ptsd No Psych Eval Scheduled... Should I Be Worried?

[hedgey]

I filed my claim back in April, received & submitted the stressor worksheet in November. I've been through evals for my physical claims, but not for PTSD.

I stopped in to see the local VA rep last week and he said he was a little concerned that there wasn't one scheduled. I said I thought it was probably too soon to start worrying, that they were likely still investigating the evidence/records. He confessed that mine is only the second MST claim he's worked with. (!)

They don't do the psych evaluation if they can't verify the who and where, etc., right? I mean, they'll need to look back 20-odd years at personnel records, etc. No news is good news, right?

[Quibley]

Hedgey, my case followed your almost exactly the same. In January, I was told by the 1-800 number that my claim was at the rating board without having had a PTSD C&P. Then I was informed that it had been rated and was at authorization. At that point I was really despondent and depressed and was starting to think about a NOD/appeal. When I got my letter awarding me my 10% for tinnitus, it said the PTSD had been deferred pending an exam and 2 weeks later I had my PTSD evaluation.

I guess what I am trying to say to you is that a lot of things can still happen right up to the very end. Although I know it's hard, try to keep positive and try to have hope. I will be rooting for you that everything turns out the way you want it.

Quibley

[Pete53]

Not being rated by VA does not make anyone a liar.I personally would worry if I did not get a C&P. No C&P generally means denial unless it is within 1 year of separation. It also means a denial if you have had your claim in for a long time.

On the bright side if you are denied you have the right to see why and what is needed to cure the problem so that you can get rated.

[gent68]

Pete53,

That's good to hear. I filed for BDD 7 months before I retired on Dec '09 and the VA only scheduled C&P exams for 11 of the 20 illnesses/injuries I claimed. I will say I had 2 volumes of Medical Records that was submitted (5 inches). Long story short, the VA waited so long I did not get my BDD, instead 20 days before I retired they placed me in a Quick Start status becasue they overlooked my BDD, and that was done only because I placed an IRIS after reading a bunch of posts on this site and educated myself.

[hedgey]

Thank you, kansasguy, thank you Quibley, thank you! Thanks for telling me how it went/is going for you. I can't tell you how much better I feel hearing that there's a chance that it over yet.

Pete, I know you're right, and thank you for your words of support. This is just one leg of the trip, not the whole journey. If they deny, I'll file a NOD and go from there.

[kansasguy]

Also the 800 number isnt always up to date. i use to use it now I do IRIS request. Is this your first time fileing for PTSD?

[hedgey]

Also the 800 number isnt always up to date. i use to use it now I do IRIS request. Is this your first time fileing for PTSD?

Kansasguy, yeah, this is my first time. I'm wondering if I should have filed for Depression Secondary to Chronic Pain instead. Less heartache, I bet.