hypertension Did Give The Wrong Answer?

[billy2]

I had a C&P today for IU and it lasted about one hour and 45 minutes. We reviewed all the physical things that I have wrong with me. She went over the diabetes and peripheral neouopathy which I am service connected for. We then went over my CAD,Hypertension, and COPD which are not service connected right now. We reviewed what I could do physically. I said I could't stand for long periods of timebecause of the PN. I also said I can't lift anything over 25 lbs and I also stated that can't use a snowblower and similar tasks like that. She said who said you can't lift over 25 and use a snowblower and I said my heart doctor, who she also goes to. So we finally got past the physical part of working it got a little tricky.

Okay you can't do physical labor but what would stop you from doing office work? Can you physically do office work? I said that I guess that I could physically do office work. BUT mentally I can't do office work because of my issues that I have that are related to PTSD. The lady then said that she is only concerned with the physical aspects of working. She said that I will be able to bring that up next week when I have a C&P for PTSD. I hope that they wait for a decision on IU until I have my C&P for PTSD.

[billy2]

During a C and P exam that I had years ago the examiner asked If physically I could do a job or light work as he called it... I stated NO because of 1. The meds that I was on have physical side effects and 2. because of the mental condition (PTSD, Panic attacks, and depression) I don't physically get enough sleep. This was an acceptable answer to the examiner who didnt want to hear mental reasons but, to get a complete picture it has to be included in it. Not enough sleep and medical or physical side effects from medicines all effect examiners answers to those type of questions. Sure they dont want to put that stuff in there but, when you put it like that they have to... Also I made sure that he wrote it down and not just nod in agreement with me as he turned the page. I'm also going to add if you've gotten your SSD yet before all this, its always good to bring them a copy of it with you along with the medical records you want to show them. Examiners like those kind of records because they can copy from them without having to do as much work because its already been done by someone else... When I say SSD records I dont just mean the award letter but, also the medical records that they determined your award. Example: The doctor that awarded me was in the first stage of getting SSD called Disability Determinations. All claims go to that office first before, to see if they need to be adjudicated by a hearing, if no hearing is needed then you get SSD in a shorter amount of time. Also If they did say that your PTSD was going to be the deciding factor your going to do fine.

I can't get SSD because I only have 39 quarters and I haven't paid into it since I was in the army. I retired under civil service 6 months ago because of health issues. I recently contacted a lawyer that I say on the internet that claimed that he was an expert in civil service disability and he said I wasn't eligable because I couild retire under normal circumstances.