ptsd Dro Review

[devildog2061]

Does anyone know the average wait time to get to a DRO Review appeal ? I requested one in November of 2008, after being denied for PTSD. The C&P examiner did not

diagnose me with PTSD, but stated I have alcohol induced depression. Even after I had been diagnosed with PTSD by VA, and an outside Psychologist. I even completed

the 8 week in-patient PTSD program in Biloxi, MI - and the Psychologist who ran the program wrote a statement explaining my stressors and symptoms. All was submitted in my claim as evidence. I feel, because at the initial C&P I presented the medical report from the outside Psychologist - just to make sure it was in my records, that I was given

that diagnosis. Her whole attitude toward me changed. After receiving the denial, I hired a lawyer and he submitted the NOD. Recently, In May of 2010 -The Review Officer requested I have another C&P. This time I received a diagnosis of PTSD and major depressive disorder. GAF 66/62, which I don't agree with because I haven't worked since

2006, and have been awarded SSD because of PTSD and Depression. I did file for unemployability, but was also denied. I think because I haven't been service connected

for PTSD, Depression yet... Anyway I feel the Reviewing Officer has had more than enough time to make a decision, and he's just sitting on my claim... Any thoughts anyone ? Thanks....

[jbasser]

Send an IRIS inquiry about this so you will get an answer in writing.

Do you havwe A VSO. They should be on top of i t.

J

Edited August 15, 2010 by jbasser

[Berta]

"have been awarded SSD because of PTSD and Depression."

Is the VA aware of that award?

[devildog2061]

Thanks for replying, Jbasser and Berta.

Jbasser, I've sent many inquiries through IRIS about my claim but I only got the we're still working on it, or the DRO hasn't made a decision on it yet spill.

It's almost been two years, and this is not a Full appeal - Just a DRO review. Montgomery Regional Office has to be the slowest in processing VA Claims !

While I've been waiting on this review, I submitted two more claims and although they were denied, I did get decisions. Imagine that ! I think they're just

sitting on the claim because they know they're gonna have to service connect me this time around. I don't have a VSO, but I do have a lawyer who represent

veterans with their claims. He's actually a SSA Lawyer, who got me approved - and he does VA Claims.

Berta, we did submitt the SSD approval info - along with a request to be considered for unemployability, but it was denied. Maybe because I haven't

actually been service connected as of yet for PTSD/Depression. I quess they wanted to denie unemployability first before making a decision....Any other thoughts,

Thanks !

[john999]

If you have a lawyer for your VA claim you should communicate with the VA through your lawyer. Otherwise, you are undermining your lawyer. I think getting a lawyer for your claim was a good idea if the VA denies you again and you have to go to the BVA.

[devildog2061]

Thanks John999 for your replying,

Wow !, I can't believe it. Guess what came in the mail today. The SOC, I had three issues to which I requested a DRO review for. Skin rated at 60%, Left Ankle rated at 10%,

and the PTSD/Depression, which was denied. Looks like I'm gonna have to go to the BVA for skin and ankle, but they did approved PTSD/Depression. YEPPEY ! I don't know the rating percentage yet, it has to go back to the regional office so they can assign a rating. Won't get my hopes up to high, knowing the VA, they'll propably low ball me - but

at least I will finally get service connected. Half the battle WON ! Does any body know how long this process take ? Thanks !

[stever]

Thanks John999 for your replying,

Wow !, I can't believe it. Guess what came in the mail today. The SOC, I had three issues to which I requested a DRO review for. Skin rated at 60%, Left Ankle rated at 10%,

and the PTSD/Depression, which was denied. Looks like I'm gonna have to go to the BVA for skin and ankle, but they did approved PTSD/Depression. YEPPEY ! I don't know the rating percentage yet, it has to go back to the regional office so they can assign a rating. Won't get my hopes up to high, knowing the VA, they'll propably low ball me - but

at least I will finally get service connected. Half the battle WON ! Does any body know how long this process take ? Thanks !

Congrats, I to have been awarded sc for ptsd/depression from the bva, it's been three weeks and I haven't heard anything as of yet. i was hoping it would be soon.