ptsd Confused And Could Use Some Tips And Advice

[LongTooth]

Hi,

I have recently started the claims process with the VA (I filed an informal claim on 04-Sept-2013

I see a private therapist and have a current diagnosis of PTSD, Bipolar II, poly substance abuse.

My therapist agrees with me that my disorders are SC

I've taken the initiative already to get copies of my DD214 as well as my private medical records. Currently I'm trying to track down my records from when I was placed on a 72 hr hold in a psych ward in 2000.

My prescribing Psychologist, who puts in time at the practice I go to, is also a VA doc.

I guess my question is this. If my therapist tells me that they have diagnosed me with the above disorders does that mean that my Psychologist (the VA doc) had to have signed off on the diagnosis and if so does this mean that I should have an easier time with the VA?

I'm also concerned that I may have to track down treatment records from the Army (I assume those would be in my DD214?) Where would I look for any SMR's that I may need? I also wonder if maybe I should try and track down any relevant records from my old Unit to show things such as an Article 15 and any evaluations done that would show the onset of my conditions.

Also if anybody could advise me of what else I should be doing at this early stage to present an effective claim please feel free to advise me.

Thank you in advance for any and all help

Jason

[LongTooth]

So an update. I received a denial letter for PTSD, as I knew I would based off my C&P exam results. Apparently I've bitched to the correct people. I received a call from somebody at the local regional office. The pleasant gentleman seemed to be informed and noted that I had called Washington and would be scheduled for another C&P Exam...

 

At this point I'm like...wtf?!?!?!

[vetquest]

Thank God for small miracles.

[Berta]

Yes- hopefully the next C & P exam will be much better.

 "Apparently I've bitched to the correct people. I received a call from somebody at the local regional office. The pleasant gentleman seemed to be informed and noted that I had called Washington and would be scheduled for another C&P Exam..."  Good for you!

If more vets made more gripes about these lousy C & P results (the prime reason I believe  most claims are denied)- something would have to be done.

I am going to make a big stink about a posthumous C & P exam they did in 2015-as soon as I get the actual exam results ( requested in August, said I would have it by Oct 4th, now they say I never requested it)

They awarded the claim in mere weeks after I filed CUE-but that isn't the point- how many widows or vets know how to file CUE, when they deliberatetely ignore probative evidence?

Without that CUE I would now be on the Hamster wheel for years.

My evidence came from VACO itself, they did list it as evidence, but the quack who did the exam totaly ignored it and made up stuff.

I do not believe it was even  done by a doctor or anyone with any medical expertise.

I guess I will file an IRIS complaint on it.( and intend to go further than that when I get it-if I ever get it)

I could instead use the examiner's remarks in the decision-but the RO- as they have done before to me- might well have manipulated it, to be worse then it actually was.

 

 

 

[LongTooth]

Better yet, how many people know how to spot a CUE in the first place in order to be able to call the VA out on it? Not very many. So yeah, I imagine that there has to be more people out there than just me, bitching about their Fraud C&P's. I did call the WH Hotline a few times over my case, so I'm assuming there are some teeth there. I talked to the C&P Supervisor twice. The first time he suggested to me that that's what the Appeals process is for. The second time he called me after I called washington he called to assure me his dept had done everything correctly. So I get a call yesterday from somebody else telling me nope it wasn't done correctly, standby.

I guess at this point I'm confused. There is supposed to be a process, and while I'm grateful for this second bite at the apple, it seems process isn't being followed.

[LongTooth]

Also, I talked to my gf about this, I'm going to go ahead and get an IMO as well. I figure it can't hurt at this stage. It will either corroborate the new C&P and add weight. Or it will contradict the new report, yet since it's written by a 22 year PTSD specialist I'm hoping it will have more weight.

[LongTooth]

And so today while I'm emailing the doctor to get a date setup for my IMO appointment. The VA calls to schedule another C&P exam...when it rains it pours...