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Hello, I have C&P exams all in one day in January. Any advice on what to expect? Here's a synopsis on what I'm up against/working with. - PTSD increase is based off several years of VA mental health treatment and a Nexus letter written by my mental health doctor, which named PTSD, Depression, Chronic Pain Syndrome with depression, Panic D/O with Agoraphobia and survivor's guilt as a diagnosis (last 3 are recently added to records). - Knee pain- VA issued me a big knee brace and my primary care (tricare) orthopedics specialist just put me an Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) brace because she says I have drop foot and weakened ankle support which tried to compensate for my weak knee/muscle strength - Foot pain- I reviewed all of my previous C&P exams and realized my foot pain rating had dropped from 30% to 10% because the rater misquoted me (lied) on the C&P exam. I told him these insoles and stuff didn't work. that my feet hurt all the time. He wrote, I said they were not effective insoles and I have to use all kinds of feet massages equipment to get through my work days. The primary care sent me to this foot pain doctor. All she did was cortisone shots (3 times) in my feet and tried to up-sell me on her brand of insoles. - Migraines- Been at zero percent since retirement. Last year I was hospitalized twice and misdiagnosed with having TIA and strokes/CVA. My VA advocate put in a secondary claim to my service connected cervical damage. End result not service connected for CVA/TIA. However, ALL TESTS revealed that I've never had a stroke. The neurologist diagnosed me with Hemiplegic Migraines. These rare migraines an mimic strokes, causing weakness on one side of the body. They can last from a few hours or in my case,first one lasted 3 months. The neurologist provided a letter stating that all of the hospital doctors had misdiagnosed me with having CVAa. He also diagnosed me with exertional headaches. I know I'm no more special than the millions of other veterans out here, but this "deny 'til they die" tactic is wearing me down. Thanks for any advice.

Hi, I am currently on appeal for increase rating in excess of 50% PTSD (rated as Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder) and the case was remanded by BVA back to the RO. The initial PTSD C&P was done in 2014. The original rating was not rated as PTSD, but Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder. A new exam was requested and completed October of 2020 and I was awarded 100% PTSD. I contested the rating as VA denied a rating of excess of 50% prior to September 2020. The RO stated the following, "The evidence does not support a change in the prior decision. Therefore, entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 50 percent prior to September 2020 for post-traumatic stress disorder (previously rated as specified trauma and stressor related disorder) is denied. The rating decision noted that the examiner diagnosed me with PTSD and it was a correction to my prior examination. Here is where it gets odd. After I got the denial of excess of 50%, I started scrolling through my C-File. Well, I noticed on the initial C&P for claimed PTSD, the C&P examiner missed 2 criterion for DSM-V. My understanding is that I am entitled to a complete exam and the medical opinion is based on the C&P, which if was incomplete that would warrant an incomplete medical opinion. Since the appeal up to date, my historical evidence and symptomology and social and occupational impairment has aligned to 70-100%. It is clear as day in my C-file. The mistakes on the exam were missed by VSO, attorney and BVA. My question is what is my best course of action for this? Thank you kindly!

I have 4 C&P exams this Friday. All for increases. (Migraine, PTSD/depression/anxiety/chronic pain/agoraphobia, bilateral foot pain and knee pain increase [including VA issued knee brace and civilian issued AFO foot brace]). Should I have my wife ad adult kids who both witness and suffer from my mood swings, depression, anxiety and antisocial like living on a daily basis? They can also talk about my constant leg pain and migraines. I also want my supervisor to do one regarding my migraines that have me leaving work early, alot. But that is a touchy subject, because I don't want me asking him to affect my employment. Also I hide a lot from them, to keep my job, like just suffer with headaches and migraines at work. Or fake my way through the day, pretending to want to be around people.

I have been rated 80% with TDIU since 2013. I recently attended my 5 year re-evaluation for PTSD. My exam results showed up on Myhealthyvet today, but I shouldn't get a decision until June or July according to VA.gov. I just wanted to know what you guys thought my rating "MAY" be based on this C&P. Of course, my PTSD and MDD are firing at max speed right now worrying about it. My concern is the part where the Dr says "Moderately Severe" PTSD and depression. I have heard stories about the raters pulling small words like that out and using them for a reason to reduce benefits. Thank you in advance for your time and responses. cp1.pdf cp2.pdf cp3.pdf cp4.pdf cp5.pdf cp6.pdf cp7.pdf cp8.pdf cp9.pdf cp10.pdf

Hello, new here, and wondering what you might think of results. I feel i fall into the 70 category, but unsure, especially how it seems marked at the 50%. Only thing I had was depression/ptsd and anger got worse filing for increase. Now the CP exam marked me with OCD, which is new for me. But said it may be worse then my PTSD, or enhances it. Any ides or similar experiences. I dont quite know what or how it will be rates as it has quite a bit of the 70% verbage. 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: PTSD Comments, if any: Veteran continues to report symptoms of PTSD including Emotional dysregulation in the form of recurrent anger, depression and anxiety in that order of frequency and severity; aggressiveness and anger outbursts; sleep disturbance, with nightmares and related fatigue; troubling recall of combat events; difficulty with concentration, attention, hypervigilant thoughts and behaviors; marital and family distress; interpersonal conflicts and avoidance of stimuli associated with his combat experiences. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder Comments, if any: Veteran experiences Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder symptoms including becoming preoccupied with details, lists, order, organization and scheduling to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost, he tends to be scrupulous and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics or values, he is reluctant to delegate tasks or work to others unless they submit to his exact way of doing things and he tends to be rigid and stubborn. 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: Veteran continues to report symptoms of PTSD including Emotional dysregulation in the form of recurrent anger, depression and anxiety in that order of frequency and severity; aggressiveness and anger outbursts; sleep disturbance, with nightmares and related fatigue; troubling recall of combat events; difficulty with concentration, attention, hypervigilant thoughts and behaviors; marital and family distress; interpersonal conflicts and avoidance of stimuli associated with his combat experiences. His primary diagnosis is PTSD with reduced reliability and productivity due to PTSD signs and symptoms. Veteran experiences Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder symptoms including becoming preoccupied with details, lists, order, organization and scheduling to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost, he tends to be scrupulous and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics or values, he is reluctant to delegate tasks or work to others unless they submit to his exact way of doing things and he tends to be rigid and stubborn. His OCPD traits appear to negatively impact his interpersonal and occupational functioning to an equal if not greater degree than his PTSD symptoms. 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: Veteran continues to report symptoms of PTSD including Emotional dysregulation in the form of recurrent anger, depression and anxiety in that order of frequency and severity; aggressiveness and anger outbursts; sleep disturbance, with nightmares and related fatigue; troubling recall of combat events; difficulty with concentration, attention, hypervigilant thoughts and behaviors; marital and family distress; interpersonal conflicts and avoidance of stimuli associated with his combat experiences. His primary diagnosis is PTSD with reduced reliability and productivity due to PTSD signs and symptoms. Veteran experiences Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder symptoms including becoming preoccupied with details, lists, order, organization and scheduling to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost, he tends to be scrupulous and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics or values, he is reluctant to delegate tasks or work to others unless they submit to his exact way of doing things and he tends to be rigid and stubborn. His OCPD traits appear to negatively impact his interpersonal and occupational functioning to an equal if not greater degree than his PTSD symptoms. 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 2. Recent History (since prior exam) ------------------------------------ a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history: Please refer to previous C&P PTSD exams dated 4/21/206 and 2/1/2017 for additional background and history. Veteran continues in his second marriage of two years. Veteran has an eleven year old son from first marriage and Veteran has full custody of him. Veteran has two step children ages ten and eight. Veteran added "we have them every other week". Veteran reported he has bi-monthly phone contact with his mother who lives in San Antonio, Texas. Veteran reported his brother has been living with them temporarily. Veteran added "We don't have a good relationship. He comes and goes and I can be standing there near him for 20 minutes and we don't talk". Veteran denied any additional social interactions other than with spouse and children. Veteran reported hobby/interest of "I will go to a gym a few days a week or work out at home. I watch whatever in on television". b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history: Veteran worked as a Police Officer for the city of Dallas, Texas for 7 years. Veteran reported he was last employed as a Police Officer in February 2016. Veteran reported he has tried to work several jobs sinceFebruary 2017 and added "I have a neighbor who has a moving company andI lasted a few days working for him. I worked for a few different cleaning crews and I lasted a half day at one and a few days at another one. I just have trouble getting up and going to the jobs". c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health: Veteran's current psychotropic medications are fluoxetine and prazosin. d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history: None e. Relevant Substance abuse history: None 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). Criterion C: Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic the of "I 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 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) the following: [X] Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., am bad,: "No one can be trusted,: "The world is completely dangerous,: "My whole nervous system is permanently ruined"). of [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. 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) 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] 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] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Flattened affect [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood [X] Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships

I'm currently rated at 50%for ptsd but with a total of 80% which was given back dec 2010. I filed an NOD right away and just now had a c&p exam on 10/25/2013 and then checked ebennies last night and it had already showed a SOC has been sent. Pretty quick turn around so I'm guessing bad news. Tell me what you think please. 1.Diagnostic summary Has the veteran been diagnosed with PTSD (yes) 2.Current Diagnosis #1: PTSD with depression (X) axis I 3.Axis III -medical diagnosis (to include TBI) Acromioclavicular , sprain Axis IV -unemployed ,social environment , primary support AXIS V - current gaf score :35 Does the veteran have more than one mental disorder (no) Does the veteran have a diagnosed TBI (YES) (X) Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas , such as work , school , family relations , judement , thinking and or mood. Relevant substance abuse history : veteran is having 6 drinks per day but showing no signs of dependecy or withdrawal issues. Sentinal event : wife left him , assaulted his father All symptoms that apply to veterans diagnosis . depressed mood , anxiety,suspiciousness,panic attacks, chronic sleep impairment , mild memory loss , flattened effect ,impaired judment,disturbances of motivation or mood,difficulty establishing and maintaining work and social relationships,SUicidal idealation, impaired impulse control. Is the veteran capable of managing his finances (YES) Veteran attepted suicide once but has said he will not be doing it again. Veteran was administered the patient health Questionnaire -9 (PHQ9) and scored a 20 which is in the severe range for depresssion symptoms, He was also administered the GAD-7 and scored 18 which is also in the sever range for anxiety. Veteran scored 74 on the ptsd checklist/. She also goes on and writes about my nightmares and suicidal issues, My total alienation from society and how I have tried to work but due to angry outburst and violant tendencies I am unable to have ainful employment.

Ok so my PTSD claim was Denied and now I am working on finding some of my brothers that served with me so I can get them to hopefully write letters for me. As it stands right now I have my mother and my brother and the only two friends I have from before and after service that I still keep in contact with writing letters. Can anyone tell me the best way to fourm the letter. As it stands all I can think to tell them is to start with to whom it may concern... Does the VA contact them to confirm the letter or set them up with a deposition hearing or anything like that to put them on record? Anything helps thanks all...