Ask Your VA Claims Questions | Read Current Posts
Read VA Disability Claims Articles
Search | View All Forums | Donate | Blogs | New Users | Rules
-
Similar Content
-
- 0 comments
- 971 views
-
- 0 replies
- 342 views
-
- 3 answers
- 325 views
-
- 0 replies
- 363 views
-
- 0 comments
- 1,101 views
-
Question
USMC5811
How much weight does a C&P exam/report have in the overall rating by VA? - I do realize that is is not the only thing they consider. The reason I ask this is because the local VA mental health doctor/therapist that has been treating my husband did diagnose him with PTSD that conforms to DSM-IV criteria but not to the extreme (both in GAF Score and when it comes to Occupational and Social Impairment) that the C&P examiner did. Please understand I'm not complaining about the C&P report as I feel it is a more accurate representation of my husbands current (to this day)problems, having been married to him for over 20 years I knew him very well before and after combat.
Diagnostic Summary
Does the veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-IV criteria based on today's evaluation? Yes
Current Diagnoses
Diagnosis #1: Post Traumatic Stree Disorder/Chronic, Moderate to Severe Axis 1
Diagnosis#2 Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia - Axis 1
Diagnosis#3 Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified - Axis 1
GAF score: 35
Comments: Major impairment in several areas
Does the veteran have more then one Mental disorder diagnosed? Yes
Occupational and social impairment
Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgement, thinking and/or mood. (Is checked)
Is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by each mental disorder?
PTSD: 70%, Panic Disorder with Agorophobia 10% and Depressive Disorder NOS: 20%
In the section for Stressors:
Does this (there are several stressors listed - all combat related that I would rather not post the details ) meet Criterion A - Yes
Are the stressors related to the Vet's fear of hostile military or terrorist activity? Yes
Which stressor contributed t othe Veterans PTSD diagnosis? All the stressors are checked.
Symptoms (the following are checked):
Depressed mood, anxiety , suspiciousness, panic attacks more then once a week, chronic sleep impairment, difficulty in understanding complex commands, disturbances of motivation and mood, Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships, Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or worklike setting, impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence, disorientation to time and place, intermittent inability to perform activies of daily living.
Other Symptoms:
Other symptoms are listed for each listed Disorder but I believe they are a bit personal.
Is the Vet capable of managing his or her financial affairs?
Yes.
Remarks: A diagnosis of PTSD is made. It has been determined that the veteran's claimed stressors are related to the veterans fear of in-service hostile military or terrorist activity. Rationale: His stressors/traumas are eligible for PTSD definition of traumas and he further met all of the other criteria of DSMIV for PTSD.
He had gone to a Civilian Psych (via Tri-Care as he's retired 22 years) over a year ago - that Dr was the first to diagnos him with PTSD - had to threaten him with leaving (which I would NEVER do....no matter how bad it gets but at the time he did not need to know this) to get him to go . He's been seeing a VA therapist since that time who also diagnozed him with PTSD - her initial exam of him is much like the above....but her recents comments have just been things like: has much less anger, clear speach, calm, coherent, Pt aware of person, place, time and situation. Casually dressed and adequately groomed, in fair mood with congruent effect. Complexity of Illness/Level of Impairment: moderate and stable at this time. YET they increased the doseage amount of medication that had been perscribed. To be honest....I personally have not seen much change for the better since he has been going to therapy....the medication has helped with his anger/outbursts a little but other things have remained the same or gotten worse:(
Looking at the VA's rating table for MH problems - I would think he would get a 70% rating if all they considered was the C&P........but with some of the things his current therapist is stating I think it might be lower.
To be perfectly honest though.....I just wish I could have my husband back to his former self.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts or answers to my questions.
Edited by USMC5811“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” - John F. Kennedy
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Top Posters For This Question
2
2
1
Popular Days
Jul 24
4
Jul 23
1
Top Posters For This Question
Berta 2 posts
USMC5811 2 posts
john999 1 post
Popular Days
Jul 24 2012
4 posts
Jul 23 2012
1 post
4 answers to this question
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now