Search the Community

Hello everyone and thank you for accepting me in to the forum. Last year I filed a new claim for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. For the past 3 years, I have been seeing a civilian psychiatrist for my anxiety and depression. She had already diagnosed me with GAD and Major Depression, and I have been on anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and sleep medication. I was on differing types of the same medications since coming out of the service, but it wasn't until about 3 years ago, that I admitted to myself that I needed mental help, and that is when I started seeing my civilian psychiatrist, and that is when I first heard of GAD and Major Depression, when she said she had diagnosed me with them. It was at her suggestion, that I file a claim with the VA for GAD and Major Depression. She said she very much felt like my conditions were associated with my time in the service. When it was finally time to have my C&P exam, I was interviewed by a VA psychologist. I told her about my civilian psychiatrist, and her diagnosis for me, and the medications she had me on. I also talked to her about my time in the service, me being overseas in the Gulf War, and me being in a humanitarian mission in Ecuador. I told her about my friend who was with me during basic training. And how he was shot and killed right in front of me, in a horrible accident, during one of our live ammunition training exercises. I told her how all this had affected me from those moments on, all the way until now. At the end of our meeting, she told me that she felt like my condition was more PTSD, rather than Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. At the time I didn't think anything of what she said; that is until I was sent my denial letter. In my denial, it stated that my 2 claims for GAD and Major Depression, was changed to GAD (to include PTSD) and Major Depression (to include PTSD). So the VA psychiatrist did what she said she would. She essentially changed what I had claimed, and added (to include PTSD) on each of my 2 claims. So, for the basis of PTSD, there has to be a proven stressor. The VA used what I had talked to the psychiatrist about the death of my friend during boot camp, as my stressor. The VA said they searched records during the time I was at boot camp, and found no incidents related to what I was saying. So, because the VA psychiatrist took it upon herself, to change my claimed conditions from GAD and Major Depression, to GAD (to include PTSD) and Major Depression (to include PTSD), now it was up to me to prove a stressor, because with claims associated with PTSD, you must prove your stressor. I knew from talking to other Army buddies of mine, how difficult it could be sometimes to find old records of deaths. The death of my friend during boot camp happened in 1962 at Ft. Jackson, SC. My civilian psychiatrist never suggested to me that I had PTSD. She always said it was Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. If I had wanted to file a claim for PTSD, I would have done so. But I knew how difficult it would be for the VA to search for and find any record of the death of my friend at boot camp. So I filed GAD and Major Depression, because I was told those claims did not require a specific stressor (exact time, place, person, etc). I was told that GAD and Major Depression, could be claims based on your entire military career, with everything you've done and everything you've experienced, all amounting to intense anxiety and depression. So that is why I claimed GAD and Major Depression, over that of PTSD. But because the VA psychiatrist took it upon herself to change my 2 claimed conditions, and added the words (to include PTSD) to each of my claimed conditions, it was not just GAD and Major Depression any longer; it includes PTSD, which requires a specific and provable stressor. I had a stressor, and very specific one - the death of my friend during live ammunition exercises during our time at Ft. Jackson, SC boot camp in the summer of 1962. But the VA said neither they nor the JSRRC could find any record of that taking place. If my 2 claims had remained what they were suppose to be, simply GAD and simply Major Depression, I do not think I would have been denied. But because the VA psychiatrist added PTSD to each of my conditions, the VA asked for my stressor, the VA and JSRRC said they could find no record of my stressor, so my claims were denied. I believe I would have been approved if not for the VA psychiatrist adding PTSD to my 2 claimed conditions. So with all that said (and I apologize for the length of it), is there any hope for me, if I appeal my denial? And do any of you know how I would go about appealing it? Would I simply say to the VA that I disagree with the VA psychiatrist adding PTSD to my 2 claims, when I never claimed PTSD myself?; that that was her decision entirely. I have had a VA Disability Representative for the past couple of years, but he was utterly useless. He never answered my calls or emails. He basically never helped me at all. I did most all myself over eBenefits. But now, since I've had this recent denial, I have considered hiring a VA Disability Law Firm to take my case. I've spoken with 2 so far. They both told me I had a very strong case and that I could win. But they also said they couldn't take my case because of their huge client load. I think it was simply that they could probably win my case, but there wouldn't have been much in the line of backpay, so they wouldn't have gotten much compensation for their work for me. So I guess I will continue searching for other VA Disability Lawyers, or I may have to appeal my denied claim myself over eBenefits. Could any of you, please help me with this? I have read many questions on here regarding GAD and Major Depression, but I haven't come across one yet, where they filed a claim for GAD and Major Depression, and then the VA psychiatrist during the C&P exam, decided to change the claim (to include PTSD), thereby changing the criteria for acceptance, by now making me prove a specific stressor, instead of it she had just left my 2 claimed conditions alone, without including PTSD to them, then no specific stressor was required - it would simply go by your overall experiences while in service. I am a 20 year Veteran by the way, with most of my time served in the National Guard. But I was activated numerous times during my 20 years, including during the Gulf War. It isn't my fault that the death of my friend during boot camp, isn't something the VA or JSRRC can locate in records. If the VA psychiatrist had just left my 2 claimed conditions alone, instead of tacking on (to include PTSD), then the VA wouldn't have even had to search for a specific incident, they would have just based my conditions on my overall military experiences. Thank you for any help, assistance, or advice you might be able to give. Donald

Hi all! Just found this site and from the looks of it there are more answers here than with the VA or with my VSO, so here goes. Several months ago I filed for asbestos exposure issues arising from Naval Service (old snipe on an older no longer existing aircraft carrier). Everything I've read and printed out for future use, notes that evidence of asbestos exposure typically doesn't rear it's ugly head for 30- 50 years. Which it has in my case. Lung fibrosis, calcified and non-calcified pleural plaques and a small lung (possibly benign) lung nodule all revealed initially poorly via an x-ray and later better identified by a CT scan. All on my dime. I thought I'd just have to grin and bear it until a Vet informed me about it being related to my naval background so I filed with the VA using a VSO. (I should point out that as of yet I do not have lung cancer, mesothelioma or asbestosis.) Two things. I get my response from the VA and they tell me that because I didn't file within one year of discharge (1968) I couldn't file for prostate cancer, which I have been operated on for this year, and still have some residuals that I'll probably have for the rest of my life. Then, they inform me they want a C&P exam, by a contractor, performed regarding my "pleural plaques." (Pleural plaques are evidence of asbestos exposure causing the moderate lung fibrosis and the lung nodule. The only concentrated asbestos exposure I had was during my Naval enlistment.) So, I went in to the C&P with print-outs noting asbestos exposure has a long latency period, how it can cause pleural and calcified and non-calcified pleural plaques, as well as a copy of my CT scan. The doctor could have cared less. He actually pushed away the paperwork I had brought with me. He never took vitals. Nothing. I was there to get a chest x-ray (not worth a crap compared to a CT scan) and to take a pulmonary function test. He opted not to do the x-ray when he glanced at my CT scan report, that he had previously pushed away, spoke out loud more to himself than me, stating, "I can use this." And, pretty much dismissed me, stating as he walked out the door that his report would be done in two or three days. Oh, and the chest x-ray was never done. The "nurse" then did my PFT exam. I either flunked it or failed it so miserably, she gave up after administering the test five (not three) times in about as many minutes. Simply put, I ran out of air, I guess, faster than she thought I should. Every time I took the test I happened to cough into the tube as I ran out of air. Twice. She said the machine read that I was coughing not exhaling. I told her that I was out of air by that time and of course I was coughing. So then, she let me hold the machine, I took a deep breathe, exhaled and as I started to cough pushed the machine away from me so I didn't cough (heaven forbid) into the tube. I did that three times and by then I was about to pass out. She ultimately left the room and came back in a few minutes later letting me know I could go. As to the prostate cancer, I have found several internet articles from medical sites that link asbestos exposure and prostate cancer and have proffered them with my Request for Reconsideration. Assuming this request takes months for yet another denial, does the time it take for their reconsideration adversely impact the year I have to file either a NOD or an appeal? Any like cases or suggestions out there?

my husband was 70% PTSD with GAF score of 50% Viet Nam Vet.. He was killed by the VA 41/2 years ago, and so I receive Pension on those grounds. But before "They killed him" we had 3 claims pending: Agent orange : (needed to prove in contiguous waters) They are denying AO because he was on a ship and a "Secret Mission" so very hard to get verification. (waiting on C-Files). Aid and Attendance : ( I took care of him for several years) A&A : Outright denial.. He was on oxygen, 80 pills a day and 5 shots a day.. I also have recorded (from another non VA hospital.. he could not take care of any daily activities. So why the denial.. We were denied twice before he died. TDIU : back pay since (at least) PTSD rating. Beyond, because of Gross negligence on the part of the VA (Not including conceeding his death) which has all been very well documented. WHAT I NEED TO DO NOW IS!! figure out how to remove an old Social Security claim. (back trouble, of which he was receiving care for at the Va) but it should not "Supersede" his claim for TDIU.. (of which we had not been receiving any monies for, for a very long time. I don't know how to move forward. How would I get it removed or make the VA not use the SSI to deny his Unemployability claim??? I don't think going to SS office would be beneficial because it has been a "Mute" point with them for a long time.. So I am assuming it would lie somewhere within the VA system. BUT WHERE?? WHO?? and HOW??

If a c and p examiner checked the box stating it was an in-person exam, and it was not. Is this good enough for appeal for remand or reversal?

Does this sound or look right to anyone? Denied TDIU... ========================================================================= Date/Time: 20 Jun 2017 @ 0800 Note Title: C&P MENTAL DISORDER Location: Chalmers P Wylie VA Outpatnt Signed By: HOULE,ALLISON C Co-signed By: HOULE,ALLISON C Date/Time Signed: 20 Jun 2017 @ 1641 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL TITLE: C&P MENTAL DISORDER STANDARD TITLE: MENTAL HEALTH C & P EXAMINATION CONSULT DATE OF NOTE: JUN 20, 2017@08:00 ENTRY DATE: JUN 20, 2017@16:41:06 AUTHOR: HOULE,ALLISON C EXP COSIGNER: URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED *** C&P MENTAL DISORDER Has ADDENDA *** Review Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Disability Benefits Questionnaire Name of patient/Veteran: xxxxxxx Is this DBQ being completed in conjunction with a VA 21-2507, C&P Examination Request? [X] Yes [ ] No 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: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ICD Code: F43.10 Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Opioid Use Disorder, Severe, In early remission, on maintenance therapy ICD Code: F11.20 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? [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 and discuss whether there is any clinical association between these diagnoses: The veteran's symptoms are primarily related to his PTSD since he has not used substances in more than six months. 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 reduced reliability and productivity 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? [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed If yes, list which portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis: The veteran's impairment is related to his PTSD. 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 ------------------ Evidence reviewed (check all that apply): [X] VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) [X] CPRS Evidence Comments: The veteran's electronic medical records (CPRS & VistAWeb) and military records (VBMS) were reviewed. The veteran was referred for a compensation and pension examination. The veteran was informed verbally of the nature and purpose of the examination and confidentiality limits. He appeared to have a basic understanding of the purpose of the examination and confidentiality limits. He was provided with a chance to ask questions about the evaluation procedures. All questions were answered to reasonable satisfaction or referred to other resources. He was informed that this examiner is not his treating clinician or the legal determiner of compensation or pension benefits. Instead, he was informed that this examiner is an independent provider of clinical information and expertise to assist those who review and make legal compensation and pension claim decisions and would not be participating in her healthcare. He was given information about the Veteran's 24-hour Crisis Line. The veteran indicated understanding of these terms and explicitly and freely consented to the evaluation. The judgments of symptoms and opinions in this evaluation report are offered to a reasonable degree of psychological certainty and are only based upon the information available at the time of the evaluation. This report was dictated using Dragon Naturally Speaking dictation software. The report has been proofread; however, there still may be some typographical errors due to the nature of the dictation software. The veteran began participating in recovery services at the VA in May 2017. His last group note was dated 5/31/17. A note dated 2/26/17, by Dr. Laurie Berger, indicates that the veteran began therapy at the Vet Center in October 2016. He attends therapy on a weekly basis. He attended six sessions with Dr. Berger when this note was written. The veteran was initially evaluated for a C&P exam by Dr. Janine Schroeder on 3/22/17. 2. Recent History (since prior exam) ------------------------------------ a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history: The veteran was born and raised in xxxx. He was raised by his mother and father until they divorced when he was 7 years old. The veteran then lived with his mother until he was 14 years old. The veteran's mother remarried when he was 11 years old and he reported that he did not get along well with his stepfather. He went to live with his father at 14 years of age due to being disrespectful towards his stepfather. The veteran has one older sister and one younger brother. The veteran's father did not remarry, but he was in a relationship with the same woman for 20 years. He reported physical abuse by his father throughout his adolescent years. He recalled one incident where he got a black eye after his father hit him. He denied any Child Protective Services involvement. The veteran describes his father as emotionally absent. His father died in 2007 from a heart attack. The veteran is a 36-year-old, divorced male. He was married in 2001 for five years and divorced in 2006. The veteran reported that they divorced due to his drug use. They have a 1X-year-old daughter together. His ex-wife and daughter live in xxxxx. He maintained some contact with his daughter, but has not seen her in several years. The veteran reported that he was involved in a relationship for a few years following his divorce. They are no longer in a relationship, but are close friends. The veteran reported that he has spends time with three friends from high school. The veteran stated that he enjoys gardening. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history: The veteran reported that he did not enjoy school and did not want to do the work. He frequently skipped school to go skating. He stated that he would "have a few beers and smoked pot" when he skipped school. He reported being suspended several times for truancy, fighting, and disrespect towards teachers. He was never held back a grade. He was expelled his junior year of high school due to nonattendance. He earned his GED in 1997. The veteran worked for his father from 1997 until 1999 doing ironwork. The veteran enlisted in the Navy in October 1999. He reported several disciplinary issues while in the service related to going AWOL, being late, and underage drinking. He reported that the sexual assault occurred in the summer of 2001. The veteran received a general under honorable conditions discharge in September 2001 for misconduct. The veteran worked in Virginia Beach beginning in September 2001 doing ironwork. He worked at a company for one year and was fired due to not showing up for work and using alcohol and drugs. He then worked for Roofing Services Incorporated from September 2002 until August 2003. The veteran then earned his tanker men certification, z card, and AB certification to work on tugboats. He worked on boats from September 2003 until March 2005. At that time his wife left him and he moved back to Ohio to be closer to his family. The veteran continued working on boats in Ohio until the summer of 2005 when he got fired. The veteran was incarcerated from 2006 until 2016. After his release from prison, he worked with friends doing landscaping and painting. He began working at ABS Money Systems in January 2017, a company that his mother owns. The veteran reported that he was working 30-40 hours per week for the first two months. He stated that his hours have declined significantly since March and he is currently working 5-6 hours per week. He stated that his work has declined due to his mental health symptoms. However, according to the initial C & P exam, "he is unable to do a lot for her because she works serving ATM machines in banks and with his record he isn't allowed to work in banks." He also reported that his employment since the military has been "short-lived due to his drug and alcohol use." c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health: The veteran reported that he was diagnosed with ADHD during childhood and received treatment. The veteran reported a suicide attempt in 2001 after he was discharged from the military. He began attending treatment at the Vet Center in October 2016. He reported that he attends individual therapy twice per week with Dr. Berger. The veteran described his mood as "anxious, paranoid, and depressed." He stated that he feels as though he "can't get a break." He reported having passive thoughts of suicide, but stated that he does not have a plan or intention to kill himself. He stated "I couldn't do that to my family." He stated that he has had difficulty dealing with his emotions since he is no longer using substances and does not have an escape. He stated "I don't have the coping skills." He described having difficulty sleeping and stated that he does not sleep every night. He stated that he is not feel safe in his bed. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history: The veteran reported that he had several misdemeanor offenses as a juvenile, including truancy, driving without a license, and theft. He reported that he was arrested for selling drugs at 18 years of age and was placed on probation for one year. According to the previous exam, he was arrested numerous times from June 1998 to September 1999. The veteran was convicted of armed robbery for robbing three pharmacies with a weapon. He served a 10-year prison sentence beginning in October 2006 and was released in September 2016. He is currently on parole for five years. e. Relevant Substance abuse history: The veteran reported that he first drank alcohol at 10 years of age. He began regularly drinking alcohol during high school. He began smoking marijuana at 15 years of age on the weekends. He also experimented with mushrooms and pain/anxiety medication that he took from his father. The veteran's alcohol use increased significantly while in the military. He denied using any drugs while in the service. After his discharge from the service, he continued using alcohol and marijuana. In 2002, he began using narcotic pain medication. He also began using heroin and reported that he eventually used heroin intravenously. The veteran reported using substances throughout his time in prison. He reported that he has been clean from drugs and alcohol since October 2016. He has maintained sobriety using Suboxone. He currently attends AA meetings approximately once per week. He attends substance abuse groups at the VA twice per month. f. Other, if any: No response provided. 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 Criterion 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 violence, in one or more of the following ways: [X] Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s) 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] Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of awareness of present surroundings). [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 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 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 the individual to blame himself/herself or others. [X] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame). [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] 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] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood [X] Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships 5. Behavioral observations -------------------------- The veteran arrived 10 minutes late for his appointment and was pleasant upon meeting. The veteran was oriented to person, place, situation, and time. His grooming and hygiene were adequate. He made appropriate eye contact and presented with a depressed mood with a congruent affect. His speech was within normal limits for tone, volume, and rate. His thoughts were logical, linear, and goal-directed. He did not evidence any psychotic symptoms, including responding to auditory or visual hallucinations and delusional beliefs. On a brief mental status exam he was able to freely recall two of three words presented after a brief delay. He was able to recall six digits forward and three digits backward. He was able to complete a serial seven subtraction task with no errors to seven places. He was able to spell the word WORLD forwards and backwards. He was able to complete a two-digit addition and subtraction tasks. He was able to compare an apple and banana and was able to reason abstractly when comparing a poem and a statue. His response to the proverb "don't cry over spilled milk" was good. He was not able to provide a response to the proverb "people in glass houses should not throw stones." 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: --------------------------------------------------- The veteran was administered a psychological measurement that is useful for interpreting the veracity of other data provided by an examinee during a psychological or neuropsychological examination. This assessment can assist in evaluating and making a clinical opinion regarding the veracity of an examinee's purported symptoms. Research has determined that this tool is a useful instrument to administer in order to screen for possible feigning of PTSD symptoms. The following results should be interpreted in light of the fact that the measurement that was chosen is a screening tool and not designed as a definitive measure of whether or not an individual is feigning mental illness. The Veteran's total score was not elevated beyond the cut-off score. Therefore, his PTSD symptoms are considered to be credible. The veteran was administered the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Instrument-2-Restructred Form (MMPI-2-RF), which is a self-report psychological assessment used to identify a variety of psychological syndromes. The veteran was provided a quiet, private room to complete the testing. It appears the veteran understood the items and responded to the items in a consistent manner. The veteran over-reported psychological dysfunction, which is evidenced by a considerably larger than average number of infrequent responses. The veteran also possibly overreported symptoms associated with non-credible memory complaints. Although there is evidence of over reporting of symptoms, the profile is considered valid and will be interpreted. Overall, the veteran endorsed considerable emotional distress that is likely perceived as a crisis. The veteran reported feeling sad and dissatisfied with his currently circumstances. He reported a lack of positive emotional experiences, a lack of energy, and a lack of interest in activities. He also reported experiencing various negative emotional experiences including anxiety, anger, and fear. The veteran also reported a significant history of antisocial behavior. This behavior includes involvement with the criminal justice system, difficulty with authority figures, conflictual interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, juvenile delinquency, and substance abuse. The veteran also endorsed various unusual thought and perceptual processes. The veteran endorsed a diffuse pattern of cognitive difficulties including memory complaints. He also reported past suicidal ideation and feelings of helplessness. The veteran endorsed feelings of anxiety, being anger prone, and experiencing multiple fears that restrict his activity inside and outside of the home. He also reported being unassertive and shy. The veteran endorsed not enjoying social events and avoiding social situations. He also reported disliking being around people. On a scale of personality pathology, the veteran endorsed being self-critical and guilt-prone. He also endorsed being pessimistic and feeling depressed. The veteran is currently diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder, Severe, In early remission, on maintenance therapy. The veteran currently lives alone and is not involved in a romantic relationship. He maintains phone contact with his daughter. He has a close relationship with his mother, sister, and two friends. He is currently working for his mother's company. He reported experiencing symptoms of PTSD. He is attempting to cope with his emotions without the use of drugs. The veteran has been employed numerous times and has been fired for tardiness or alcohol and drug use. He is currently working 5-6 hours per week for his mother's company. According to the previous C&P exam, he is not able to work many hours due to not being permitted to work inside of a bank due to his felony record. The veteran reported that he was "working" during his 10 years in prison selling drugs. He denied having any difficulties while in prison. The veteran is capable of following instructions and performing simple tasks. He is able to concentrate on a simple task and respond appropriately to coworkers and supervisors. /es/ ALLISON C HOULE, PHD C&P Psychologist Signed: 06/20/2017 16:41 06/20/2017 ADDENDUM STATUS: COMPLETED The veteran presented for his appointment. The report from the C&P Exam was completed in Capri by Allison Houle, PhD; procedure code 99456 and 96101. /es/ ALLISON C HOULE, PHD C&P Psychologist Signed: 06/20/2017 16:42

How do i proceed with this claim I filed in Nov 2016 which has been denied without a C&P exam or any communication from the VA. I currently have a VSO but they are completely useless so that is not an option, (when I informed my VSO that i intended to file this claim he said to me you are already rated 70 percent so why rock the boat?). Denial Letter 4-29-17.pdf

This is EXTREMELY humiliating but I don't know where else to go for anonymous help. Please be gentle, I'm not proud of my past. I had posted in the PTSD forum, but I can be more specific here since my issues stem from MST. I have some issues from my childhood, I do have a psych history including suicide attempt at age 9 (which I didn't even remember until after I was at my first duty station), verbally and possibly physically abusive step fathers (5 total), my mother walked out several times when I was a child and told my dad she didn't want me and wouldn't call me for months, my step-brother sexually abused me when we were around 7 years old, I was in a rehab center for teens for cutting myself when I was 12...I lost my virginity to alcohol induced rape at 17 and joined the marines about a year and a half later to make something of myself. I was involved in a party after boot camp when I was in my MOS school and a group of army guys passed myself and my drunk friend around at a party and had their way with us. I started having a lot of problems after that and became a heavy alcohol user and extremely promiscuous the next 4 years of my enlistment. Most of my encounters happened when I was too drunk to remember or even walk for that matter. I had been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder about 4 months into my first duty station and I never reported to my psych doctors that I was drinking like I was...most of the time I denied I drank at all. I told them about what happened as a child but would never bring up things that were happening in service out of humiliation, guilt, pain, fear that it would get back to my command and I would be reprimanded or mocked or looked down on more than I already was. I was the 'barracks whore'. I was hospitalized several times in service and often had counseling from my command, got very overweight, caught chlamydia once and begged for hysterectomy and tubal procedures which were all denied. I had a restraining order from my gysgt for homicidal thoughts towards him and got married to a man i knew for a month to get off base. After I got a medical separation for my back I ended up homeless in Denver, on acid (which I won't tell my councilors now in fear that it will hinder me getting compensation for the PTSD from MST), divorced and remarried, hospitalized a few more times, and now I am involved with CPS because we just had our first child and I am scared to be alone with him because I get so angry. I am petrified of being around men, my sex life with my husband doesn't exist, my emotional problems cause a huge disconnect in our marriage that we are fighting to keep... My C&P exam states that I have BPD not PTSD and that what I said at the exam (which wasn't much at all) was inconsistent with what was reported over the years. I feel like the 'doctor' conducting the exam did the 'Develop to Deny' trick, he was contradictory in his report, made some false statements, and denied me. I told him about the first incident in MOS school, but apparently that wasn't enough for him to think that I was affected at all. I have around 10 buddy statements ranging from family and friends that knew me prior to service to buddies that I actually served with that were BRUTALLY honest in their reports. My therapist says I definitely have PTSD, but she can't differentiate what is from childhood and what is from MST. I don't know what to do, I'm afraid anything I say will be misconstrued and that I'm ever going to get my PTSD rating. Also, for the test portion my report says, "MMPI2RF-Invalid profile (F z=1.53, Fp z=2.15, Dsrf z=1.94); clinical scales cannot be interpreted." --what the heck do those codes mean?

I received a determination letter stating that my husband's stomach issues and liver tenderness would not have been a symptom of HCV noting that these started prior to Viet Nam, where he was wounded. He totally messed up the dates. Injury occurred 05/70 symptoms started 07/70 - shown in his medical records. One medical examiner stated that his medical records did not show he received a transfusion. That's because there are no records from his time in the hospital in Saigon. Maybe I should restate that-those records were requested beginning 1999, again 2001 by my husband and by me in 2016. None were ever produced. Would either of these qualify for cue? The VA made their decision, denial of course, after I had requested his c-file and again, the medical records from the dates he was in the hospital. I requested and extension, 30 days after I receive the info. Wouldn't they have to honor that request? Thanks Pat

Dear Veterans, I just received another denial letter from the VA for my Left Knee and Sleep Apnea service connection. I'm currently working with a VA Claims Specialist in Long Island, New York to help me with the claims process. He has told me we will have to file a Notice of Disagreement / De Novo Review for the Left Knee and Sleep Apnea. He also advised me this process could take up to 1-2 years. This is unfortunate and I want to make sure the VA has everything they need to give me the proper decision. I've attached pictures of my original claims from July 2013, and the decisions I've received for Sleep Apnea and my Left Knee condition in May 2016. I originally submitted my Left Knee claim right before I got out in July 2013 and I was denied. I dislocated my Left Knee cap in 2012 while in service. Since 2013 my knee has gotten worse, I've attended many months of physical therapy and I recently had surgery in March 2016. My knee is now worse after the surgery, I'm unable to run and I'm still in physical therapy. All of this is coming out of pocket because the wait times were too long for physical therapy at the VA Hospital, and I didn't trust the VA with surgery. I was unable to submit the surgery to the VA because I received surgery after I submitted. I've submitted two (2) lay statements, a physical therapy report, and VA examination which was requested by the VA. The VA examination explained that I couldn't stand up for more then 15 mins without pain and that my knee would lock up making it difficult to walk. I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea in October 2013, just 3 months after I got out in July 2013. I submitted the claim a few months after because I wasn't sure about the claims process. I've submitted two (2) lay statements from Marines I deployed, lived and served with. I also have the doctors report from the VA hospital sleep study. With all this evidence I was still denied the claim. When I spoke to the VA rep on the phone they told me they didn't have my lay statements, however, the VA Claims Specialist I'm working with said this wouldn't matter because I was diagnosed within a year of discharge. I'm currently 50% with Anxiety and Depression and I have a special purpose claim for Erectile Dysfunction. Furthermore, the Left Knee claim is coming up as (New) on eBenefits even though I originally submitted in July 2013. Once I receive a decision will they back date the claim to July 2013 or from when the new claim was submitted? I appreciate all the help and suggestions you can offer. Semper Fi

I'm asking this question to see if anybody else has ever run into this, and this question is pertaining to only one of the conditions I was found unfit for. I was medically discharged out of the Army National Guard through the IDES system. The MEB determined that my degenerative disc disease, "was not incurred while entitled to base pay", did not "exist prior to service" but was "permanently aggravated by service". In the MEB Board summary "this condition could be a result of military duty during deployment, with permanent injury occurring while not on duty status". I should also note that I had been seen while in AIT for back pain due to sit-ups, and also was seen by an army doctor due to back pain upon return from deployment. (all documented in the records). As is the process with the IDES system, my MEB paperwork was sent to the VA for a rating. The VA's determination was: "2 . Service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (claimed as back) is denied. NIS; STR; NONEX 1. The veteran reported injuring his back in 2009 or 2010 at the beach and there is no evidence of a Nexus to active duty service. Therefore, SC is denied." "Your service treatment records did not contain complaints, treatments or, diagnoses for this condition." BUT for the purpose of the PEB: "For PEB purposes only-the evaluation for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is 20% disabling based on ROM. This makes the combined evaluation for PEB referred conditions of 40% disabling (20% for right ankle and 20% for lumbar spine=40%)" Now here is where it gets odd, when I received my PEB documents there was not one mention of the degenerative disc disease. It was as if it magically disappeared after the VA disagreed with the MEB determination. Other conditions that were found "fit" for duty were even included in the PEB but anything relating to my back was not mentioned. My questions are: Has anybody else had the VA disagree with the MEB determination without providing any sound medically analysis to over ride their decision? I thought that Horn v. Shinseki, 25 Vet.App. 231, 235 (2012) determined “VA may not rest on the notion that the record contains insufficient evidence of aggravation,” and the Secretary’s failure “to produce clear and unmistakable evidence of lack of aggravation” entitles a claimant to a finding of in-service aggravation of the preexisting condition).” Has anybody else successfully appealed a VA decision similar to this one? and if so what was the approach you took when appealing the decision?

I first enrolled on the Agent Orange Registry in about 2008. No real reason then, except others said it was a good idea to get on the list. I was in-country in Vietnam from 1968-69. In 2012, I saw that Ischemic Heart Disease was added as a covered Agent Orange disease as of September, 2010. I had a heart attack in 2006. So, I applied and got a 60% rating and was paid retro to September 2010. That 2-year lump sum deposit was sweet! In 2013, I applied for PTSD and was denied because of a doctor filling out his report wrong. I appealed and was granted 50% only 6 weeks later! Now, my rating increased to 80%. In December, 2014 I applied for a rating because the VA said I was a diabetic and put me on an RX. They rated me 20% for that, but not enough to change the 80% rating I already had. In February 2015, I asked to have the PTSD rating increased and that I had left my job 2 months earlier because of the PTSD. In April 2015, they increased my PTSD to 70%, for a new rating of 90% overall. However, they also put the added benefit of Unemployability on the claim, which boosted the claim way up there. With a spouse, I went from getting $1688 to $3415 per month! They now put me at 100% Total and Permanent disability! When that rating came in, I immediately went to my Motor Vehicle Dept and got a Disabled Veteran plate for my car. Cost: only $4.50/yr! Then to the county appraiser's office here in florida to file for my exemption. At 100% total and permanent, they waive 100% of your property taxes on your home! ($3600/yr savings!) If you are under 65, which I wasn't, you can also apply for a waiver of your monthly premium for some types of Servicemen's Group Life you may have. Also, but not the least, I went to a somewhat (75 mi. away) local Naval base and applied for a ID card that gives me 100% privileges at any commissary or exchange anywhere in the world, at any military base. I went to an Air Force one yesterday! I can even book a campsite or room at any base that offers it. Disney, Universal, etc are on the discount list too! The gist of all this, it's that you can do it yourself! Everything you need is available online .Sign up for Ebenefits online today! If you feel you need assistance, see your local VFW, American Legion, of VA Officer. Most states also have service officers that are paid by the state itself. They are usually disabled vets themselves and are there to be on your side. Stay away from the attorneys! They are in it for the money only!

I received a letter stating that I have not filed a substantive appeal in a timely fashion. Which is completely untrue. I had 60 days from July 1st (since my SOC) to send my form 9,(VA actually never sent my SOC until AUG. 12, I only found out of the status change due to my e-benefits status)I still sent a form 9 even though the VA never even sent my SOC to me. I send my first attempt to address given in my Statement of case to VA Regional Office of Appeals located in Winston Salem,NC 27120-1309. Sent Certified mail dated July 7/28/2014. Which I paid for fast delivery. I called with follow up and I have recored all follows ups with VA reps. I was told to wait that it would take 3-6 weeks to update. I called again 9/23/2014 was told to wait and also wait for an appeals agent to call me in 7-10 days. Agent called me and said that my form was forwarded to a "scanning office" it should be updated soon and to give it another 3-6 weeks. Called VA 12/3/2014 was told Appeals would call me back in 7-10 days. No call back. Called and was told to wait another 7-10 days for appeals to call me. I got a call back 1/6/15 I was told to resend the form to WINSTON SALEM I sent it Certified mail with fast delivery again. 1/20/2015 A VA rep advised me that my VA regional office has changed for the first time that my VA office changed from Winston Sale to Los Angeles and my case has been improperly handled, then gave me the Evidence intake center address in Janesville WI. Where I re-sent My form 9, 1/20/2015. I've done nothing but try to get this form to the VA since July 28th,2014, 28 days in to my 60 day time span which I only found out from calling the VA since my SOC was not properly sent. I Disagree With the decision to not take any further action to send my case to BVA. Due to all the statements above, the Form 9 was sent out in a timely matter with directions given from all VA reps and my SOC.

Here is a brief summery of my last yeah and a half trying to get my appeals to go through. 09/11/2012 Local VA Office Decision RO 06/24/2013 Notice of Disagreement (NOD) RO 08/12/2013 Appeal Pending RO 07/01/2014 Statement of the Case (SOC) RO 09/01/2014 Decision & Claims File Dispatch BVA Which is they closed out my case 9/1/2014 saying they never got my Form 9 .......which I have sent many many times...... So I received a letter stating that I have not filed a substantive appeal in a timely fashion on 1/26/2015 . Which is completely untrue. I had 60 days from July 1st (since my SOC) to send my form 9,(VA actually never sent my SOC until AUG. 12, I only found out of the status change due to my e-benefits status)I still sent a form 9 even though the VA never even sent my SOC to me. I send my first attempt to address given in my Statement of case to VA Regional Office of Appeals located in Winston Salem,NC 27120-1309. Sent Certified mail dated July 7/28/2014. Which I paid for fast delivery. I called with follow up and I have recored all follows ups with VA reps. I was told to wait that it would take 3-6 weeks to update. I called again 9/23/2014 was told to wait and also wait for an appeals agent to call me in 7-10 days. Agent called me and said that my form was forwarded to a "scanning office" it should be updated soon and to give it another 3-6 weeks. Called VA 12/3/2014 was told Appeals would call me back in 7-10 days. No call back. Called and was told to wait another 7-10 days for appeals to call me. I got a call back 1/6/15 I was told to resend the form to WINSTON SALEM I sent it Certified mail with fast delivery again. 1/20/2015 A VA rep advised me that my VA regional office has changed for the first time that my VA office changed from Winston Sale to Los Angeles and my case has been improperly handled, then gave me the Evidence intake center address in Janesville WI. Where I re-sent My form 9, 1/20/2015.I've done nothing but try to get this form to the VA since July 28th,2014, 28 days in to my 60 day time span which I only found out from calling the VA since my SOC was not properly sent. I Disagree With the decision to not take any further action to send my case to BVA. Due to all the statements above, the Form 9 was sent out in a timely matter with directions given from all VA reps and my SOC. I asked to Please re-open my appeal and send it to BVA. I also contacted my Congress Man out here in CA. I have many other factors to my appeals and mistreatment and threats from my VA Doctor in Landstul Hosbital when I was seperating in 2011 ... if I discolsed any mental health issues and lack of care from the Military doctors. So for my denials to my orginal claims I went and got diagnoses from civilian physiatrists, therapists and physical therapists right when I seperated the AF in 2012. any advice ? They closed out all my appeals due to this awaiting response from my NOD for the close out to my appeal. of my

Howdy to All, It's been a while since I've posted here. I've been busy with helping the wife take care of our baby girl we had this past March, and with also assembly my own NOD before the deadline next year. I have been lurking and reading though, and appreciate all of the input and advice. I have an interesting one, and I'm not sure what to do to help. I have a friend that lives down the road from my home. He is 87 years old, and a World War II Navy Veteran. He has never been on any VA disability, nor received any benefits to my knowledge. He has hearing aids from pretty major hearing loss, and is trying to get the VA to help him on the cost of the hearing aids, and perhaps his eyewear (glasses). He only makes less than $1,300.00 a month in Social Security/retirement. Apparently, he had somebody help him complete paperwork at the VA clinic in Beaumont, Texas and was "placed" in Priority Group 8g due this household income exceeding the VA's established financial thresholds. He provided me a copy of his denial of services letter, and was hoping that I might be able to help. I don't know that he has used any Veterans service organization yet. Does anybody have any ideas of where I can send him, or what I can do to help him get things moving? I would think that a WWII Veteran would be able to get rated for a service connection, and provided for pretty quickly. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Mark