Signal6

Thanks everyone. I sent in the champva applications for my family yesterday.

Thank you Buck52 and deedub75. I received my decision letter, but there was't much info included other than the decision. I was able to download all the award letters from VA ebenefits site to confirm P&T. The award date was Dec 21, 2019. Maybe a second package will come, but if not I will call the 800 number. It is good to know you can have both FEHB and Champva. I will sign up my family for sure. Thanks again for the info.

Recently received 100% P&T, so wife and daughter are eligible for CHAMPVA. I have health insurance (FEHB) through federal gov retirement for entire family. My questions: Is Champva automatic or do you need to enroll family? Do you have to enroll/accept Champva? Are there any draw backs to enrolling family in champva if you have other insurance? I read on the OPM website, FEHB is primary payer, then champva. Thanks.

I researched every state and put all the veteran scholarship info on one site. It includes info for Veteran's children as well. http://veteranscholarships.org/

After thinking about this, I believe this will be a C&P exam, but not at the C&P clinic. Rather with a specialist. When I first received compensation for mTBI I never had a C&P, I believe the VBA relied upon my TBI test results, and the rating is pretty cut and dry if you have evidence from testing, automatic 40% which is what they gave me. I appealed, because I thought I should get 70% based on the results of the test. So I think this is C&P to determine how much the mTBI has affected my life because the testing is done and know they have to decide if my symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. So modified question, has anyone had a TBI C&P, how was it? did you take a copy of your cognitive testing with you? Thanks.

I was awarded 40% for mTBI in 2009, this was based on my results of the 8 hour testing for residual of TBI . DAV said I should appeal and ask for 70% based on one of the test results, so i did. I haven't heard anything in over 14 months until today. The VAMC called and said I have to come in for a 2 hour appointment for the claim. I asked what the appoinment involved and that i had already completed the 8 hours of testing. They replied that it is an interview and maybe one test. So my question, has anyone had a similar appointment for residual of TBI appeal? Thanks

Thanks for the all the replies, I think will not do it. It had to do with my pilot license, but I have to report it either way, if I get the payment or not, so cancelling the payment is not an option. Oh well, it was just a thought I had.

is it possible to cancel my disability compensation for certain conditions? And if so, would it be possible to request it again later in life? I know this will generate a lot of question as to why I would want to do this, etc, and I appreciate everyones concerns, but there is a personal reason why I am considering this and do not want to disclose it. Thanks

Thanks again, that clears up a lot. One last question, do I list all the symptoms, etc, of PTSD that I am experiencing, or just quote the diagnosis and cite the date of VA Mental health exam / subsequent ongonig counselling and let the VBA read the reports?

Thanks for all the responses, I do have a PH and CAB, both on my DD214. I will just list everything in the request and probably do it again when I get the response and VCAA letter. The one question, do I need to list all stessors or just a couple major ones?

How much detail should I put in my letter asking for PTSD SC? Do I write a long detailed letter about all my problems and issues, or just a short version that includes the diagnosis by the Dr. I don't want to waste a lot of time if it doens't matter and everything will be decided by the Dr. diagnosis and C&P. Any examples that someone is willing to share or if you are willing to read my letter and provide feedback please let me know. I would post my letter thus far here, but not sure if that is appropriate. Thanks

yes, I am working. I will try for the max and see what they say. So is 65 the GAF?

Ok I finally got my records from the VA re: my mental health eval. She diagnosed me with PTSD. the report lists the following Assessment and Diagnosis: AXIS I: PTSD, cognitive d/o NOS 2/2 TBI AXIS II: none AXIS III: osteopenia; s/p traumatic injuries to knees and T12 spine; hearing loss, asthma AXIS IV: - AXIS V: 65 Assessment: 39 yo M with PTSD due to combat in Iraq...PT tended to minimize symptoms and he may be feeling worse then he indicates. Is 65 my GAF score? What should I ask for when filling for PTSD Service connection. I have always been told to ask for a certain rating percentage, then you can't compain if you don't get it. Reviewing the rating schedule, I would guess 30% or 50%.

Ok I finally got my records from the VA re: my mental health eval. She diagnosed me with PTSD. the report lists the following Assessment and Diagnosis: AXIS I: PTSD, cognitive d/o NOS 2/2 TBI AXIS II: none AXIS III: osteopenia; s/p traumatic injuries to knees and T12 spine; hearing loss, asthma AXIS IV: - AXIS V: 65 Assessment: 39 yo M with PTSD due to combat in Iraq...PT tended to minimize symptoms and he may be feeling worse then he indicates. Is 65 my GAF score? What should I ask for when filling for PTSD Service connection. I have always been told to ask for a certain rating percentage, then you can't compain if you don't get it. Reviewing the rating schedule, I would guess 30% or 50%. Thanks. BTW, i had my first EDMR treatment, complete waste of time. I am going back tomorrow, but would prefer not to waste my time. Not sure how to get out of these treatments?

I hope to file this week, i just want a copy of the physc eval before I send in the claim. I should have it this week or next, so i will file asap once I receive it. My concern with changing treatments is having the VBA screwing up my claim becaue I didn't like the EDMR, but I don't want to waste me time either. First appt in Thursday, so it shall be interesting.

Thanks. I'll give it a try, but I became skeptical when he said I would be cured in a few treatments.

Has anyone been through this treatment, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR) Treatment? i had my first meeting with a VA social worker after being referred by the Physc. I am not sure how well it works, but the social says it is good and after a few treatments i will be "cured." You recall events, then sit infront of moving LED light and it helps your brain somehow. My question, if I don't like the treatment, can I request normal counselling in lieu of EDMR? I am not SC for PTSD now, but plan to file once I receive my records and I don't want to screw up my claim by requesting a different treament.

is this only for SC issues that are an emergency or anything?

Thanks all, I am trying to stick it out for now. But if I fail a physical or phsyc eval I want to make sure I know what my options are. I for sure don't want to be forced into some 'other' BS federal job in the local area. My understanding is, it has to be with your current agency and same pay grade.

Hi, I work for the federal government and I am considering asking for a disability retirement under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Just curious if anyone here has been through the FERS disability retirement system and what the experience was like. Thanks

the Doc asked what I thought about Meds and i told her i want to try the conservative route first because I take to many meds already. She was cool with that, so i just got scheduled for my first session this week.

Carlie, Would the records from a VA outpatiend clinic be available at the VAMC? Thanks

So I had my first Mental Health appointment at the VA. The TBI clinic suggested I go for symptoms of PTSD. It was pretty uneventful and the shrink was cool. She said I have PTSD and suggested counselling. I am being scheduled for individual conselling in the next few weeks. I guess I should do a FOIA in few weeks to see what the Doc put in her report, any other suggestions?

I wonder is this new law has anything to do with it? It makes me very nervous because I am SC for TBI and cognitive disorder NOS and I carry gun for work. They article does say "Please note again that a person cannot be put on the NICS list solely for a "medical finding of disability," and that would include PTSD." If the VA rating official misunderstands the law, then maybe that is why they called. http://www.vawatchdog.org/07/nf07/nfOCT07/nf100107-1.htm

Thanks for the info. I have a Purple Heart and Comabat Action Badge. I also emailed the neuropsychologist that diagnosised by TBI. She said I had PTSD, but I asked her not to report it. I have an appointment with the VA mental health clinic on Jan 28, so we will see how that goes. I asked the neuropsychologist to send something to the me or the mental health clinic about her diagnosis and PTSD. Hopefully she will help me out. I have been workin wiht the DAV, but honestly they haven't done anything, not even a phone call during the last 4 years. Luckily I found hadit and spent a lot of time reading the CFRs. I am actually excited to get some help with the PTSD, hopefully it will be beneficial. I feel terrible for my wfie, she has put up with a lot of BS. I was so afraid of losing my clearance / job I didn't dare to get help, but I can't take it anymore. Time for a change.