hypertension Got My C File Today!

[Cavtrooper088]

Hi gang,

Finally got my "C" file today. I'm currently rated as 70% PTSD and (90%) overall. I would appreciate your thoughts on where I go from here relative to filing for IU or trying to get to 100% PTSD. I understand the words written below, but not sure I understand the meaning of the words written by the examiner.

Here are the comments made from my C&P exam for PTSD. "on the Beck Depression Inventory, this veteran endorsed a number of symptoms yielding a score of 35, which indicates an extremely severe level of depression. He was also tested with the MMPI and the results were judged to be valid. Profile elevations are consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD. Of note are endorsements of items suggestive or persecutory ideas and social isolation. His score of 158 on the Mississippi is more than one standard deviation above the mean for the PTSD group.

Diagnoses:

AXIS 1. 309.81 post traumatic stress disorder

AXIS II. V7109 (I don't understand what this means--Cav)

AXIS III. Hypertension (same here Cav)

AXIS IV. Chronic severe emotional problems, phase of life concerns. (phase of life??--does he think I'm gonna to turn into a friggin butterfly??)

AXIS V. GAF 45

Summary and conclusions "Results of this examination are consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD chronic, severe. Veteran was decorated for valor seven times and his symptoms are directly attributable to his horrific and life threatening combat experiences in VN. His clinical presentation was consistent with the results of psychological testing. This veteran has structured his life in such a way that he can, at times, appear to have successfully staved off a complete exacerbation of his PTSD symptoms. However, his ability to do so effectively is currently being taxed. His difficult postwar adjustment, workaholic style and self reported symptoms are hallmark features of PTSD. I suspect that his mental health will continue to deteriorate such that he will no longer be able to function adequately either at home or in the work place. I strongly urge this veteran to seek treatment for this condition.

This Doc sure read my future correctly. This was written 20 Feb 07, and I was terminated for aggressive, hostile behavior in the work place two months ago. Again, thanks for your help. I would appreciate your thoughts. Please don't think I'm a mean person---I try real hard to control my anger--sometimes I can't. Cavtrooper088

[Bonzai]

AXIS II. V7109 should read V71.09 and it means no diagnosis of Personality Disorders and Mental Retardation.

AXIS III. Hypertension means that you have high blood pressure.

Hope this helps,

Louis

[Cavtrooper088]

Thanks Louis. Do you think that the AXIS ll comment is a negative comment, or simply doesn't apply to the PTSD I've exhibited? I was amazed at how much my C file included. I'd been looking all over for my initial VA physical from 91 and I couldn't find it anywhere. Somehow it had found it way into my C file.

Cav

[john999]

Cav

If you are never going to work again I don't think it matters too much about IU or 100% except if you get 100% you can probably get housebound SMC. If you ask for an increase ask for IU besides just to be on the safe side. If they give you 100% IU becomes moot. They may set you up for a new C&P.

[LarryJ]

Your outcome of your AxisII is very good, in that the examiner finds that you DO NOT have "Personality Disorder" (or mental retardation). The reason that this is good is that the VA has had a very BAD habit of "diagnosing" vets with a "pre-existing personality disorder" that was there PRIOR to service, and thereby allowing them to "write you off" and deny your PTSD.

(matter-of-fact, this is just about the BEST presented case for 100% PTSD that I've read, and if NOT good for 100%, is definitely indictative of a TDIU P&T (permanent and total) some here may see it differently).

oh, and no, you ain't no butterfly!

and, yes, you definitely need to file a claim for TDIU. You must file this specific claim on this specific form (don't remember the form #, maybe someone can chime in with the proper number, either that or look it up on the official VA website (under the heading "forms" and type in "TDIU"). If you do not claim TDIU and use this form, then they ain't NEVER gonna "inferr" that you have such, and you'll forever remain at 90%, just a tick away from the somewhat large monetary difference between 90% and 100%. Besides, if you get the TDIU P&T, you'll open up the prize package of Chap 35.

Edited August 28, 2009 by LarryJ (see edit history)

[Cavtrooper088]

LarryJ, Bonzai and John999,

Thanks a lot for helping me understand this better. As always the old guys on Hadit do a great job of helping us FNG's :D understand this VA system. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. Sometimes VA just seems like one big maze with special code words that us new guys just don't understand.

Cavtrooper

[LarryJ]

"As always the old guys on Hadit do a great job of helping us FNG's understand this VA system."

HEY! I resemble that..........!!!

Just remember, like my Grandpa used to say, to me, he'd say "Boy!" (he never could remember my name, or somethin), he'd say:

"Boy, just you remember, everyday, EVERYDAY, you get just another day closer to MY AGE!"

Edited August 28, 2009 by LarryJ (see edit history)

[Bonzai]

Cav,

The form to file for TDIU is the VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application For Increased Compensation Based On Unemployability.

And I agree, Larry resembles an old guy! :D ROTFLM*O

I think it's his beanie...

Louis

[Cavtrooper088]

Yep---Larry's older 'n dirt. Glad I live a long way away from him 'cause he looks mean too :D

thanks for the form number Louis

Larry,

My Granddad came from the same school that your's did. I thought my name was boy until my went to college. Then it became college boy :P Again--thanks for all your help

Cav

[john999]

Larry is a mench!

[LarryJ]

Larry is a mench!

And I appreciate that.

[Bonzai]

And being a Native American Jewish veteran makes Larry a brave mensch! :D

[Cavtrooper088]

I am adding these comments to an old post so that you can see the original comments on my PTSD C&P, and compare these comments with the comments from my medical file.

To start out--I finally got my medical records today. As I read through the notes from the mental health dept I was dismayed. Finally, the light is slowing coming on in the thick skull I have, and I'm starting to realize why so many vets are bitter towards VA. I've spent many months talking with these folks--seeking help with my anger management, nightmares and memories of combat. I find out today that they're really more concerned with the fact that I "dress neatly, maintain good eye contact and and speaks with a clear voice. Completely minimizing the fact I have been in four physical altercations in the past two years (with a$$holes), been fire for fighting in the workplace and I just can't clear my mind of the men that were loss due to my mistakes.

I flew cobras in VN until I was wounded and evac in my 10th month. I was shot down twice, spent eight terrifying hours on the ground ( I ain't a grunt--didn't sign up to be a grunt didn't like being on the ground playing hide and go seek with strange little people trying to hurt me) until I was extracted. I was awarded three distinguished flying crosses, bronze star w/v device, Air Medal w/v device and a PH and some other stuff. My unit (TF Gerry Owens) lost 30% of the pilots (all but 4 were KIA's) over a 45 day period while fighting the battle of An Loc in 1972. Our unit, which was decimated, was awarded a Presidental Unit Citation and stood down following this fight and the survivors (me being one) were farmed out to other Cav units in county. Do they focus on this--no instead they compliment me on being neatly dress and maintain good eye contact. He--, my momma and Dad (God rest their souls) taught me to dress neatly and speak clearly, and maintain good eye contact---What's this got to do with the price of tea in china?

All these folks want to do is to show that I am making progress. They change my meds every six weeks, try to turn me into a walking zoombie, and ask me if I'm gonna kill myself or anyone else in the next few days while they log in how much better I am getting and pat themselves on the back. In fact my GAF has steadily risen from the 45 on my C&P exam to a consistent 50-55. Obviously due to their brilliant observations that I am "neatly dress, maintain good eye contact and speak with a clear voice. All this miracle curing has taking place while my life is rapidly spending out of control and I am going to hurt myself or somebody.

Thank you Jesus--VA has healed me. Now we will all go down to the altar and praise VA. Give me a ffriggin break.

(I'm Southern Baptist- so I probably just got in trouble for that last sentence--Gotta go to church for sure Sunday).

I'm sorry if I have offended anyone. I didn't mean to offend, but I am hurting right now. I thought these folks were listening to me and trying to help me. They don't care. I'm just another entry on the score card. Cavtrooper

[BoonDoc]

I quit shaving two days ago, ain't gonna take a bath for days, and dress really like I feel for my appointment at the VA. No eye contact (even though my father would whack me a good one for that) and I'm going to look like I feel...thanks for posting that Cav..you helped Me today.

Sorry for your BS with the VA, you deserve better thatn what you are getting!

BoonDoc

I am adding these comments to an old post so that you can see the original comments on my PTSD C&P, and compare these comments with the comments from my medical file.

To start out--I finally got my medical records today. As I read through the notes from the mental health dept I was dismayed. Finally, the light is slowing coming on in the thick skull I have, and I'm starting to realize why so many vets are bitter towards VA. I've spent many months talking with these folks--seeking help with my anger management, nightmares and memories of combat. I find out today that they're really more concerned with the fact that I "dress neatly, maintain good eye contact and and speaks with a clear voice. Completely minimizing the fact I have been in four physical altercations in the past two years (with a$$holes), been fire for fighting in the workplace and I just can't clear my mind of the men that were loss due to my mistakes.

I flew cobras in VN until I was wounded and evac in my 10th month. I was shot down twice, spent eight terrifying hours on the ground ( I ain't a grunt--didn't sign up to be a grunt didn't like being on the ground playing hide and go seek with strange little people trying to hurt me) until I was extracted. I was awarded three distinguished flying crosses, bronze star w/v device, Air Medal w/v device and a PH and some other stuff. My unit (TF Gerry Owens) lost 30% of the pilots (all but 4 were KIA's) over a 45 day period while fighting the battle of An Loc in 1972. Our unit, which was decimated, was awarded a Presidental Unit Citation and stood down following this fight and the survivors (me being one) were farmed out to other Cav units in county. Do they focus on this--no instead they compliment me on being neatly dress and maintain good eye contact. He--, my momma and Dad (God rest their souls) taught me to dress neatly and speak clearly, and maintain good eye contact---What's this got to do with the price of tea in china?

All these folks want to do is to show that I am making progress. They change my meds every six weeks, try to turn me into a walking zoombie, and ask me if I'm gonna kill myself or anyone else in the next few days while they log in how much better I am getting and pat themselves on the back. In fact my GAF has steadily risen from the 45 on my C&P exam to a consistent 50-55. Obviously due to their brilliant observations that I am "neatly dress, maintain good eye contact and speak with a clear voice. All this miracle curing has taking place while my life is rapidly spending out of control and I am going to hurt myself or somebody.

Thank you Jesus--VA has healed me. Now we will all go down to the altar and praise VA. Give me a ffriggin break.

(I'm Southern Baptist- so I probably just got in trouble for that last sentence--Gotta go to church for sure Sunday).

I'm sorry if I have offended anyone. I didn't mean to offend, but I am hurting right now. I thought these folks were listening to me and trying to help me. They don't care. I'm just another entry on the score card. Cavtrooper

[Cavtrooper088]

Ha--that what dumb cav guys are for--finding out how not to do something. Good luck with your next visit BoonDoc. Evidently, that is exactlly what ya need to do.

By the way I hope your own young Cavtrooper makes it back home in record time from the land of sand. God Bless him.

Thanks for making me laugh.

Cav

[Pete53]

Describing your appearance and demeanor is something that they all do. A forking game but after my first C&P where the idiot spent 1/3 rd of his evaluation discussing that I was dressed good wearing a leather jacket good eye contact and well groomed the light went off and I usually don't shave for a couple of days and even wear a dirty shirt but an I look at progress notes they still like to show that I am better than I was and their medicine is working.

The medicine you take is important cause even it it makes you better the VA has to consider what meds you are taking and how they affect your life.

Don't lie but know that you are in a battle and you have to play the game or never win. I really des[pise the VA for making us play this charade.

Sometimes I think these quacks who treat us at VA are even mnore delusional than the craziest Vets I know.

Boon Doc I think you got it.

CAV Trooper good luck from another CAV Trooper

[Cavtrooper088]

Thanks Pete53---I am not as angry now, and I'm starting to look (read study) at this thing as impartially as I can. I appreciate you and BoonDoc giving me your throughts on this. I hate going to these things baring your soul to a stranger---talking to them about your most painful thoughts and guilt that you've tried to bury for decades and all they're hearing is:

blah--blah--blah--hey this dude has nice shoes and he looks at me when he talks. Geeeez

I'm still A friggin new guy, but I recommend anyone just starting this PTSD journey take Pete's and Doc's advice.

Next time I go in there I'll be ready. Gonna buy a wig (growing this thinning hair won't work), sleep in my clothes for a week prior and I'm gonna look at their shoes for the whole d--n interview. :o

Scouts out Pete. Thanks Doc

Cav

[BoonDoc]

Cav

I hate going to these things baring your soul to a stranger---talking to them about your most painful thoughts and guilt that you've tried to bury for decades and all they're hearing is:

This brings up some problems with some of us going for treatment of MH disorders, we are taught to 'push through' not show anything bothering us, no emotions, then when we eventually realize that somethings gotta change, and go to try to get help, we can't even express how the hell we feel...that's all been turned off from a very young age, and the military pushed it deeper.

I think if they wanted too, they could use anyway that we look against us, but I'm betting that the dressed down normal weekday look will fare better, at least I won't be waisting my time with a dang shower, and brushing my teeth :o .

CAv, Thanks for asking about my boy, last I heard He was doing good with the 3rd CAV, 25th INF.

BoonDoc

p.s. get some 'Bubba' teeth for your next appt too LOL!

[Cavtrooper088]

LOL You're right Doc. I'll get me a set of those teeth, and I'll start working on a twitch :o If I remember right I think I might have had one at one time. :o

Cav

[LarryJ]

LOL You're right Doc. I'll get me a set of those teeth, and I'll start working on a twitch :o If I remember right I think I might have had one at one time. :o

Cav

Usually, according to my wife, it's my right eye. She says she can tell when to get everybody else "out of my range of fire", when my right eye starts twitching.

I, myself, have never really noticed it, probably because, by that time, I'm looking for something lethal, or at least a "heavy, blunt, instrument"!

Oh, and BTW, Cavtroop, you're forgiven. My first real girlfriend was a Southern Baptist preacher's daughter. Wild Child.

[Cavtrooper088]

LarryJ,

You just gave me a good laugh about the daughters of Southern Baptist preacher. My Dad was a deacon in the church, and my Mom taught Sunday school class at Fairview Baptist (a small rural Southern Baptist church) . In my younger days I tended to sit in the back pew with Sheila (preacher's daughter) and the two of us created a different version of "placing hands" on each other. Sadly, that was broken up pretty quickly by the little ole ladies of the church who, in my opinion should have been paying more attention to the preacher and less attention to the preacher's daughter and me. It was a titalating little moment that my folks didn't appreciate.

Wonder where ole Sheila is now? She sure had a calling. :o

Cav