, or do I just wait till the next C&P?

Claim approved for PTSD with incompetency issues. Notice of approved claim dated Oct. 29th. 2008. Still waiting for an appointment for my husband to be my fiduciary and be interviewed by the VA field adjusters. Does anyone know how long it takes to get an appointment for the interview? Still waiting for payments and back pay. I heard that it can take up to six months. Is this true?

Just went to the VA dentist. I also have damaged teeth from my PTSD. I am wearing off the tooth enamel to the point were I have indentation marks from my teeth grinding and clenching. I even wear a night guard. I am putting so much pressure on one tooth, that the gum line is receding because the tooth cannot take that kind of pressure. The VA has to graft gum tissue from the roof of my mouth to my tooth in order to fix the receding gum line. (its going to hurt!!!) They are giving me special fluoride toothpaste and rinse to slow down the damage of decay due to clenching and grinding. After I had my C&P for PTSD, I was so worked up that I was clenching my jaws so much that I broke one of my molars with a filling in it right in half. Now I need a crown. Like stated before "as if we don't have enough to worry about." ;)

Bonnie, It sounds like your examiner's statement alone can rate you as incompetent, because none of my other dr's rated me incompetent before my C&P. My examiner also said that my PTSD had its onset in the military. The examiner said nothing about my employability, because I was already placed on medical retirement from my job due to anxiety, back and neck problems. Almost all of this is related to the military, so I was already unemployable. From what I can tell you about my claim, is the examiner's statments alone had the most weight on my case. She did glance at my records before the examination, because she made referances to my other doctors statements they made in my medical notes. Its like she was double checking to see if I gave the same answer. My examination lasted over 3 hours, I was numb for two weeks then could not handle it any more and ended up in the hospital because I tried to harm myself. The day I left the hospital, my husband called to let me know I had been awarded at 100%. My service officer had told him. Just think--- I almost let the VA win, because if I had died, my family would have been left nothing. The VA IS NOT WORTH TAKING YOUR LIFE FOR!!! no matter how bad it gets, just remember your are right and keep on fighting till you win.

No, my rating is schedular. Does this mean something different if its schedular or 70 with IU?

I was told by a service officer, that I should not fight for any other claims, since I am already rated at 100% PTSD. He said I would not get any more money. I have a claim in for neck and back (recurrent) sprains. My ROM is bad, but the VA states my condition has cleared up and it is now degenerative disc disease. I appealed this because no x-rays were taken at the time of the injury. I was in a moving vehicle accident. I have been seeing a private neurologist and pain management doctor for years. These medical notes were part of the evidence I sent in for my claim. Still was denined. Also have a claim in for secondary medical to a rhinoplasty (nose) that had been operated on twice while in the service, and now the VA docs say I need another operation so I can breath through my nose, less crustation /congestion and sinus problems. I also have a disfigurement of my nostrils from this surgery. Should I continue to fight for compensation, when I am already at 100% for PTSD?

I am asking the VA to appoint my husband as the fiduciary. I requested this other two months ago and have not had a response letter back yet. My veteran service officer told me this whole process could take up to 4-6 months. They say there is only five field officers for the whole state of Florida. This is why it is taking so long for the interview process my husband has to go through before he can be assigned as my fiduciary. It took me 8 years to win my claim. I still have to wait another 4 months to get paid anything. I think they should give just a little to live on. They said if I had not been married, they could have requested a hardship and speed up the process. How do you know you are about to be rated as incompetent? I am not appealing a thing. The way I look at it is, IF THE VA finds me incompetent, then they will have to find me competent in two years when I am up for another C&P for total and permanent. I think this helps me in the long run to help keep me at 100%

I was awarded 100% SC PTSD. VA found me incompetent. My husband is going to handle my financial affairs. Does this mean when the retro money hits the bank, I have to ask the VA how to spend my money? We want to use all the retro pay to pay off our mortgage. Is this going to be a problem taking out all of the money for this purpose. Is there a limit on how much money you can draw out? How can they control what comes out of your bank account? I mean, if the money is in your account, how does the VA control your spending limit. ( if there is any)

Have been going to group therapy for PTSD/MST. Trying for P&T on next C&P exam in two years. Does it hurt your chances to get P&T if you are going through treatment because they can say I have improved by treatment because of what the doctor puts in your medical records. Is it better not to go as much to group therapy, and just back off and say you cannot handle it. Will the va reduce my percentage because of not going through treatment? The C&P examiner recommended a in-treatment program. If I dont go to that program, are they going to hold that against me for a future C&P?

Was awarded 100% SC for PTSD/MST Was not rated P&T The VA found me to have incompetency. Can I appeal the P&T. They want to give me another C&P two years from now, because they stated I might improve with treatment. Have had PTSD for 20 years. They awarded me back to 4 years. Have had treatment for 5 years. They feel an in-treatment program is recommended.

I was awarded 100% SC PTSD. The award letter states "since there is a likelihood of improvement, the assigned evaluation is not considered permanent and is subject to a future review examination. My next C&P is schd. for two years from now. A finding of incompetency is proposed. We are withholding your award until the final determination on your ability to handle your VA benefits are established. Because of your disabilities you may need help in handling your VA benefits. How long does this process take before I see any back-pay? I was told 4-6 months. Is this true? I am going to have my husband handle my funds (fiduciary). They told me the VA was back-logged 45 days on sending out a representative to inverview my husband in our home to determine if he quilifies to be my fiduciary. What does this involve? I was told that my husband has to fill out a form every month as to how my money was spent or used for. Does this go on forever? Anyone that has a fiduciary assigned to them please respond. Also, if the VA finds me as haveing incompetency, where do they see improvement if my disablities cause me to have help in handling my benefits. Why have they not found me P&T? Can I file a claim for Aid and Assistance since they state I need help in handling my VA benefits? :o

I HAVE A LETTER FROM ONE OF MY DOCTORS THAT STATES I WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE OCCUPATIONAL IMPAIRMENTS/DISRUPTION UNTIL SHE IS FULLY TREATED. You think this is good enough?

***Just found out that the appeals board rated my claim at 100% SC for PTSD/MST :P *** Found out through my VSO, nothing in writing yet, coming throuh mail soon. All though the board did call me a few days after I spoke with my VSO and asked for some information I did not put on the application 8 years ago, like my kids SSN and husbands info. They did find me incompetent, B) so my husband has to handle my finances. My back pay will be 4 years. :P Sure could use some of the other benifits for a permanent rating. I have two sons going to college now and the chapter 35 would be great. My VSO said it would take another 4-6 months before I see my back pay or any pay until my husband gets his interview. (finances for incompetentcy) The VA is backed logged about 45+ days on appointments and also if I don't appeal anything in the award claim How does one go about getting permanent rating on 100% total service connection for PTSD. Do you have to wait for the VA to order another C&P and go for the permanent rating or can I appeal the decision and request permanent. If so, what documentation do they need? Should one be just happy that you are rated 100% and let the permanent go? I am just so glad of the 100% rating. How far do you push the VA before they start to mess with you and your claim. Is seems like it is automatic now that the VA has you come back in a couple of years for another C&P before they give you any type of permanent or try to reduce you claim, by stating somehow you are better because you went through treatment, medications and therapy. I only have had PTSD for 20 years now!!! Like it's going to go away-right! You would think the board would read into that. I have been DX. with PTSD for 4 years. Before that they called it anxiety disorder and depression due to military sexual harssment for the other 4 years. Advice please.

I got rated 100% Total not permanent. I have another C&P in two years. They did find me incompetent and my husband has to be my Fiduciary, which is OK with me. There are days were if I did not have his help, I would walk around and be lost. I have been fighting the VA for 8 years, at this point I am glad to take the rating, back pay and move on with my life, which has been taken away from me over the past 20 years. I had a son that was a product of the assault. My husband and I have been married for over 11 years and he has seen the worst of me and we are still together and plan to stay that way. That says a lot about him. Weather the money comes in my husbands name for me or my name, it all goes to pay the same bills, put cloths on our backs and food on the table. I only utilized a VSO once when I first put my claim in 8 years ago. I do believe if had gotten more help, it might not have taken so long. Nobody wanted to help me back then when I mentioned military sexual trauma. They told me It would take a long time and may not win my claim. (I think the men felt uncomfortable taking on the claim) Well, I am Like a bulldog when someone tells me it can not be done or it's going to be hard. So I did it all on my own, and boy was it hard. (not being of sound body and mind at times) I did not have hadit.com back then, or did not know about it, to get all the great info. and advise -- I did the old fashion way-- WALKING IN BLIND. I continued to fight because --I KNEW I WAS RIGHT. FIGHT FOR WHATS RIGHT!!!!!!!!

Just found out I got SC for PTSD/MST through my SO at the regional office with SC date going back four years for pay. Have not got anything official in the mail. My question is about the service connection date. I put in for a secound claim four years ago for PTSD/MST. It got deined, went to the board, then the claim was remanded back to the regional office for further development and the "VA not doing their job in the first place." You see, I put in my frist claim back in 2001 for anxiety (At the time I did not know it was PTSD) Had a phyiological evaluation and informed the doctor that I had been sexually harrassed by several service members (I was still to affraid to talk about the rape). He dx. me with major depression and anxiety. Did not refer me to any military sexual trauma group or therapy for the sexual harrassment. In my frist claim for for anxiety, the VA stated they would be schedualing me for a C&P eval. to see if I had service connection for any phyioloical issues. (which they could have dx. me with PTSD/MST). Well as time went by I never heard from them about any appointment and I had completely forgot. The claimed got deined. At this point after fighting four years, I got tired of no help and not knowing what the heck was wrong with me mentally. At the time I did not even know what a C&P was. After four years of confusion and fighting, I did not appeal. I still did not know I had PTSD yet becaused no one had dx. me yet. I fummbled my way through life for the next year and finally went to a private doctor who dx. me with PTSD related to MST. I refiled for PTSD/MST. The VA sent me a letter stating they were going to re-open the case under PTSD previously claimed as anxiety. My question is can I try to retro the back pay to 2001, if so how and under what? Clear and unmistakable error? The VA did not follow through with the C&P. If they had, I would have been dx. sooner. They some how connected the anxitey to PTSD, because they changed the claimed dx. This whole process took over 8 years. Any help would wonderful!

If you are 100% SC for one claim and have still have claims pending, and lets say they award you on those claims, how does the VA pay you more money? Is it determined that once you are 100%, there is no more compensation or is there a special rate for disabilities once you go beyond 100% Is it advisable to pursue these claims? I guess out of fear they might upon another C&P examine , reduce the 100% SC claim, just to grant the other claims pending. Also is there any benefit to try and get Total and permanent at 100%. I mean they award 100% but not T&P for one service connection, or do they award that later at the next C&P, if no improvement is found?

I did not have a discharge P.E. I got out due to pregnancy. I do have medical records that shows the surgery done in service. Went to sick call for sinus infection but the va threw that out stating it was a one time event. Have been to the VA within the last year and given meds. for rhinitis by PCP The zero percent I did not fine a NOD in time. That was back in 2001. Did not know I could back then. Went in blind-folded. Had no help. I am not the vet with GERD? What is that? So what your saying is that the septum has to be from an injury, and not an operation to fix the deveation? What about them having to go back in a second time, because they did not prevent infection enough through preventive medication post surgery. Now they are syaing that a third operation will not help. So how do I service connected for this! Failed surgery? Can I get service connected for spetorhinoplasty post surgical complications. Or rhinitis like my PCP at the va says I have. It was noted that I had allergies on my last C&P and was still denined.