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]

I had started with the DAV and they almost screwed me up royally so I replaced them with a veterans service attorney. I initially was discharged with an OTH so when I filed my claim they tried to list me as barred from benefits due to length of awol status and willful misconduct which I had to fight in a NOD hearing for character of discharge which I prevailed in. I don't know what the hold up is or was in my case. At this point I'm just glad I finally have a C&P date.

 

Could you elaborate on what specifically is wrong? Also what advice are you referring to that is suspect?

 

[Berta]

A C & P date is Great!!

Dont forget Longtooth- you did what many vets with bad paper never can do-you received a favorable Character of Discharge.

That in itself is a Victory!!!!!

 

[LongTooth]

Yes it is absolutely great news indeed. Not only are things moving along, albeit slowly, but I feel, for the first time that the end is potentially in sight. I honestly cannot see this lasting longer than the end of the year. So for the first time cautious optimism. The next item on the list to worry about is the exam itself, followed by the raters decision and possible NOD. I'm holding my breath that I don't have to appeal any higher.  So far my ducks are in a row, but like anything if you over extend you run the risk of collapse. Believe me I'd prefer to be anywhere but here. I hate the fact that I'm dealing with the VA. I hate the fact that I have to overcome mental deficiencies to combat a government agency that should damned well know better.

I'm dealing with some pretty severe anxiety right now. It happens when a target date appears on the horizon. Things ramp up in my head and the dynamo starts spinning up. Since the date is so suddenly close with little advanced warning, things tend to ratchet up exponentially. The term I like to use is "zero to hero"

So I get to wonder for the next 9 days if I'm walking into a quacks office. Will I be able to understand this person. Will I be able to cut through the bullshit and discern true intent. Is this person even the correct person to conduct the exam. Am I going to get screwed because this guy wants to save the government some cash. Things of that nature.

I've seen the rating schedule I know where I fit. I've also seen the DSM-4/DSM-5 criteria for PTSD and I know that's what I have. I don't want to walk into an exam and be made a mockery of or insulted. I've been down those roads and their not fun.

I was thinking of taking some pictures of my room and living area. To show how badly my mental health affects my daily living. I also need to come up with a list of symptomology and occurance rates. So much still to do it seems to hit the goal. Still so much uncertainty. I try to remain confident. It's hard, especially when you're wide awake at 3am filled with doubt and uncertainty. Maybe things will go smoothly from here on out. If the history of my claim is any indication I doubt it. More likely I will have to continue to fight and claw for every inch I gain. But hey, that's what soldiers do.

[LongTooth]

So I just got a call from my Attorney and she seems pretty optimistic about my exam on Monday which is good. The severe pressure of the last 6 days is unreal. Like others on the threads in this forum the anxiety has been ramping up so bad I'm hitting chest pain territory. She says my case is extremely well documented and that basically this should just be a formality. I guess that helps I dunno. I'm medicating far more than usual which is financially problematic. I feel like I'm back in a hallway with all my shit packed in a bag leaning up against the wall waiting for the order to move out. I just want it to end.

 

[Inarticulate&Distorted]

Keep your chin up man, it's pressure that turns you into a diamond

[LongTooth]

Yeah I'm trying and I'll make it through. I'm too stubborn to do anything else really. My Attorney is pretty optimistic about things so in 2 days I can put this phase behind me. At this point I should be made of diamonds