Victor_C3

Yes, I'm still on the job with my 100% schedular rating for PTSD. However, I only got the rating Tuesday. I gave the SSA people a call and they said that what could happen is they might adjust the date I claimed I was disabled so long as my medical evidence was pretty strong (which it is). I'm contesting 25 June 2014 (the date of my suicide attempt) as the date I wasn't able to work anymore. Thanks for your comments.

At this moment, I feel very fortunate that I have the option of FERS disability as well. That bit of money makes a big difference and essentially I'm going to end up making the same I amount of money after all this stuff gets approved as I was making when I was working and collecting 70% from the VA. I'm planning on keeping the FEHB as well which is really a pretty good deal. I'm just a little nervous about the timing of approval for the various pieces of disability. Were you working when you were approved for SSDI? Did FERS give you a retirement date before any of that? I'm technically still working. I put in my packets for FERS and SSDI around 7 January and I was told to keep showing up to work until FERS gives me a date to stop working. I'm worried that, since I'm still technical working (even though I pretty much just sit at a desk all day and surf the internet and freak people out), SSDI will deny me before FERS gives me a retirement date and I'll get kicked into dealing with reconsiderations and ALJ hearings and everything else that will draw the process out for years. Anyways, thanks for your thoughts. Victor

I'm going insane right now, but I think that is in a good way! I have a lot of plans for what I'm going to do with my time. I'd love to get into building furniture, volunteering, and perfecting my piano playing (I've been playing since I was 8). Retirement at 35 is a huge breath of fresh air for me. I'm looking forward to things in a way that I haven't since I was a kid. However, as you are probably aware, being 100% disabled is a full time job in itself. I already attend 2 weekly visits with a psychologist and one appointment every 3 weeks with a psychiatrist for medication adjustments. My psychologist wants me to join at least one more weekly therapy group on top of what I'm doing when I'm not working anymore. My work environment has turned very bad for me. I agree, the fed government is good at trying to accommodate disabled vets. My boss told me that if I don't go the FERS disability route that they'll fire me for not being able to perform my job. In all honesty, I really can't perform my job anymore and all of my coworkers are scared of me since my suicide attempt. I have a bunch of scars all over my wrists and they tend to freak people out. I'm really looking forward to the change. FWIW, I also was awarded 10% for the suicide scars (which kind of blew my mind)

I was 70% for PTSD since June 2009 before the current change. Thanks, but my packet is already long ago submitted. I brought a copy of my VA 100% P&T letter to SSA yesterday and I think that will help a lot with my claim. I found a report on another forum that I believe is what you are talking about. It connects how the VA rates PTSD to the SSA's definition of an anxiety disorder - if I recall correctly. I submitted that with my initial claim. Thanks Victor

I received my decision yesterday and I was awarded 100% schedular P&T for PTSD. I'm also currently working on SSDI and FERS Disability (Federal Employee Retirement System). The FERS should be easy to get and I'm not stressing out about at all. My boss and local HR tell me I have that one for sure. If/When FERS is approved, I'll have a retirement date where my employment will stop. SSDI I'm kind of worried about, but I feel that since I got 100% P&T relatively easily (i.e. without any appeals) that once I'm not working anymore that I'll have no problem getting SSDI. Overall, I saw a chart that people with 100% P&T ratings for PTSD average 83.3% SSDI approval rates. Of the 100% PTSD people I've run into, I would judge myself to be on the upper edge of severity that I observed. That all being said, I'm on the precipice of my new life and I'm very excited. I'm looking forward to things in a way that I haven't in a long long time.

I forgot to mention this earlier. The doctor doing the evaluation did tell me that if I did receive a 100% rating that I'd most likely be re-evaluated within 6-12 months if I was still working. I do make a decent amount of money at my job, but I don't think that should have anything to do with my rating. I'm barely holding onto my job and, as hard as it is to get myself to work everyday, working does provide me with a sense contributing to my family somehow and gives me purpose in life. I already have two "high intent" suicide attempts under my belt. I have a bad enough time dealing with day-to-day life and I pretty much feel worthless as it is. If I didn't have a job, that would probably push me over the edge. Anyways, thanks for your thoughts and speculations.

I know it's all a crap shoot, but does this look like a C&P that could likely lead to a 100% rating? The only thing that throws me off is he checked the box next to "Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or mood" And not the "total impairment to work" option. I've been hospitalized basically from 26 June through 2 October after a suicide attempt on the evening of the 25th of June. I've unfortunately had to return to work on the 7th of October and I've been having a hell of a time readjusting. I just had a C&P a few days ago and the rating doctor flat out told me that he doesn't recommend that I return to work and he told me that I should apply for SSDI. However, I'll have to at least work until I hopefully get 100% for PTSD. I'm the only financial provider for my family and, even with SSDI and 100% from the VA, my family will still take a large financial hit. Any ideas? SECTION I: ---------- 1. Diagnostic Summary --------------------- Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with PTSD? [X] Yes[ ] No 2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): No response provided. 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 level of occupational and social impairment, is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by each mental disorder? [ ] Yes[ ] No[X] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed c. If a diagnosis of TBI exists, is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by the TBI? [ ] Yes[ ] No[X] No diagnosis of TBI SECTION II: ----------- Clinical Findings: ------------------ 1. Evidence review ------------------ In order to provide an accurate medical opinion, the Veteran's claims folder must be reviewed. a. Medical record review: ------------------------- Was the Veteran's VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) reviewed? [ ] Yes[X] No Was the Veteran's VA claims file (hard copy paper C-file) reviewed? [X] Yes[ ] No If yes, list any records that were reviewed but were not included in the Veteran's VA claims file: The veteran's records in the Hudson Valley Health Care System were reviewed prior to the examination. The veteran's previous Compensation and Pension Examination for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder of 5/4/09 was also reviewed prior to the examination. If no, check all records reviewed: [ ] Military service treatment records [ ] Military service personnel records [ ] Military enlistment examination [ ] Military separation examination [ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire [ ] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [ ] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [ ] Civilian medical records [ ] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others who have known the Veteran before and after military service) [ ] No records were reviewed [ ] Other: b. Was pertinent information from collateral sources reviewed? [ ] Yes[X] No 2. Recent History (since prior exam) ------------------------------------ a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history: Veteran remains married to his wife of 10 years. He stated that their relationship is strained. Veteran stated that his wife often complains that he is moody and irritable. He says that they often sleep in separate rooms due to his nightmares. Veteran stated that she worries about him being depressed. Veteran stated that while he loves his wife dearly that he has difficulty expressing his feelings to her. Veteran has two daughters ages 6 and 4 years-old. He stated that while he loves his daughters that he has difficulty not losing his temper when in their company. He stated that he feels bad after yelling at this girls. Veteran stated that he spends a good deal of his time avoiding his daughters. Veteran stated that he has no close friends. He stated that he typically avoids people and keeps his feelings to himself. Veteran stated that he feels anxious in social settings and often has panic attacks. The veteran does not belong to any veteran organizations. In summary, since his last examination the veteran displays a severe deficit in social functioning. He has no close friends. He has difficulty expressing his feelings to others. He is often irritable and short-tempered. He is anxious in social settings and is prone to panic attacks. The veteran is very socially isolated individual with little emotional connection to people other than his wife and daughters. The veteran's severe deficit in social functioning is the direct result of trauma related symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history: Veteran has not furthered his education since his previous examination. At the time of his last examination the veteran was employed by Amazon as a production manager. He said that he lost his temper at work and threatened several employees in October 2009. He said that this was his second time that he had lost his temper and made threats toward employees. The veteran was fired from Amazon in October 2009. Veteran stated that he started working as a chemist at the United States Mint at West Point in February 2010. He stated that he has had difficult getting along with other employees. Veteran stated that he typically isolates himself at work and tries to avoid any contact with co-workers. Veteran stated that he has been repirmanded for losing his temper several times at work. Veteran stated that he also has difficulty sustaining his concentration at work. He says that he has often had to run the same tests several times because he forgets important steps in the processes. Veteran stated that he has been reprimanded about the slowness of his work. Veteran stated that he has not been at work since his suicide attempt of 6/25/14. He says that he feels too anxious and depressed to return to work. Veteran stated that he will likely have to attempt to return to work in the near future. The veteran is not sure that he will be able to funtion effectively in the workplace. In summary, since his last examination the veteran has displayed a severe deficit in vocatio nal functioning. He has been fired from one job due to his inability to control his anger at work. He has had extreme difficulties on his current job getting along with co-workers due to high levels of anxiety and anger. He has difficulty sustaining conentration and has difficulty completing assignments in a timely manner. It is unclear if this veteran will be able to successfully return to work in the near future. The veteran's severe deficit in vocational functioning is the direct result of trauma related symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health: Veteran is presently under the care of a psychiatrist and receives the following medications: Buspirone 15mg three times a day, Fluoxetine 60mg once a day, Hydroxyzine 25mg twice a day, Prazosin 2mg at bedtime and Quetiapine 75mg at bedtime. The veteran receives individual and group psychotherapy on an outpatient basis. Veteran stated that he is compliant with his medications and experiences no major side effects. Veteran has had three psychiatric hospitalizations at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) VA Hospital. Veteran was hospitalized from 7/2/14 through 7/21/14 after a suicide attempt. He was hospitalized again from 7/31/14 through 8/6/14 for suicidal ideation. The veteran was admitted again on 8/19/14 and successfully completed the Vietnam Veterans Evaluation and Treatment Program (VVETP)for treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on 10/2/14. Veteran sleeps only a few hours a night due to combat related nightmares. He has intrusive thoughts about Iraq. He has difficulty expressing his feelings to others. He is often irritable and short-tempered. Veteran is easily distracted and often loses his train of thought. He often scans his environment. He is agitated by loud, unexpected noises. Veteran stated that he experiences these symptoms on a daily basis. He says that the symptoms are severe. Veteran stated that he rarely goes a day without experiencing these symptoms. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history: Veteran has not been arrested or received a DWI since his last examination. The veteran has not been assaultive since his last examination. Veteran attempted suicide on 6/25/14. He stated that he was very depressed and was arguing with his wife. The veteran cut his wrists several times. e. Relevant Substance abuse history: Veteran stated that he drank about three beers a day prior to his suicide attempt. The veteran has not drank alcohol since his suicide attempt. The veteran does not use illegal drugs. f. Other, if any: None. 3. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria --------------------------- Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, are from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The stressful event can be due to combat, personal trauma, other life threatening situations (non-combat related stressors.) Do NOT mark symptoms below that are clearly not attributable to the Criteria A stressor/PTSD. Instead, overlapping symptoms clearly attributable to other things should be noted under #6 - "Other symptoms". Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious injury, c) sexual violation, 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] 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 C: 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 D: 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, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead to 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] Reckless or self-destructive behavior. [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] The duration of the symptoms described above in Criteria B, C, and D are more than 1 month. Criterion G: [X] The PTSD symptoms described above cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Criterion H: [X] The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or another medical condition. 4. 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 more than once a week [X] Near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively [X] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions or recent events [X] Flattened affect [X] Impaired judgment [X] Impaired abstract thinking [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] Suicidal ideation [X] Impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence 5. Behavioral Observations: --------------------------- The veteran is a 34 year-old white male of short staturee and slender build. He was straightforward in his responses and a good rapport was established between the veteran and the examiner. The veteran was oriented in all three spheres. His affect was flat and his mood was tense and sad. The veteran had difficulty sitting still and squirmed in his chair and often tapped his feet. He displayed a mild deficit in short-term memory. His long-term memory was intact. The veteran did not exhibit any symptoms indicative of a formal thought disorder. 6. Other symptoms ----------------- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other mental disorders) that are not listed above? [ ] Yes[X] No 7. Competency ------------- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes[ ] No 8. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any: --------------------------------------------------- Veteran is a 34 year-old white male that is presently 70% service-connected for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The veteran continues to meet the DSM-5 criterion for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The veteran displays a severe deficit in both social and vocational functioning. These deficits are the direct result of trauma related symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The prognosis for this veteran is unclear. He has just recently completed an residential treatment program for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He appears very anxious and fragile at this time. The veteran is having difficulty in his marriage and is unsure about his ability to maintain employment. It is hoped that with continuing mental health services that the veteran can develop the skills necessary to effectively control his trauma related symptoms. If he can do so, he may begin to strengthen his marriage and return to work and begin to lead a more enjoyable and productive life.

I believe many people are initially awarded a 30% rating for PTSD regardless of their symptoms. The important thing is that it has been determined service connected. In my situation, I was awarded 30% for PTSD in October of 2008. In March 2009 I had a number of serious issues at work, was suspended and nearly fired, and I went again to the VA and filed a second claim saying that I felt my PTSD had worsened (which it had). I was re-evaluated and promptly bumped up to a 70% rating in June 2009. I eventually was fired from my job in October 2009. I applied for TDIU, but I didn't feel that I was a %100 guy and I wanted to try my best to live a "normal" life. I went about 4 months without finding work, but I found a great job working for the Federal Government so it all worked out. As an aside, are you an OIF/OEF veteran? If so, the OIF/OEF case workers could be your best friends. Anytime I go to the VA or pass the VA I make it a point to stop in and talk to the OIF/OEF guys. The case workers always take brief notes about your visit like "he says that he is having problems adjusting at work" or "he says he was fired from his job" and various notes about your appearance. These notes end up in your file that is evaluated when they award you a rating. So if you are having a hard day, stop by and BS with these guys. Aside from that, some of the case workers at the VA I go to in Wilmington, DE have actually been deployed to Iraq and have issues of their own and really understand what you're going through.

That is something I've been dealing with since I was in Iraq. I recognized it happening to me while I was there and I just didn't care if I made back or not. Actually I still don't give a damn about myself, but having a family helps keep me going. I have a 13 month old daughter who gives me every reason to be happy and there for her. She always has the biggest smile and gets so excited everytime she sees me. She keeps me going and I know that I mean everything to her and I'd hate for her to grow up without a dad. That alone keeps me here. The suicide thing is always in my head and I have it all planned out on how I would take care of my family finicially, but I'll never do it. My wife and my little girl need me - not the just the money. Sorry for the rant. But the above quote from hoppy is absolutely spot on.

Not to brag, but the VA offices I deal with in Wilmington, DE have been very fast with all of my request. I did an initial claim for PTSD in on or about 8 JUL 08 and got a decision letter before October 2008. I submitted a claim for increase in rating on 1 April 2009, got my rating bumped from 30% to 70% by about 8 JUN 09. I recently submitted a claim to TDIU on 9 OCT 09, got the "send more evidence" letter within two weeks, and I'm still waiting for anything else. I don't think my prior employer is going to return their portion of their questionaire so that might slow things down for me, but they've been pretty fast. Both the clinic and the regional office that I got to in Wilmington, Delaware have been great to me.

I'm not trying to hijack the thread or anything, but this is more of a question than a reply. It's kind of relevant to the original question... 1) If you are granted 100% TDIU, you can go back to work at some point in the future. Right? You just have to notify the VA of your return to employment? 2) If you were at 70% before TDIU, and you get TDIU, and then you return to work does the VA jump you back to the 70% or do they go through the whole C&P and everything all over??

Does anyone know where you can find the details of the bill? (i.e. how much money they're talking, what is required to be a caregiver, etc?) I know none of the details are set in stone before it goes to the president, but I'd like to try to read up on it. There are some not-so-subtle cues that they (politicians) are hinting at with this bill by no including any veteran before 2001. If they really were legitamately concerned with veterans they'd include all of them. They're just doing this so that they can say "we support the vets", but not enough to actually have to pass a bill that will cost them ass-loads of money until well after their careers are over. Could you immagine how much more this bill would cost if they were to include a bunch of vets who are on the verge of retiring and whose disabilities are starting to creep up to the 100% mark?? They care enough about the vets to get elected another term, not to do what is actually best for them. Fiscal responsibility goes out the window when they decide to start wars, but to take car of the people they send to war it's a different story.

I was rated at 30% the first time around in September 08. In April I got into some trouble at work and they suspended me. I got re-evaluated in June 09 for 70%. I just lost my job in October 09 because of my PTSD and I put in a request for IU and I'm waiting for that. I feel my symptoms are worse now than they were in June 09 and I'm hoping that I get another C&P. For the 30%-70% jump I submited a new claim and stated that my symptoms were getting worse. They scheduled another C&P. I had the same person examining me the second time around as I did the first time. The person even remembered me! I'm sure that helped. The biggest thing that I think helped to secure my jump was the fact that I actually had lost a significant ammount of time at work because of my PTSD. And, well, the suicide and violent thoughts helped too. Best of luck!

I can see them doing this at the MEPS station now before you join the military... "Your screen for potential PTSD came back positive. If you want to join the military we'll need you to sign this waiver stating that you'll wave any and all rights to receive compensation in the event you develop PTSD when deployed to combat operations."

The full article is dated May, 2005 and can be found at http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190..._051205,00.html "One of every four veterans with a 60-percent disability is now IU and paid at the 100-percent level. Likewise half of all 70-percent disabled veterans, two thirds of all 80-percent disabled veterans and three-quarters of 90-percent disabled veterans are considered unemployable. " I'm currently rated at 70% and submitted a claim for IU just over a month ago when I lost my job because of my PTSD. I was doing some research when I found the above statistics. Looks kind of promising for me. Just thought I'd pass it along.