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Ptsd C&p Exam Results

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bozoc

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I fortunately discovered this forum a couple of weeks ago. I am new to the whole VA process. I am a 60 y.o Vietnam combat veteran and filed a claim for PTSD last fall. I retired from work about 3 years ago and haven't worked since. I had my C&P exam for PTSD on Feb. 5th and received a call a few days later to come back to the VA. I went back Wednesday (Feb. 20th) and saw the psychiatrist. He prescribed a couple of medicines.

While at the hospital I asked for and received a copy of the C&P results for the PTSD exam. I wanted to share some of the results and see if some of the veterans of these types of claims would comment as to my prospects with the raters.

"PTSD onset is early, duration is chronic,typical frequency is daily, and intensity is severe".

DIAGNOSIS: "A Differential Diagnosis is warranted by the presence of other discrete symptom sets. The other disorders are secondary to PTSD. Alcohol abuse or dependence is not contributory to the observed diagnoses since it is likely an effort to self medicate."

Diagnostic Status: "PTSD, Chronic. Depressive Disorder NOS. Alcohol Abuse."

AXIS II: 301.9 Personality Disorder NOS with Schizoid, Avoidant

and Negativistic Traits.

AXIS III: See Medical Chart

AXIS IV: Unemployed, inadequate social support, family discord, reminders

of combat.

AXIS V: 45 serious symptoms with a few major impairments.

Discussion of GAF: Suicidal/homicidal ideation, panic, no close friends, conflicts with peers

and family.

Capacity/Competency to managge financial affairs: The veteran is competent to handle their own

funds.

Other Opinion: As requested by the board, it is the opinion of this examiner that the veteran's observed symptoms are more likely than not a result of events experienced during his active duty military experience.

Integrated Clinical Summary: Loss of adaptability (job, school, self-care, health, family, friends, and recreation): The veteran lost the ability to work, interact appropriately with family and friends and enjoy recreational activities.

-Linkage between PTSD and loss of adaptability: The veteran lost the ability to form close relationships.

-Effects of other disorders on adaptability: The other disorders are interactive and cannot be separated from PTSD.

- Pre-trauma risk factors: None

- Prognosis: Guarded

- Competency: The veteran is able to handle his finances.

- Recommendations: The veteran needs PTSD specific medication and cognitive behavioral therapy to desensitize past, and reduce automatic negative thoughts.

I'm not sure what any of this means but it is obvious I have some issues to deal with that I have put off for a long time. Could anyone venture a guess as to how my disability will be rated (if at all)? Should I wait for a rating before considering a claim for SSD?

I do want to say this. I know many, if not everyone, have had some bad experiences dealing with the VA. I am sure it is inevitable for me as well but I could not have been more satisfied with the PTSD examiner. He was observant, compassionate and seemed very competent to me.. As many of you know, these are not easy issues to discuss. Thanks in advance for any opinions.

80% SC, 100% TDIU

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Hello,

I don't know enough about PTSD to comment on it, but I do think with the doctor's comment, "Other Opinion: As requested by the board, it is the opinion of this examiner that the veteran's observed symptoms are more likely than not a result of events experienced during his active duty military experience."-- you most certainly will qualify for compensation.

Good luck,

Ron

p.s.

I also have had positive experiences with the VARO.

Edited by Manitou Sprgs

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  • HadIt.com Elder

Bless you veteran and thank you for your service. Do go ahead and put in for SSDI (online if you want!) to get it started. My heart warms knowing your evaluation was positive and the outcome supportive.I hope your care continues to provide a balance for you, keep in touch, there's more help to come! cg

Edited by cowgirl

For my children, my God sent husband and my Hadit family of veterans, I carry on.

God Bless A m e r i c a, Her Veterans and their Families!

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  • HadIt.com Elder

I am trying to comprehend this you were NOT receiving treatment for PTSD, have been retired for 3 years, you filed a claim for PTSD get a C&P exam despite a lack of treatment or diagnosis, then after the C&P the VA ccalls you you for an appt and prescribes you some meds

coping skills, vet centers what part of this I am I missing thanks for your service but this is unusual to say the least and an just trying to understand this scenario

100% SC P&T PTSD 100% CAD 10% Hypertension and A&A = SMC L, SSD
a disabled American veteran certified lol
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."

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  • HadIt.com Elder

Welcome to Hadit! and thank you for your service! It sounds like you had a GOOD examiner. They do exist, albeit elusive. I have had a couple recently, myself. Overall it sounds like a good C&P. The only thing that could be a negative is the AXIS II diagnosis of PD. I don't think that it will outweigh all of the other evidence that the C&P brought forward, though. From what little I know about the mental disorders, it could turn out to be a 70% evaluation, or it could turn out to be a 30% eval. I would say 50% should be about right, though. If it is less than 50%, file a NOD, for sure. Stay healthy!

90%, TDIU P&T

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  • HadIt.com Elder

Did you put in for IU or get the form for unemployability? Also known as tdiu.

For my children, my God sent husband and my Hadit family of veterans, I carry on.

God Bless A m e r i c a, Her Veterans and their Families!

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I am trying to comprehend this you were NOT receiving treatment for PTSD, have been retired for 3 years, you filed a claim for PTSD get a C&P exam despite a lack of treatment or diagnosis, then after the C&P the VA ccalls you you for an appt and prescribes you some meds

coping skills, vet centers what part of this I am I missing thanks for your service but this is unusual to say the least and an just trying to understand this scenario

Testvet, yes that is exactly what happened. I had a couple of old army buddies that urged me to file a claim and seek treatment for PTSD. I also had some issues with headaches from old shrapnel wounds. I filed two claims at the end of Sept. '07. I had a C&P for the headaches and existing shrapnel on Jan. 8th of this year and the PTSD C&P on Feb. 5th of this year. Before Jan. 08, I had never seen a VA doctor.

I posted on here a couple of weeks ago that I had completed a C&P exam for PTSD and got a call a few days later to inform me of an appointment with a VA psychiatrist on Feb. 20th. I was asking folks on the forum if anyone knew why they would have me back so soon after the C&P. Someone said it was probably to give you meds and they were correct. The guy that did the C&P was a psychologist and apparently they can't prescribe.

80% SC, 100% TDIU

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