ptsd 30% For Ptsd And Why Not 50%

[stebarbar]

I received 30% for ptsd in Feb 2013 and the used the GFA of 62 from 9/2012 and not the GFA of 55 they VA dr's have used for the last 19 months. The VA regional office said to get to 50% I would need these 6 things: flatten affect,panic attacks,difficulty understanding complex command ,impairment of short term memory,imparied judgment,disturbances of of motivation and mood and difficulty establishing social relationships. I have in the A psychiatrist flatten, panic attacks more than 2 times or more a week,disturbances in motivation and mood and difficulty in social relationships. this is all in the va doctors notes for the last 2 years. It seems they took most of the info from the 9/2012.The one mistake I made a the C&P was I tole the psychologist that she has all the info in the va medical files and I didn't recite what I already told the Psychologist and Psychiatrist. My mistake! I call the VFW VSO and she sounded like I would have to have all these and the GAF didn't mean much by the Va psychiatrist. She said to have the psychiatrist fill out form 21-0960p-2 or mental disorder disability questionnaire. Do you have meet all 6 things and is the VSO right. Thanks for yourhelp, Semper ps The VA dr's don't like to fill out the forms.

[Jon1371]

John,

They have recently diagnosed me with Psychosis NOS. I wish I could go in there and show him how I'm functioning on a regular basis, but I psyche myself up and force myself to function for the Doctors appointment. I was told by a Doctor years ago to fake it until I make it and I have been living by that for many years. So, I go in and downplay my symptoms because I am terrified they will lock me up again. I guess I'm also trying to convince myself that I'm ok when in reality I'm not functioning and what I really need is close supervision.

[Philip Rogers]

They can't lock you up unless you do something dangerous to yourself or others. I started w/30% in '89 and appealed, appealed, appealed, and in '99 I was awarded 100%,P&T, retro to day one. I don't take their meds, either. You might check on Voc Rehab for whether you can be trained or if you are too sick??

pr

[Jon1371]

The doctor wanted to lock me up a couple of months ago, but since the only thing near me is a community clinic they couldn't tell me where I would go I said no. I couldn't handle the uncertainty. the doctor said he'd call around and see if any local hospital had space but he couldn't give me a definitive answer. I don't leave the house alone so I don't think I could do voc rehab. I get driven to my appointments by family. Thanks for the suggestion.

[john999]

When you go for your C&P exam do not downplay your symptoms. You must let it all hang out if you want a correct rating. Like Phil says the VA can't lock you up unless you tell them you have a plan to hurt yourself or others.

[BlastDaddy]

The VA can only ask if you would like to be self admitted unless you are a harm to yourself. I know because they had been asking me for almost 8 months. They even Flagged my records and placed me on the Suicide Watch List. I guess they should have done more. I only say this because I did try and kill myself twice. I ended up locked up in the hospital.

So take it from me. If you feel you need help GET IT. I didn't.

As for your rating I'm in the same boat. I was given 50% when my GAF was 41 and should have been awarded 70%-100%. I didn't let it all hang out during my C & P. I held back. You need to let it all out.

Good Luck.

[Jon1371]

I've been on their suicide watch list since 08 and a lot of the time when I go in they ask me if I'm suicidal and I say not right now. It's true because at that moment in time that is the truth. My time in the hospital was a waste of time. All they did was drug me with some kind of tranquilizer and feed and house me for a few days.

I am now trying to get the help I need and make forward progress. I believe that I should have gotten over all this by now. For whatever reason I am getting worse and not better. I hope you're getting good care too jrt1021. Best of luck out there.