ptsd Ptsd Va Socal Worker

[usmcgirl]

Having a diagnosis with PTSD the VA issued a social worker to work with me rather than a psychiatrist. Why? I don't know. But I have been seeing the social worker for the last few years on a weekly basis. Having filed a claim for increase since the PTSD is worse and been to the C & P, the psychiatrist there said that I have severe, chronic PTSD, directly related to the military with a GAF score of 47. Will the social workers notes be accounted for since they aren't an actual "doctor" per se but they are still connected and issued by the VA?

[Loose Cannon]

That's where my nervousness of having been sent to the LCSW vs an actual phychiatrist all these years comes in. I know she has well documented notes. She pulled me out of work. I haven't worked since august of this year and agreed that I am not fit to return to work the NP signed off on that. She has recommended and refered me for an intense inpatient treatment, and the NP who prescribes my meds signed off on that as well. We are just waiting for an open bed. So I guess my question is she has all the notes on how this has effected my daily life - how will that have an impact on my claim vs the C&P ?

usmcgirl,

After reading many of the comments and opinions and the info you provided maybe this will put your mind at ease a little. First, you are in fact SC for PTSD. A diagnosis has been made by a medical professional from the VA. Second, a psychologist has even stated that your symptoms/condition is SEVERE and CHRONIC. Last but not least, you attended a C&P exam where the details of how this condition affects your ability to function, work, etc. were made with much more detail.

Other good evidence you may wish to provide are "buddy statements" from family members, co-workers, bosses, or anyone else who can speak to the effect it has on your ability to function. As far as LCSW progress notes go...they are contained in your VA medical file- No need to send them as the VA obtains these records prior to your claim going to the rater.

The Vet Center would help if you can get in to see someone but you also might consider going to the ER at your local VAMC. I went there when I had a "melt down" back in February and I got to see a Psychiatrist THAT NIGHT. They have someone on call 24/7 and you can "spill your guts" and it will instantly be part of your record with a psych doctor, not a LCSW or a nurse. They can also "confirm" your diagnosis and can often speed up the beaurocracy and get you in to see someone other than a LCSW if that's your desire. No need to worry about them throwing you in a padded room...that's only if you are a threat to harm yourself or others.

JMHO....

LC

[carlie]

That's where my nervousness of having been sent to the LCSW vs an actual phychiatrist all these years comes in.

I know she has well documented notes. She pulled me out of work.

I haven't worked since august of this year and agreed that I am not fit to return to work the NP signed off on that.

She has recommended and refered me for an intense inpatient treatment, and the NP who prescribes my meds signed off on that as well.

We are just waiting for an open bed.

So I guess my question is she has all the notes on how this has effected my daily life -

how will that have an impact on my claim vs the C&P ?

usmc,

I'm not implying that progress reports/notes from a LCSW will not be of value - they will

IF THEY CONTAIN WHAT's NEEDED.

A simple statement stating PTSD / Chronic / Severe is not what is needed for an increase.

Since your already SC'd for PTSD - it's just redundant when a medical provider states anything

about it relating to active duty - don't get me wrong, I understand that the doc's will keep stating this

and there's nothing we can do about that - but what I'm trying to get across is that the mere fact of

it being stated again in your notes - adds nothing to support a request for increase.

Here's a link to the criteria for MH percentage evaluation levels and the criteria that needs to

be of medical evidence for an increase.

All MH (except eating disorders) is evaluated for percentage level, under the same criteria.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=163a15d40f597c978f4517879efb3511&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2.111.73&idno=38

[usmcgirl]

Thanks Carlie! Why is it I can find this for other people but I can't find it for myself??

According to the regs...I fall somewhere inbetween the 70 to 100 as I have equal characteristics in both. Maybe the tipping of the scale will be the "harming" one. IDK.

@ LC - I have gone to the ER and submitted those treatment notes :) I have also submitted buddy statements from my fellow Marines that were there. Personally a padded room sounds like a vacation right about now hahahaha . . .but only if they give me ice cream too. But they would probably have a sign outside my door that says "Don't feed the animals".

........Am i just being paraniod? Cause I am really good at that LOL

usmc,

I'm not implying that progress reports/notes from a LCSW will not be of value - they will

IF THEY CONTAIN WHAT's NEEDED.

A simple statement stating PTSD / Chronic / Severe is not what is needed for an increase.

Since your already SC'd for PTSD - it's just redundant when a medical provider states anything

about it relating to active duty - don't get me wrong, I understand that the doc's will keep stating this

and there's nothing we can do about that - but what I'm trying to get across is that the mere fact of

it being stated again in your notes - adds nothing to support a request for increase.

Here's a link to the criteria for MH percentage evaluation levels and the criteria that needs to

be of medical evidence for an increase.

All MH (except eating disorders) is evaluated for percentage level, under the same criteria.

http://ecfr.gpoacces....111.73&idno=38