ptsd C&p Exam 2

[world_wide]

A couple of years ago the National Guard started a MEB process on me for Bi-Polar and PTSD.

Last year I had a C&P exam with the VA for PTSD and Bi-Polar. I was denied disability as they said these were conditions that preceeded my military service. They could not find any stressors(despite the fact that I gave copies of my combat action badge orders etc.) I also gave the VA pscyhiatrist copies of records from civilian therapists saying I had PTSD. I had been seeing a VA therapist for more than a year and he said I had PTSD and service in the military made my BP disorder worse.

So I appealed the decision. I went to the reviewer(rating officer?) a couple of months ago and I took him the additional information I gave him all the information I just wrote about above and info. from army doctors saying I have PTSD from combat. I also gave him the information that the military was going to discharge me due to PTSD and Bi Polar.

He responded with "Wow, this is all information that I have not seen before." This despite the fact that I had submitted it to the psychiatirst who gave me a C&P exam.

So, he offered to make my review hearing informal(so he did not tape my interview with him) and asked if I would be willing to undergo another C&P exam. I said yes I would. So I have another C&P exam coming up.

Does anybody have any suggestions as to how I should handle it? Thanks in advance,

Rich.

Edited January 11, 2012 by world_wide

[carlie]

bump

[Philip Rogers]

I suggest you just tell the truth. Never say you're okay, when greeted by the examiner because he/she will not hear a word after that. Any additional paperwork handed to the examiner should also be submitted to the VSC, to be added to your claim & c-file. They usually try to blame PTSD on childhood events like parental abuse, etc.. Good luck!! And whatever you do don't give up, ever!!

pr

[world_wide]

Thanks for the responses.

I saw the results of the exam. The examiner said PTSD connected to service in Iraq. However, the examiner also wrote Major Depressive Disorder, OCD and Borderline Personality Disorder. I do not know if they associated the additonal mental health issues with military service or not.

Anybody have any ideas on my next course of action? Should I just wait until I get my results from the VA on whether or not I get disability for the PTSD?

Thanks.

[carlie]

Should I just wait until I get my results from the VA on whether or not I get disability for the PTSD?

Thanks.

At this point I would just hang in there and see what the decision states.

JMHO

[world_wide]

Thanks Carlie, that is what I shall do.

[world_wide]

Well I got a copy of the PTSD exam conducted by the psychiatrist today. The diagnostic summary says;

1. PTSD(due to military service)

2. Major Depressive disorder(moderate)

3. Borderline Personality Disorder.

It goes on to say that it is not possible to differentiate which symptoms are attributable to each diagnosis

Under the category labeled "Occupational and Social Impairment"

there is a box ticked "Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity."

-----------------------------------------

Now what all this means I do not know. I am hoping that this is an indication that my appeal at the VA will go well. I would be interested to hear what others have to say.

Thanks.