ptsd And, The V A People Wonder Why We Veterans.....

[LarryJ]

Could it be things like THIS!

THREE opinions positive for PTSD.

Receiving TREATMENT FROM A VA PSYCHIATRIST AND TWO VA PSYCHOLOGISTS for PTSD!

Fourteen Months in I Corps.

USMC

....and he gets this!

[Stretch]

I seem to see it the same way that Quimbley does. It is not so much that it is a denial of PTSD, but more of an acceptance for depression and anxiety disorder. Most likely chronic Major Depressive Disorder.

[Commander Bob]

Yes, I am familiar with the relaxed evidentiary standards for PTSD stressors. We're not doing away with stressors, we're just relaxing the evidentiary standards for showing that a stressor occurred. Prior to the change, you had to have a confirmed stressor, or something like a combat badge or Purple Heart. Now we concede a combat stressor as long as it's consistent with the circumstances of your service. I think this is a good thing.

You still need a stressor, and the examiner has to draw a nexus between the stressor and the diagnosis of PTSD, but we don't get all hung up now on confirming the stressor as long as it's based on fear of the enemy and consistent with the circumstances of the veteran's service.

I find your interpretation of the new rules interesting, James. I would think that you are reflecting the views of many of your peers.

Sorry you had a long day, today. I wish you the very best for a peaceful night. I would like to thank you for your service here at HADIT, and for the many vets and their families you help during the day.

[jbasser]

Remember folks the actual rateing criteria is the evidence available and the regs in force at the time the decision was rendered so the New regs do not come into play on this issue.

J

Edited July 30, 2010 by jbasser

[Commander Bob]

...

(I passed out, this morning, at my PCP's clinic at the Dallas VAMC. Low blood pressure. I stood up........last thing I remember......and they wound up with me all morning due to that.

What??? Sorry to hear that.

I hope you are feeling better,LarryJ, and that you get your high-blood pressure Low blood pressure under control.

edited to correct blood-pressure

Edited July 31, 2010 by Commander Bob

[Tbird]

A tip if you scan something like this for uploading see if you have a save as pdf option choose that option and upload the pdf file. It will make it much easier for everyone to open and view. If anyone needs a training session so I can show you what I mean. You will be able to see my screen and I can see your screen, I can then explain how to do it, if possible with the program you are using. If you are interested in one of these training sessions, let me know via private message.

[carlie]

The last thing I want to do is add to the frustration, and I *will* say nothing at all rather than say something that most of you will misunderstand and get upset about.

I'm going to print out the PTSD worksheets that the VA examiner goes by and scan them for you, but it'll be tomorrow. If I had known this was going to blow up like this, I'd have printed them out today and scanned them.

Edited to add:

James,

Just my thoughts but it really would be helpful if you help us understand - anything you feel we might "misunderstand"

Also, one of my questions is, Do all of the VBA decision makers understand the regs the same as you do ?

We already have a link to all of the C&P Exam Worksheets on the homepage.

So, unless yours show something different, then there is no need for the extra work of you

scanning and posting it here.

** Initial Examination for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

http://www.vba.va.go...ms/disexm43.htm

** Review Examination for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/disexm56.htm

** Mental Disorders (Except initial PTSD and Eating Disorders)

http://www.vba.va.go...ms/disexm37.htm