ptsd What Should I Be Rated Based On This Info?

[marine26]

My original diagnosis of PTSD was in July 2010 with a score of 60/85 on the PCL and my original GAF score was 45. Since I got out of the military in 4/2010 I have been unable to obtain unemployment due to the severity of my symptoms and they have since, gotten worse. I am currently on Trazodone for Depression, Panic Disorder, and to help get me asleep; Prazosin for nightmares; and BusPar for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

C&P Exam

*Section 1

1. Diagnostic Summary

Does the veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-IV criteria based on todays evaluation? YES

2.Current Diagnosis

Axis I: 309.81 PTSD (Chronic)

Comments: The veteran was exposed to a wide range of traumatic stressors. He struggled with social/occupational deficits since exposure, and he has sought treatment for such. The examiner is able to opine the veteran suffers from PTSD that is most likely (more than 50/50 probability) caused by or a result of military service.

Axis II: 799.9 diagnosis deferred

Axis IV: Psychosocial and environmental problems to include: Social, Familial, Employment, Financial.

Axis V: GAF 43

3.Occupational and social impairment

Total occupational and social impairment Yes

*Section 2: Clinical findings

1. File review: Yes

2. History:

a. Revelant Social/ Marital/ Family history: Married in 2008, but currently estranged relationship with wife.

b. Revelant Occupational and Educational History: last employed 2010(USMC). Ateempted to obtain employment at call center, but was unable to tolerate level of activity around him.

c. Revelant Medical history: prescribed psychtrophic medication by primary care provider. Attempted to access treatment, but his efforts have been largely unsuccessful or largely impeded. primary care provider recently managed referral to a counselor for individual therapy.

3. Stressors: (3)

Do these stressors meet criterion A: Yes

4. PTSD diagnostic criteria:

Criterion a: Both

Criterion b: 5 of 5

Criterion c: 5 of 7

Criterion d: 5 of 5

Criterion e: Symptoms lasted more then a month (Yes)

Criterion f: symptoms decribed cause clinically signifigant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (Yes)

5. Symptoms

a. depressed mood

b. anxiety

c. suspiciousness

d. chronic sleep impairment

e. flattened effect

f. disturbances of motivation and mood

g. difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships

h. difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or work like setting

i. impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence

6. Competency

Veteran is capable of handling own financial affairs.

7. Remarks

Veterans face was haggard and careworn. He presented as intense, somewhat paranoid, and wracked with anxiety consistent with formidable PTSD.

This is the report I recieved from my C&P exam, and would like to know what people think of the results? What percentage do you think I will recieve based on my results?

[Pete53]

Still a good idea to file for Social Security and not wait for VA. They will use info from VA but they usually rely on their Docs and the info they gather.

For the record I got SS in less than 4 months and VA 100% took 5 and 1/2 years. Not saying that will happen to you but SS usually is faster than VA.

Good Luck

[Notorious Kelly]

Marine26,

I struggle for the best phraseology to use when responding because things can be taken differently than intended.

I've had email misunderstanding with friends I've known for decades, so it's understandable that can happen with strangers.

I have nothing but support for you in your struggles and wish you the best!

p.s. No apology necessary. I'd rather you speak your mind and let things be cleared up than carry around uncertainty.

Keep callin em like you see em, Marine!

Edited September 21, 2011 by Notorious Kelly

[john999]

When I was waiting for my decision for TDIU I lost 20 lbs. I could not eat. I could not sleep. I think based on your C&P you have a very good shot at 100%, but when that will happen I could not say except you are closer than farther to a decision. I also got SSD in about 4 months. The VA played games with me for about a year. Everyone wishes you well. Stay in treatment and get to a vet center if you can. Don't give up no matter what happens.

John

[Philip Rogers]

marine26 - welcome and I'm sorry the Army was full when you enlisted but the Marines is a good "2nd" choice. ;-) Just a little inter-service humor! Thank you for your service! Please don't have any regrets, just accept that you did the best you could with the knowledge and experience you had at that time. If you can do that your life will get and be much easier!!! jmo

pr

Thank you sir, but I sense some sarcasm in your post! If untrue then i apologize! And, i think im experiencing quite a bit more then "unpleasant feelings" . I dont ask for your sympathy, I just ask for answers to a question that dwells on my mind as well as my families, so that maybe my daughter will have a good future and be proud of daddy. And its pretty hard to find a hobby i can enjoy when everything I once enjoyed is haunted with memories and regrets! Thanks again!

Edited September 21, 2011 by Philip Rogers

[marine26]

Well I want to say thanks to everyone whom gave me advice. I havent recieved mt rating letter in the mail yet, but I checked ebenefits' letter generator and it states I am at 100%. From my understanding, that is updated as soon as a rating is released so things look good. Thanks again to all!