ptsd Ptsd Re-Evaluation

[Koalabiter]

This is my first post, so forgive me if something similar has already been covered.

I'm looking for some insight here about my up-and-coming PTSD re-evaluation. I'm wondering if there are some steps I should be taking to prepare for the evaluation and if I've managed to shoot myself in the foot already.

I'm and OIF 2005-2007 Veteran with a 50% PTSD service connection. I'll admit, I became a little too comfortable with my rating and put it out of my mind. Now, receiving a re-eval letter in the mail, and finding out that I have another child on the way, I'm terrified. The money wasn't important before, but with a second child it will be.

Since my original award, I've completed college, had a child, and become married.

Will these accomplishments themselves prevent me from a renewal? I still have the same difficulties as before, but manage to work because of the need to feed my family.

Problem #2. Frequent trips to the walk-in mental health clinic made me far too complacent.

I used to mind my P's & Q's when I went to the clinic. I reminded them of my symptoms, asked for more help and attended therapy sessions. I've also tried 4 different medications for depression, anxiety disorders and insomnia. But after the turn-over of three different mental health providers, I became lazy. I quit explaining my symptoms and was even dumb enough to tell them I had gotten a bit better. Stupid? I know.

Does the C&P examiner have access to the notes from my mental health sessions? I want the chance to tell them all the details and truths about my PTSD, but I'm worried they will look at my records and deem me a liar. I know this was lengthy, but I would appreciate any help from a Vet whose been there.

Oh, and if you're only going to chastise me about worrying about the financial aspect, don't bother. Like I said, I use my VA benefits and I truly do have a condition. I'm a teacher and can't exactly switch positions at a whim because of contract restraints. If I lose my award, my family is in trouble.

Extra details:

10% Lower back

10& Shoulder injury

50% PTSD

Caused by IED explosions

Several identified stressors and a CAB.

[Tbird]

Welcome Home!

First I think getting your therapist to write you a letter summarizing your PTSD symptoms would be better than giving them access to all your mental health records. I don't give anyone access to all my Veterans Center files, I just tell my therapist what I need and she writes a letter that addresses those specific issues.

According to the Schedule of Rating Disabilities - General Formula for Rating Mental Disorders http://www.hadit.com...g-disabilities/

What warrants a 50% Rating

Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

I hope this helps you.

This is my first post, so forgive me if something similar has already been covered.

I'm looking for some insight here about my up-and-coming PTSD re-evaluation. I'm wondering if there are some steps I should be taking to prepare for the evaluation and if I've managed to shoot myself in the foot already.

I'm and OIF 2005-2007 Veteran with a 50% PTSD service connection. I'll admit, I became a little too comfortable with my rating and put it out of my mind. Now, receiving a re-eval letter in the mail, and finding out that I have another child on the way, I'm terrified. The money wasn't important before, but with a second child it will be.

Since my original award, I've completed college, had a child, and become married.

Will these accomplishments themselves prevent me from a renewal? I still have the same difficulties as before, but manage to work because of the need to feed my family.

Problem #2. Frequent trips to the walk-in mental health clinic made me far too complacent.

I used to mind my P's & Q's when I went to the clinic. I reminded them of my symptoms, asked for more help and attended therapy sessions. I've also tried 4 different medications for depression, anxiety disorders and insomnia. But after the turn-over of three different mental health providers, I became lazy. I quit explaining my symptoms and was even dumb enough to tell them I had gotten a bit better. Stupid? I know.

Does the C&P examiner have access to the notes from my mental health sessions? I want the chance to tell them all the details and truths about my PTSD, but I'm worried they will look at my records and deem me a liar. I know this was lengthy, but I would appreciate any help from a Vet whose been there.

Oh, and if you're only going to chastise me about worrying about the financial aspect, don't bother. Like I said, I use my VA benefits and I truly do have a condition. I'm a teacher and can't exactly switch positions at a whim because of contract restraints. If I lose my award, my family is in trouble.

Extra details:

10% Lower back

10& Shoulder injury

50% PTSD

Caused by IED explosions

Several identified stressors and a CAB.

[world_wide]

Hi,

In my experience the evaluator/s of your second upcoming exam for PTSD will have access to any medical/mental health records that the VA has.

They will wnat to know about your social interactions with friends, family and work mates. They will look at everything.

Expect to take the tests on the computers too.

I have no idea what will or will not block a renewal of benefits. I wish I could tell you more.