ptsd Need Help With Nod For Ptsd

[iraqx2]

This is a followup to my previous post from December. I am currently at 40% ( 30% back, 30% PTSD ). I had an appointment to C&P that was initiated by the VA back in November to reevaluate my PTSD. At the appointment with the DR., he stated that my symptoms has worsen and my rating my change. Supriseingly, the VRO decided quickly ( 30 days ) with a rating of " UNCHANGED ", thus no increase or decrease. They stated that I never bothered to get help since 2004 ( try getting the dam appointment ) and I seem to be doing OK because I am working ( my 3rd job in the past 12 months, being once a professional and now a clerk ). My symptoms are destroying my life and all fibers of my social skills are depleted. This is BULL!! I now have the option to appeal by filing a NOD.

Since I have no new evidence, how should I format my NOD? Should I get a second opinion? Should I get proven help with writing the NOD without any medical evidence? Should I hire a lawyer? Any suggestions would be grateful.

Thanks,

Alex

[even_flow]

This is a followup to my previous post from December. I am currently at 40% ( 30% back, 30% PTSD ). I had an appointment to C&P that was initiated by the VA back in November to reevaluate my PTSD. At the appointment with the DR., he stated that my symptoms has worsen and my rating my change. Supriseingly, the VRO decided quickly ( 30 days ) with a rating of " UNCHANGED ", thus no increase or decrease. They stated that I never bothered to get help since 2004 ( try getting the dam appointment ) and I seem to be doing OK because I am working ( my 3rd job in the past 12 months, being once a professional and now a clerk ). My symptoms are destroying my life and all fibers of my social skills are depleted. This is BULL!! I now have the option to appeal by filing a NOD.

Since I have no new evidence, how should I format my NOD? Should I get a second opinion? Should I get proven help with writing the NOD without any medical evidence? Should I hire a lawyer? Any suggestions would be grateful.

Thanks,

Alex

I recently filed a NOD and selected what evidence I wanted to use but let the VSO write and send it. Get a county VSO if you have one. Depending on what state you're in will partially determine what kind of service you'll receive--as some VSOs are really busy.

First off get a VSO to write it, and tell him/her you want a de novo review (so the DRO has the authority to raise your rating if they decide to). The most important thing (above ANY treatment records you have) will be the C and P exam. What that psychiatrist says is law according to the VA. Don't listen to anyone on this board or elsewhere who says different. He overturned my diagnosis (with several years of treatment records) with one twenty-or-so minute exam. Review your symptoms ahead of time and be ready to explain them to the C and P examiner. Try not to take your scrips if you are taking any. He/she is basically going to try and determine how your issues effect your employment and your social life. He/she will determine that by what you say and what they observe at that C an P exam. You can PM me if you want more info. Better hurry though as I'm getting rid of internet pretty soon.

Oh yeah...I sent my evidence in with the NOD. The decision was done fast and I got bumped up from a low rating to 100 percent. A job and friends means you're not too bad according to the VA. I was told by one of the 1-800 VA reps that it is better for a rating to be receiving current treatment. He (or she?) said not receiving treatment pretty much indicates not as serious a problem as far as the VA is concerned.