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, I had a half assed 20 minute long C&P with my gf in the room. After asking a few basic DBQ questions he stops typing while I go into what happened. My gf chimes in every now and then on stuff I've forgotten. Never went into how this stuff affects me. Never got into history of heroin usage. Never into my incarceration. The guy then informs me I don't have PTSD because I don't meet the "fear of military hostility" criteria. I'm floored right now. I can't even begin to describe just how hopeless I feel. It sucks when your fears are realized despite peoples assurances. Who to trust now?

 

[kanewnut]

6 hours ago, LongTooth said:

The guy then informs me I don't have PTSD because I don't meet the "fear of military hostility" criteria.

Sounds like an idiot who doesn't know what he is doing!

[LongTooth]

So I'm still waiting for this assholes hatchet job to post. I was told it would be up last week absolutely but so far, nothing. I've assumed at this point I will be issued a denial for PTSD and have started a search for credentialed IMO doctors with a specific focus on PTSD. So far, it would seem, most of the high end expertise, and by high end I mean people who are recognized experts, given testimony in court etc etc,  are out of my price range. One doctor quoted me a price of 6500 as a retainer and 650 an hour once the retainer was used up. But, then again, this guy has been practicing for about 50 years. I may have found another guy in Florida, which sucks because I'm in CT, he's got govt work and has been in practice around 10 years and is board certified and is willing to charge me 1000. 

 

So at this point I'm still just waiting for this report to post and go from there.

 

In the immortal words of Tom Petty.

-Waiting is the hardest part-

 

 

[Buck52]

If this was a C&P At the Vet Center  it should be ready to get a copy after 3 days,  if it was contracted out  it takes longer like about 2 or 3 weeks  then check at the VBA for a copy. ( Veterans Benefit Administration)

If it was contracted out call the contractor that did it and request a copy of the examiners report. they send copy's to the VA but they should have a copy too.

[LongTooth]

So a small update.

After the C&P "exam" and the subsequent fraud of a report, which I won't bother to post since it's highly inaccurate. It seems I'm going to have to get an IMO. I found a Dr. in my state who has agreed to take a look at things and write a report. His fee seems reasonable at 1500 and he's board certified. So I guess I wait and see. I'm sure the denial for PTSD is already wending it's way through the system. So I assume another NOD is in my immediate future.

[Inarticulate&Distorted]

Hey man,

Take a deep look into what goes into an IMO when it comes to PTSD and Mental Health Exams. The VA rater is looking for Very Very VERY specific terminology. If this Psychologist(and you WILL meed someone with a PhD) has no experience writing Opinions for the VA, it may not even help you if he doesn't know how the phrasing needs to be. I am sure others here would be able to point you to good resources on how these IMO's need to be laid out, wish i could be more helpful.