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

[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