ptsd Hearing For Increase In Compensation

[Doc John]

I am scheduled for a C&P evaluation for rating purposes tomorrow at the VARO, Bay Pines, FL. Currently I am at 30% for PTSD. Things have gotten worse and I applied for an increase in compensation. What can I expect- will I be reexamined by another psychiatrist or will I see a hearing officer?

My American Legion rep said it is possible to lose my compensation and I am very afraid I might somehow say the wrong thing.

[carlie]

Doc John,

Man am I glad your wife attended the C&P with you and was allowed to

speak with the examiner. I think this will be of great benefit to your

claims issue on percentage for PTSD.

Sometimes a spouse can relay how our PTSD effects our daily life

much better than we can - heck we are insiders looking out and many times

we just go through the daily hum drum and we don't realize the effect our PTSD

really has, we just accept how we are and keep on trucking.

How do you like the new Vet Center and it's location ?

It's real nice to see they were able to get some quality

furnishings this time around.

Just something kind of small I noticed but it sure does feel

nice to go where everything is new and fresh.

jmho,

carlie

[Doc John]

nilla,

I understand your husband's troubles with co-workers and bosses. I, too , have those problems and it makes working a real problem sometimes.

You asked about joining your husband on visits to doctors, hearings, counseling sessions, etc. The answer is "yes", you can go along. But, always ask first for permission to join him. Usually they will agree, especially on PTSD issues, since the spouse or mate can add so much information about the veteran's symptoms, like Carlie said.

[Pete53]

Cachanilla:

Owning your own business would be very risky for any Veteran but especially for people who have PTSD in my opinion. If he can't work he should get 100% and Social Security and retire. Just my opinion.

Doc sorry about jumping your pst but like Carlie I am glad that your wife went with you. I do not see how any combat medic would not have some problems but some are different and God Bless all who served in that War.

[Doc John]

No problem Pete,

I cannot imagine owning a business, even though it is so hard sometimes to work for/with others. The pressure of being in charge is too much for me to handle anymore.

[carlie]

nilla,

I am in COMPLETE agreement with Pete53.

If PTSD effects a claimants daily life enough to

have several years of continuous difficulties at thier job,

there is NO WAY - I would ever consider even suggesting they

open their own business.

But then again this is jmho and I am no doctor or MH provider.

It's sure possible that the Vet Center Counselor was talking out of turn a bit.

Also,

If you are able to attend the C&P appointment with your husband

yes, request to go into the examination with him.

Be VERY polite but firm if necessary. If by chance they tell you

that you are not allowed in with him - then HE the claimant needs to

politely speak up and say - I need and want my wife in there with me.

During the C&P, sit back patiently for a while and let the examiner speak

directly with your husband. If there are questions that your husband is not comfortable answering then he can turn to you and ask for your input if the

examiner doesn't.

Always keep in mind it is HIS appointment and HIS exam, he NEEDS to

speak up and IF HE HAS ANY DIFFICULTY, that's why you are there, to

back him up,add information about how disability XXX effects his daily life,

employment, marital relationship, intimacy, family relationships etc...

I only point these things out because sometimes the C&P examiner will

dig their heels in and say NO - you can't come in.

Also, if he has been RX's any prosthetics from VA - like hearing aid,

tens unit, foot/knee brace, cane; use it at the exam, sometimes they

even watch you in the parking lots.

When a doc asks - How are you doing - If he's not doin fine

or great - THEN DON'T SAY SO !

If a person takes meds for a SC'd condition/s and they have specific side effects from the medication that negatively impacts their daily life - mention this

at the C&P also.

But keep in mind the C&P examiner is goinf to try to fly through everything

30 - 45 minutes usually tops.

The C&P examiner may state - well we're not here to discuss that issue today.

Always at a C&P examination, stay focused onto the issues of SC applied for

or an increase in.

I posted this real fast and hope it makes sense.

jmho,

carlie

[john999]

For disabled people doing some kind of small business can be the perfect thing. However, it is stressful and you have to deal with people. You work twice as hard as someone just doing a job. You are responsible for lots of details. You have to be very flexible and you can't blow your stack. You often have to arrange financing and talk to lawyers and accountants. Half of people who start small businesses fail in good times.