Titan

a family friend worked for the VA for many years, she told my parents she would try to help so she sent an email to someone. I received a call this morning and the guy asked me a few more questions about my condition. I checked ebenefits and my claim moved to preparation for decision. I filed my claim on 12/3. Any idea what this could mean for me?

I don't think so. I know it could be caused by untreated strep though. I'll have to look through my records.

It seems to be near impossible as to determine what caused it. It's unfortunate because I could definitely use the money with being off of work for months.

I am 36 and rated 40% for asthma and PTSD. I will be undergoing Mitral valve replacement at the VA in houston in 2 weeks. What are the chances this will be given a rating by the VA? It seems very hard to prove where the valve disease came from and no one has any idea that Ive talked to.

thanks guys, appreciated

SECTION I: ---------- 1. Diagnostic Summary --------------------- Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DMS-5 criteria based on today's evaluation? [ ] Yes [ ] No 2. Current Diagnoses -------------------- a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Other Specified Depressive Disorder (Depressive episode with insufficient symptoms) Comments, if any: The veteran reported experiencing depressive symptoms for at least the past year and noted that these symptoms became more noticeable as his PTSD symptoms increased. His depressive symptoms include depressed mood, fatigue, restlessness, and worthlessness. The veteran's diagnosis of Other Specified Depressive Disorder is at least as likely as not caused by or a result of his PTSD diagnosis. b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): Asthma 3. Differentiation of symptoms ------------------------------ a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? [X] Yes [ ] No b. Is it possible to differentiate what symptom(s) is/are attributable to each diagnosis? [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not applicable (N/A) If yes, list which symptoms are attributable to each diagnosis: PTSD: - Intrusive thoughts - Distressing dreams - Avoidance of thinking and talking about the trauma - Distorted cognitions of self-blame - Persistent negative emotional state of fear - Feelings of detachment from others - Hypervigilance Other Specified Depressive Disorder: - Depressed mood - Fatigue - Feeling worthless c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [ ] Yes [ ] No [X] 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 due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by medication 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 [X] No [ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed If no, provide reason that it is not possible to differentiate what portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis: I cannot determine without resorting to mere speculation. However, social impairment (i.e., marital problems, distance from his family, and lack of social support network) appears to be greater than occupational impairment because there is no intermittent periods of ability to perform occupational tasks. 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 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? [X] Yes [ ] No Was the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, list any records that were reviewed but were not included in the Veteran's VA claims file: 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. History ---------- a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history (pre-military, military, and post-military): FAMILY: Pre-military: The veteran was born and raised in New Orleans, LA by his father and stepmother. He has an older and a younger sisters. He reported having good relationships with his family members growing up. Military: He indicated having good relationships with his family during his military service and stated that he maintained regular contact with his parents during deployment. The veteran married his first wife in 2001, and they divorced in 2004. He stated that when he returned home from Iraq after 15 months on deployment, his wife "had her own life, and I didn't fit in." He reported that he has two children from this marriage, whom he currently sees every couple months. He stated that the children previously spent more time with him, but do not visit as often as they live three hours away and "their mom causes problems." Post-military: The veteran described his current relationship with his parents as "mediocre" and noted that they have "different opinions." He reported that he does not see his parents often and is not as close to them as he was before his deployment to Iraq. He said that he does not talk to his older sister and noted that he has no desire to do so. He speaks with his younger sister regularly about family matters, and he said that he wishes that he had a closer relationship with her. The veteran remarried in 2011, and he has two stepsons, ages 14 and 15. T he veteran reported marital problems and said they are currently participating in marriage counseling through the VA. He attributed their problems to him "acting certain ways, being agitated easily, and not making any sense sometimes like worrying about a lot of stuff." The veteran described having good relationships with his stepsons and reported going fishing with them on weekends when they do not go to their father's house. SOCIAL: Pre-military: He described having a "normal" social life and had "a lot of friends" in elementary through high school. When asked what social activities he did with friends, he stated, "Drank and hung out." The veteran stated that he did not have much time for social activities beginning at age 16 because he worked a part-time job after school and on weekends. He denied any involvement in sports or other extracurricular activities. Military: He said he had good relationships with other soldiers in his unit and denied having any difficulties getting along with others. He indicated that they worked much of the time, but when they were not working, they drank alcohol and played video games. Post-military: He described his current social life as "not very good." He said that is one of the main issues in his marriage because his wife wants to participate in social activities and he wants to stay home most of the time. He denied involvement in social organization or a religious affiliation. He denied having any close friends. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history (pre-military, military, and post-military): EDUCATION: Pre-military: Veteran completed the 12th grade. He described himself as a C student. He went to summer school once in high school to repeat French and Chemistry courses. He denied having any problems with learning and indicated that he was bored in school and was not motivated. He said that he enrolled at College directly after high school, but only attended classes for six weeks before quitting to join the Army. Military: Veteran completed all trainings as scheduled. He denied completing any coursework during his military service and indicated that he attempted to take college course once, but his school was interrupted before he completed one semester when he was deployed to Iraq. Post-military: He completed an Associate's degree in Radiology Technology in May 2012. He reported that it took him "a really long time" to obtain a degree because he changed his major after completing the majority of the coursework required to earn a nursing degree. He indicated that when he began clinicals, he realized that he "hated" nursing. The veteran reported having a B average in college and denied having difficulty with the coursework. OCCUPATIONAL: Pre-military: The veteran worked part time as a cook at an athletic club from age 16 until he graduated from high school in May 1998. He reported that he "fixed cars for a short time" before joining the military in October 1998. He denied problems on the job, poor performance appraisal, or interpersonal conflict with coworkers. Military: The veteran's DD214 indicates that he served in the Army 10/9/1998 - 10/15/2004. He received an honorable discharge at the rank of SGT (E-5). His specialty was 91W (Combat Medic). His DD214 also shows service in Iraq 4/26/2003 - 7/15/2004. Pre-military: He reported being diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school and was prescribed Ritalin. He said that he did not want to take the medication, so his parents allowed him to stop taking it after a few months. Military: The veteran denied mental health problems and mental health treatment in the military. Post-military: He saw a psychiatrist at SLVHCS in 2008 (see MENTAL HEALTH - PSYCHIATRY note dated 3/21/2008) for medication to treat his ADHD while attending college. He indicated that he received two prescriptions that lasted him a few years. The veteran presented to the same psychiatrist in 2014 (see MENTAL HEALTH - PSYCHIATRY note dated 3/11/2014) seeking marriage therapy due to "Marked arguing. growing apart fr wife." He was referred to the family program, and he and his wife have been participating in marriage counseling from 4/18/2014 to the present time. The veteran noted receiving benefit from the marriage therapy as he and his wife are communicating more about his mental health problems. The veteran was referred to the PTSD program for an evaluation by the marriage therapist after he scored high on a PTSD self-report measure (see MH OEF/OIF/OND OUTPT CONSULT dated 5/9/2014). He was diagnosed with PTSD during the intake evaluation (see PTSD CONSULT NOTE dated 5/27/2014), and he recently began participating in an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. He denied a history of psychiatric medications other than Ritalin which he is no longer taking. Other notable records: Post Deployment Health Assessment dated 7/20/2004: The veteran responded "yes" to all four PTSD screening questions. DD Form 2801-1 dated 9/16/2004: The veteran denied experiencing depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. CLINIC INTAKE SCREENING NOTE dated 8/31/2006: Negative PTSD and Depression screens NURSING NOTE dated 3/10/2008: Negative PTSD and Depression screens CLINIC INTAKE SCREENING NOTE dated 7/1/2009: Negative PTSD and Depression screens d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history (pre-military, military, and post-military): Pre-military: The veteran stated that he received Saturday detention multiple times in high school for not completing schoolwork. He denied other behavioral problems, including fighting. Military: The veteran reported he received one Article 15 for underage drinking at age 20. His discipline included six weeks of extra duty and loss of rank. Post-military: Veteran denied a lifetime history of arrest, conviction, or incarceration. He denied destruction of property or physical altercations. He denied a history of domestic violence. e. Relevant Substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and post-military): Pre-military: The veteran denied drug use and indicated he began drinking alcohol socially at age 16. He denied problematic effects of drinking. He denied tobacco use. Military: The veteran denied drug use and stated that he drank alcohol "normally." He denied any alcohol related problems although he received an Article 15 for underage drinking. Post-military: He denied illicit drug use or abuse of prescription medication. He stated that he has "drank less and less as time has gone on" and estimated consuming one drink every two months. f. Other, if any: SENTINEL EVENT(S): The veteran denied a lifetime history of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. 1. The veteran reported he was involved in a car accident approximately one month ago. He stated that he was "daydreaming and ran into two cars." He noted that no one was injured and that this was his first automobile accident. He stated, "I've tried to blow it off. Insurance will take care of it." 2. The veteran said that he witnessed "people blown up, mortars, rockets, IEDS, grenades" while in Iraq and estimated witnessing these types of events once a week. 3. The veteran stated that he witnessed exposure to toxic chemicals when he had to go into a "yellow cake uranium factory" in Iraq for two weeks. He was sent there to give the factory workers fluids through IV due to the extreme heat conditions. He said he wore a lead suit to avoid exposure to the chemicals. 4. The veteran noted that he witnessed fire fights almost every day when he was a part of a Calvary unit in Iraq. 5. The veteran reported having to clean up after two soldiers committed suicide by gun, both in the same week. He denied witnessing the actual suicide, but witnessed "the mess afterwards." 6. The veteran stated that he witnessed an Iraqi national blow himself up with a grenade. He said they had to store "what was left of the body" in their storage room for a few days. 7. The veteran said that on several occasions while riding in convoys through cities, his vehicle would crash into cars in front of them to get them out of the way. He sometimes had to work on the injured bodies. MEDICAL: Pre-military: Denied. Military: Denied. Post-military: The veteran reported having Asthma and Sleep Apnea. He noted that his asthma is well controlled by making changes suggested by doctors including using a heap filter in his home, removing all carpet, and using a mattress cover. He indicated that his Sleep Apnea was "fixed" after he had a surgery on his nose in 2009. He denied taking any prescription medication at the present time. Veteran denied a history of head injury or loss of consciousness. He indicated that on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable), his current pain level is at a 1. The pain is generally located in lower back. He stated that he has been prescribed a muscle relaxer; however, he does not take it because it makes him sick. He reported taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. VA Active Problem LIST: 3. Stressors ------------ a. Stressor #1: The veteran reported three months into his deployment in Iraq, he and another medic were called up to the front gate on the base, where there were two young teenagers each shot in the chest. He and the other medic drove the boys to the closest hospital. The veteran reported riding in the back of the vehicle to work on the wounded. He stated that one of the boys died before they arrived at the hospital. When they arrived at the hospital, the teenagers' families were there visibly distraught in the waiting area. He stated that he blames himself for the one teenager dying because he did not do enough to save him. This is one of the events that the veteran reported on VA Form 21-0781 (Statement in Support of Claim of PTSD). 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? [X] Yes [ ] No Is the stressor related to personal assault, e.g. military sexual trauma? [ ] Yes [X] No 4. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria --------------------------- Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. 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. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, referred to as Criteria A-H, are from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DMS-5). Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious injury, c) sexual violatrion, in one or more of the following ways: [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). 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). 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] Hypervigilance. [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: [X] The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or another medical condition. 5. Symptoms ----------- For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that apply to the Veterans diagnoses: [X] Depressed mood [X] Anxiety [X] Chronic sleep impairment 6. Behavioral Observations -------------------------- Appearance: Neatly groomed and dressed appropriately Affect: Constricted Mood: Depressed and mildly anxious as evidenced by fidgeting and mild restlessness Eye contact: Adequate Speech: Fluent in rate and low in volume Approach to clinical interview: Cooperative 7. Other symptoms ----------------- Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other mental disorders) that are not listed above? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe: The veteran indicated that he has disturbing memories every day of his time in Iraq, specifically the stressor event involving the two teenagers. He reported experiencing these intrusive thoughts for the last 10 years. He stated, "I thought it was memories that would go away, but it seems like it has only gotten worse." He reported that he has had disturbing dreams about his stressful experiences in Iraq five times a week. His dream content includes the stressor event as well as other events of death from his deployment. He also reported that his wife has told him on several occasions that he has woken up in the middle of the night shaking, sweating, and "physically checking her to make sure she's okay." He indicated that he does not remember these experiences. He stated that this has been occurring approximately three nights a week for at least the past two years. he veteran stated that he avoids thinking and talking about his military experience by trying to distract himself and stay busy. He noted that he is currently involved in a therapy that involves him writing about the traumatic event with the two teenagers. He reported having significant difficulty completing this assignment. He stated that he had to read the written account of the trauma in a session, and he almost walked out and only read half of the account. He noted that he has trouble remembering what occurred "three or four hours" after the traumatic event. The veteran reported feeling guilt and having thoughts of self-blame about the traumatic event because he believes that he did not do enough in the situation to save the boy's life. He reported feeling persistent negative emotions of fear and concern for others safety. He noted that this has caused problems in his marriage-"I drive my wife crazy. I think about the worse possible scenario that can happened in a situation. I feel that I have to prepare her for anything. Like when she runs, I make sure she has a stun gun and pepper spray." He stated that his wife goes on business trips often, and if he does not speak to her before going to bed, he will stay up all night worrying about what could have happened to her. He indicated that he also worries about their children's safety, as well as his own. He reported that before his deployment to Iraq he could fly on a plane with no difficulty, but after he returned, he had his first and only panic attack on a plane. He has an upcoming trip planned, and he is worrying about the flight. He denied worrying about issues other than safety. The veteran stated that after exposure to the stressful military experience, he no longer enjoys going to social gatherings and playing video games. He said he has no desire to go to social events and wants to stay home much of the time. He noted that he sometimes goes to social gatherings with wife, but he ends up leaving because he feels uncomfortable, anxious, and like he does not fit in. The said that he feels distant from most people, especially his family and friends. He acknowledged feeling closer to his wife since they began marriage counseling. He noted that he felt completed cut off from his first wife when he returned from deployment, which led to their divorce. The veteran does not feel like he is able to have loving feelings toward his family and stated, "I feel numb, just not a lot of emotions at all." The veteran endorsed having sleep impairment including difficulty maintaining and reinitiating sleep. He reported that he typically obtains six hours of broken sleep per night. He indicated waking the night at least five times a week and feels very tired the following day. The veteran noted that he sometimes has significant difficulty reinitiating sleep and can stay up for two or three hours until returning to sleep. He said that he has experienced increased irritability and is easily irritated by "normal life things that I blow way out of proportion and cause a lot of arguments." He reported that he raises his voice a few times a week and throws objects occasionally. The veteran reported that he has difficulty concentrating; however, he has a history of a diagnosis of ADHD so it cannot be determined if his difficulty concentrating is trauma-related or related to the ADHD. The veteran indicated that he is watchful and always on guard. He described looking out of the windows of his home "constantly?even during the night." He also said he repeatedly checks that doors are locked. He reported experiencing hypervigilance outside of his home, which leads to avoidance of crowds, stores, and long lines. He noted that he shops online for most items he needs. The veteran endorsed worrying about dirt and germs for approximately the past ten years. He indicated that he takes three showers a day and frequently imagines germs that could be on door handles and in bathrooms. He denied any excessive behavioral compulsions or mental acts. He noted that he believes that he takes three showers daily because he can remember not being able to take showers for days during deployment. The veteran endorsed experiencing depressed mood most days. He was not able to determine when he first began having depressed mood but indicated that he "realized" it approximately a year ago. He noted that his depressed mood became more noticeable as his nightmares and sleep difficulties increased. The veteran also endorsed restlessness, which was observed in the evaluation, and fatigue. He endorsed having negative feelings about himself including feeling like a failure and feeling worthless. He denied suicidal ideation. PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING: PCL-5: Veteran scored a 59. No score interpretation will be provided as cut-points specific to PCL-5 are preliminary and still being validated. PAI: The veteran completed the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) before the clinical interview. For this protocol, the number of uncompleted items is within acceptable limits. His scores suggest that he attended appropriately to item content; however, there is evidence of some unusual responding (INF = 67). Elevations on this score can be due to reading difficulties, random responding, confusion, idiosyncratic item interpretation, or failure to follow the test instructions. Regardless of the cause, due to some unusual responses, any interpretive hypotheses based on this protocol should be reviewed with caution. Notably, there is no evidence of positive or negative impression management. The veteran's profile reflects an individual experiencing impairment associated with anxiety and fear surrounding some situations; this scale elevation is driven by a distressing reaction to traumatic events. His fear is also related to common phobic fears. These fears may lead him to monitor his environment in an effort to avoid contact with the feared situation which is consistent with the veteran's report of worry related to germs, safety, and hypervigilance. Individuals with a similar profile also report experiencing significant anxiety and tension. The veteran's profile indicates that his anxiety manifest primarily in cognitive and affective sources of anxiety. Individuals with similar profiles experience significant worry and are likely to be overconcerned about situations over which they have no control. Additionally, they tend to be easily fatigued as a result of perceived high stress. This is consistent with the veteran's report of worries about others' safety and experiencing fatigue. Also consistent with data from the clinical interview, the veteran's profile indicates that he experiences significant depressive symptomatology. Depressed mood, lack of interest in normal activities, sleep impairment, and feelings of worthlessness and failure are prominent. He perceives himself as isolated, misunderstood, and detached from others. As verified in the clinical interview, he experiences discomfort in interpersonal contact. The veteran shared that he feels like he does not "fit in" in social situations anymore. While the veteran's profile includes an elevation on a scale assessing severe personality disorder, as the scale elevation was driven only by a high degree of identity problems. People with similar scale elevations experience uncertainty about major life issues and have difficulty developing and maintaining a sense of purpose. Notably, the veteran reported that he has experienced increased irritability; however, the aggression and irritability scales were not significantly elevated in his profile. Veteran's clinical scale T-scores are provided below for reference. ICN 46 INF 67 NIM 59 PIM 34 SOM 52 ANX 79 ARD 90 DEP 83 MAN 52 PAR 64 SCZ 73 BOR 70 ANT 58 ALC 50 DRG 42 AGG 56 SUI 49 STR 53 NON 72 RXR 35 DOM 44 WRM 24 8. Competency ------------- Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes [ ] No 9. Remarks, if any ------------------ This C&P evaluation was completed by (psychology intern) and cosigned by (licensed psychologist). The veteran was given an opportunity to provide any additional information regarding his mental health and overall functioning that was not covered in the structured clinical interview. He indicated that he did not have anything else to add. The veteran currently meets criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The veteran's PTSD is at least as likely as not caused by or a result of the reported traumatic stressors experienced during his military service in Iraq. Notably, the veteran currently is involved in evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD, and it is likely that with continued treatment, he may experience a significant reduction in symptoms. Also important to note, while engaging in treatment, individuals' symptom frequency and severity tends to increase especially at the beginning of treatment. Therefore, the current evaluation may not be an accurate reflection of the veteran's symptom severity prior to entering treatment nor the severity after he completes treatment. Although ADHD was not fully assessed in the present evaluation, the veteran denied significant ADHD symptoms with the exception of concentration difficulties. ADHD does not appear to be part of the clinical picture at the present time and as a result, the diagnosis was not assigned. NOTE: VA may request additional medical information, including additional examinations if necessary to complete VA's review of the Veteran's application.

Things are moving along faster than I expected, got a call today saying they were sending a letter with my C and P exam date, checked E-benefits when I got home and its scheduled for 7/29. Ive been going every week for treatment and the counselor says Im doing well.

thanks for the kind words everyone, I start my treatment program this coming Wednesday. During my marriage counseling this past friday my counselor mentioned that he PTSD counselor had called her and told her she was very impressed with me, not really sure what this meant but she said a counselor has never called her before to say anything like this. I told her I didnt know what to think of it and she said it was a good thing, whatever that means.

one other question is about the new ebenefits site, seems like they put some effort into it and it looks better than when I filed before on vonapp i think it was called. Does anyone actually get an estimated time of completion on here or is this just wishful thinking. Also the site is painfully slow. I had to type my experiences in word and copy and paste due to it refreshing and clearing everything

thanks for the replies. The couples counseling has far exceeded my expectations in just a short time. The psychologist is trying to come up with a plan for the PTSD treatment because they are saying its very time consuming at least for 12 weeks.

Just a little background, Im 10% service connected for asthma. Ive been out of the Army for 10 years now. I sought couples therapy a few months ago for myself and my wife through the VA and the counselor was thinking most of my problems were attributed to PTSD. She referred me to the PTSD unit who I had an appointment with yesterday for a screening. Using the info the other counselor gave me and the questions she went through she told me I have PTSD and is going to talk with my other family counselor and call me back to make a treatment plan. So last night I went on the E-benefits site and submitted a new claim. So far I have pretty much told my story which is pretty traumatizing to 2 counselors and to the e-benefits website. Basically my question is will I have to go back to the same place and sit with someone else for the claim and do it all over again and go through the whole thing or do they just use what they have? Im assuming its also the same people who do the claims because its in the same building. Last time I think I waited about a year for processing of my claim, is it still around the same time? I will try to get some sort of copies and post them on here to see what other people think. Thanks for your help

Just went for a C&P today and 1 of my claims is sleep apnea. They can basically just ask you questions about. Not much else they can really do. Your sleep study test is what proves it.

Well my exam is in the morning. Hopefully the doctor will be familiar with burn pit illnesses.

actually, i stopped taking most of my asthma medications 2 days ago to prepare for my pulmonary functions test tomorrow. I cant wait to get back on them though.

Actually just some tests are tomorrow, Radiology, lab, and pulmonary functions test. I have something called GMED and Psychiatrist next week. I have many problems, including asthma, sleep apnea, gerd, and allergies. These are well documented with the VA where I am treated. Just wondering if anyone can offer any additional tips. Thanks