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

[Berta]

"As for the 2013 claim, there was no mention of it, which is fine. In the letter I received they list my application date, which I assume to mean my earliest effective date, as March 24, 2014."

I assume they will now be able to adjudicate that claim---and it seems they have definitely acknowledged it.

The waiting is a terrible part of the claims process.

Do you plan on using ebenefits on line?

https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage

They can give a status from time to time, and I think it is  a lot better than Peggy-   sometimes...

 

[LongTooth]

Well, I'm assuming that the upcoming C&P, whenever that's scheduled, will allow the rater to lowba...I mean rate me. I don't know how well I'll handle another 5-8 years on appeal to the BVA for a 50% or lower rating.

[Inarticulate&Distorted]

LongTooth, 

Just got done goin through all your posts. So happy for how well you've handled everything so far. Please allow me to pitch in a few measly words for you.

Mental Health, believe it or not, pre 9/11 we "crazies" were treated for "Behavioral" issues, so your information may be sitting in St Louis still, send them amother request for "Any and All" records of your Behavioral Health. I had a sweet old Sergeant down in Ft. Benning's Medical Records Division tell me that plum little secret.

Also, as someone who also received a OTH Discharge i also wasn't allowed to get VA Health Bennefits, until after they Service Connected me for my "Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood". 50% SC Disability gets you 100% FREE Health Care minus Dental. 

SSDI was also a slam dunk for me. I got extremely lucky, the Psychologiat who did my Exam was a Vet! 3 months amd i got a year of Retro in my checking account while on vacation with my Retro from going from 50-70% January of '17. The VA even extended my Retro from my first Claim back to June of 2014. Sometimes, the VA does apply the lube, after they F@#k ya over.

Keep up your good fight brother, i will be rooting for ya

[LongTooth]

Hey man, Thanks for the kind words of encouragement, it means a lot to me.

I think at this point in my claim that the VA should have all records in my C-File. I haven't gotten a copy of it yet because I don't want to screw up the process or my place in line. So far the info I have provided to the VA as well as the therapist and attorney I walked into my NOD with have been sufficient. I think I've managed to paint a somewhat convincing picture that, yes, something did in fact happen to me in the service. This line of reasoning is vindicated by my "get out of jail free" letter.

As far as VA "healthcare"... You wont catch me walking dead into a VA for healthcare. They are the enemy. Currently I'm on Medicare due to SSDI, which I am being reviewed on. I should pass as I've managed to add COPD II onto my disabilities :( .

Personally I think they should do away with discharge "characterizations".  I feel they are punative and serve no real purpose in this day and age.

Yeah my SSDI was also extremely quick. Got mine within 6 months so I must be screwed up. All I know is I hope it's over soon. I got a house that's falling apart and a life on hold.

 

 

[LongTooth]

So apparently I have mild sleep apnea which was diagnosed in a sleep study back in 2015 by a lung specialist after a sleep study was requested. From what I gather you can service connect sleep apnea to PTSD as a secondary condition. I guess my questions are then. How do you go about getting a secondary condition attributed. What does this do to ratings/compensation?

[Gastone]

Do you have a Sleep Specialist's Treatment Notes discussing the probable etiology of your SA (OSA, CSA or MSA)? Have you had an Over-night Sleep Study that resulted in a DX of SA? Are you on CPAP or BiPAP?

File an FDC indicating the SA DX is Secondary to your PTSD DX, attaching all your Medical Evidence.

It would serve you well to spend some time reviewing BVA Decisions regarding SA Secondary to SC PTSD.  Having SC PTSD is not a guarantee of getting a Secondary SC for SA.