ptsd Va Was Lightening Fast On This One

[HvyGns38]

I posted on this topic yesterday wondering if it was worth my time.

Well, apparently when I talked to the VA on November 23, 2009 regarding my hearing loss claim and Meniere's disease I had mentioned to the gentleman about my PTSD and just mentioned some of my symptoms and asked him a couple of questions and I thought that was that. Let's get started on the Meniere's disease, right?

I got home last night to find a Fed-Ex package on my doorstep with an appointment set for my PTSD C&P on December 8, 2009 in Arlington, VA with a Dr. Walker Lyerly. At the same time there was an envelope from the VA with the usual "we are working on your claim for PTSD and Meniere's disease."

I had to wait 4 months for re-eval on my knee and 6 months for my hearing evaluation. Surprised at the speed of how quickly they made my appointment for PTSD.

In fact, it was so fast I do not have time to gather letters from my ex-wife (which she probably would not write anyway because she hates my guts for what I put her through), daughter, buddies, and ex GF's. Will this hurt my case? As mentioned before, the VA has my SMR and SRB which gives my CAR as my stressor.

What should I do? How should I approach my exam?

Any help would be great.

Thank you!!!

[john999]

What the C&P doctor is going to decide is "do you have PTSD and to what extent". You just tell him about your symptoms and how you got the CAR. The main thing he will be interested in is your symptoms. Utlimately, you need to write a stressor letter, but since you combat action ribbon they should accept it without having to verify the stressor through other records.

[Pete53]

Fantastic news. PTSD is easy for a professional to diagnose just be honest about your situation. From what you have posted here I think that you have it but I am not a Doctor.

Good Luck

[carlie]

Hvy,

If your DD214 shows a CAR under awards I would take a copy of it to the C&P with me to leave with the examiner.

Your CAR award is proof enough of a combat stressor for VA purposes

and hopefully the examiner will mention in the report that

they reviewed a copy of your DD214 that shows the CAR award.

So at this point to grant SC for the PTSD all the examiner has to state is that you currently have a diagnosis of PTSD and it is as likely

as not related to your combat stressor.

Here's an example:

http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files1/0904737.txt

"The Veteran's DD Form 214 shows he was awarded the Combat

Action Ribbon for his service in Vietnam. The Board notes

that the Combat Action Ribbon is awarded to members of the

U.S. Marine Corps who have actively participated in ground or

surface combat and that the principal eligibility criterion

is that the Service members must have participated in a

ground or surface combat fire fight or action during which

they were under enemy fire and their performance while under

fire must have been satisfactory. Military Decorations &

Awards, DoD 1348.33-M, Sept. 1996 with Change 1, Sept. 18,

2006. The Board therefore accepts that the Veteran

participated in combat."

OK that was step 1 - getting SC granted for PTSD.

Step 2 - Is the percentage level of disability due to the PTSD.

There are several percentage levels.

How PTSD effects your daily life is what's considereded in step 2.

During the exam I would stay focused on how PTSD affects my daily life

and all the problems I have to continuously overcome, treatment I recieve, be it therapy, medications or both.

If it effects your employment or lack of, then especially mention that.

I am not out to coach you here - but do want you to know about

how the process goes.

The C&P exam is NOT the time to shut down too much.

Talk about your daily effects.

Also - if you have ED due to medications taken for conditions

that are or might be service connected - mention that at the same C&P.

Try to make the C&P count, so you don't spend years playing ring

around the rosey.

jmho,

carlie

[LarryJ]

...............and, when you walk into the room, the first thing the examiner is going to say is: "How ya doin'?" and then you are going to say, "Fine." (because that is THE automatic response).

Think VERY carefully BEFORE you blow your exam in the first 5 seconds!

You ARE NOT "doing fine" or you wouldn't be there, I have to assume. Correct?

Then TELL THEM THE TRUTH!

[HvyGns38]

Thank you to everyone who has given advice and guidance in this thread and my previous one.

I am assuming that this will be an uphill battle due to the fact I have not seen anyone regarding my issues and symptoms. I just want a fair evaluation and to get help!!!

Thanks again!!

[usmcfigdaddy]

The most important thing is to be very truthful and DON'T hold any feelings back.Make sure that you express you true feelings and to the degree that these things bother you. I can tell you this from my first interview and now I will have to go through this again because I withheld things that would have help me with my PTSD exam.Good luck.