ptsd Had C&p Exam For Ptsd And Then Got A Call

[bozoc]

I am so glad to have found this forum. I am a Vietnam combat veteran 69-70. There appears to be a wealth of knowledge hear and some very interesting discussions.

I filed my first claim in Oct. of 2007. It was for PTSD. A week or so later I filed for chronic headaches due to past shrapnel wounds and shrapnel still present in my head. I had a C&P for the wounds and headaches on January 8th of this year which I thought was pretty fast. No results yet.

I had a C&P exam for PTSD on Feb. 1st of this year. The psychologist who did the exam told me he thought I had a pretty severe case of PTSD. I don't have the exam results yet. After the exam he asked if I wanted to talk to a psychiatrist while I was there. I told him "no" and that I had talked about all I was capable of talking that day. He said he would make me an appointment for a future date.

I got a call today and the VA has scheduled me to see a psychiatrist on Feb. 20th. Is it normal to see a psychiatrist before any results from the C&P have been established? Of course, I am going to the appoinment. Just curious if this was a normal part of the process. Thanks so much for any info.

[ruby]

I have no idea if its normal or not. I would think that he felt you might need help faster then waiting for a decision.

I don't believe they can write any scripts for you at a C&P exam, perhaps he thought you would benefit from some meds and suggested you see someone that day. When you siad no he scheduled you for an appointment as soon as possible.

Keep the appoint and take care of yourself.

[mountain tyme]

Welcome Bozoc,

you wrote: " Is it normal to see a psychiatrist before any results from the C&P have been established? Of course, I am going to the appoinment. Just curious if this was a normal part of the process. Thanks so much for any info."

I can only tell you what happened to me...I also went in for a C/P for PTSD and the doctor told me also that I had server PTSD...and asked me if I would like to talk to one on there staff and I was so drained that I declined...the doctor walked me up to the front desk and had the take in clerk give me some paperwork about support groups and gave me her card if I had any further questions regarding the group sessions they have up at the VAMC...

so I would say you are very blessed to have had a C/P doctor who put your health as his main priority! I hope that you are receiving help for your well being.

About 6 weeks later I received notice that I was granted s/c for the PTSD.

Hope this helps

MT

Edited February 8, 2008 by mountain tyme

[Pete53]

Bozoc:

Welcome to Hadit and thank you for your Service to America.

I think that the Doc did the ethical thing in getting you help for PTSD. You can get help with Medication, group and talk therapy. Just learning how to cope with some of the symptoms will help.

Good Luck to you on your claim. Are you able to work. If not you should add to your claim a request for TDIU. Also you can apply for Social Security.

Pete

[bozoc]

Bozoc:

Welcome to Hadit and thank you for your Service to America.

I think that the Doc did the ethical thing in getting you help for PTSD. You can get help with Medication, group and talk therapy. Just learning how to cope with some of the symptoms will help.

Good Luck to you on your claim. Are you able to work. If not you should add to your claim a request for TDIU. Also you can apply for Social Security.

Pete

Thanks for the reply Pete, and to the others as well. I retired in 2005 mainly because I felt I just could not do my job justice anymore. I will turn 60 in a week.

I have had depression problems for years and then it dawned on me that I no longer seemed to care about anything. I don't really care to leave the house. I finally decided it was time to talk to someone. I started having some real issues that I thought were related to physical health a few months ago. I thought I was having heart attacks or maybe a stroke. My wife finally insisted I see my doctor after a trip to the emergency room. So far my doctor and a cardiologist have found nothing and I am seeing a ear, nose and throat specialist next week. These are all outside of the VA.

I finally said something to an old army buddy and he told me he thought I was having panic attacks. I did not even know what that was but I seem to have all the symptoms. My doctor said we need to eliminate everything else before we make that call. Of course, I agree with him. As of now I am not taking any meds other than those prescribed for typical physical issues.

[Pete53]

Panic attacks are very specific and there are a number of symptoms. I good shrink could make the call in one visit.

I had panic disorder for 22 years before it was diagnosed.

[vetswife]

Yes, I think it is normal for this to happen, or at least, in the VA's terminology, more likely then not, lol.

My hubby had the same experience.