[Mitral valve replacement?]

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?

[Mitral valve replacement?]

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

[Mitral valve replacement?]

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. 

[Mitral valve replacement?]

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.

[C&p Results, Can I Get An Opinion Please?]

thanks guys, appreciated

[C&p Results, Can I Get An Opinion Please?]

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.

[A Few Questions About Ptsd Claim]

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.

[A Few Questions About Ptsd Claim]

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.

[A Few Questions About Ptsd Claim]

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

[A Few Questions About Ptsd Claim]

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.

[A Few Questions About Ptsd Claim]

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

[C & P Exams For Sleep Apnea]

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.

[C&p Exam Tomorrow For Burn Pit Exposure, Any Tips?]

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

[C&p Exam Tomorrow For Burn Pit Exposure, Any Tips?]

GMED = General Medical

A C&P exam is no time to man - up.

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.

[C&p Exam Tomorrow For Burn Pit Exposure, Any Tips?]

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

[Va Sees Huge Increase In Sleep Apnea Cases]

In my case and many others , burn pits seem the likely source. I know Dan Rather did a story on this a while back. I am not overweight 1 bit and I am young with severe sleep apnea, asthma, sinusitis etc. I am 30 years old, 6'2 185lbs. I did not have any of these problems prior to deployment to Iraq. I take around 8-10 medicines per day now. I cannot tolerate the CPAP and I am being referred to ENT for surgical options now. It is very depressing. My fiance is a lawyer and a vet so she helped me submit my claim in March. Hopefully all goes well with it.

[New Here]

Welcome to Hadit,

Yeah and it was denied. To bad I did not know about this web site at the time, I might have had a better outcome.

Bergie

What symptoms did you have? Do you know why it was denied? How long ago was this??

[New Here]

Just wanted to say hi. I just submitted a claim in March for asthma, and OSA. We are thinking it came from exposure to burn pits. Luckily my fiance is an attorney and helped me get the application together. I am still doubtful that it will be approved. I have never been sick in my life and now I am taking 10 medicines a day for different problems. Anyone else submit a claim about burn pits???

Thanks