ptsd Alcohol Abuse/cirrhosis Secondary To Ptsd

[SigBnSoldier]

In April 2013 I had an initial exam for PTSD, the diagnoses were-

Axis I

1. PTSD

2. Bipolar NOS

3. Alcohol abuse in full sustained remission (5 years)

When I got my award 5 months later I was connected for "PTSD with bipolar disorder" but no mention of alcohol abuse. The examiners rational DID state, "claimant started drinking to deal with symptoms of ptsd".

So, six weeks ago I filed a claim for Alcohol Abuse, secondary to PTSD with Bipolar disorder and submitted a copy of that C&P as a nexus statement. Will that suffice for a nexus or do I need to go out and get another one?

My whole goal eventually is to get the cirrhosis covered, which I have very firm documentation of.

Thank you

[SigBnSoldier]

AA in combination with VA mental health has been my miracle. Thank you for the congrats.

[john999]

In about 1987 I had a C&P exam on an increase for a mental health issue. I got a doctor on a mission. He just started with the leading questions and twisted every word to label me an anti-social personality disorder. I had no police record or any signs of being anti-social. I could not believe what I read when I got the C&P copy. However, I had been SC for over 10 years, so the VA could not sever my SC. When I filed for a CUE that included an increase back to 1973 the VA dug up that single C&P exam to try and discredit the fact that I was P&T for 6 years at the time. They brought this exam up at the COVA even though it had nothing to do with my CUE. They never forget these attempts to shaft you. I think this was during a time when some budget hawks were in congress and the White House. Vietnam vets had targets on their backs.

Never let them get you to talk about your time before the military except to say everything was great. Great parents even if they beat you with a rubber hose. Great school even if you were expelled 10 times. No minor police record they cannot check. Admit nothing! If they ask you if you ever argued with anyone say "no" even though it is a bald faced lie. They will use anything you say against you, so think about it.

[SigBnSoldier]

In about 1987 I had a C&P exam on an increase for a mental health issue. I got a doctor on a mission. He just started with the leading questions and twisted every word to label me an anti-social personality disorder. I had no police record or any signs of being anti-social. I could not believe what I read when I got the C&P copy. However, I had been SC for over 10 years, so the VA could not sever my SC. When I filed for a CUE that included an increase back to 1973 the VA dug up that single C&P exam to try and discredit the fact that I was P&T for 6 years at the time. They brought this exam up at the COVA even though it had nothing to do with my CUE. They never forget these attempts to shaft you. I think this was during a time when some budget hawks were in congress and the White House. Vietnam vets had targets on their backs.

Never let them get you to talk about your time before the military except to say everything was great. Great parents even if they beat you with a rubber hose. Great school even if you were expelled 10 times. No minor police record they cannot check. Admit nothing! If they ask you if you ever argued with anyone say "no" even though it is a bald faced lie. They will use anything you say against you, so think about it.

I get what you're saying, and am guarded with what I discuss with VA employees. I don't feel I need to really lie though, my medical record tells the story.

I am concerned over those two entries about drinking since I was 11 and started in "teenage years". The only thing I can think of is that particular psychiatrist asked me when the first time I ever drank was, and in that case it is true, I had a beer, with some of the kids in the neighborhood on a dare, like kids will do. So, my mistake for telling him I played with matches as a kid, so to speak.

We'll see how it all turns out. Either way it's going to be a very long time before I have an answer. Currently I have a dependency claim for retro (18 year old still in high school), a CUE and a NOD, in addition to this new claim, all turned in within 6 months of each other.

I'm just going to turn ebenefits off and check in a year or so.

[SigBnSoldier]

I'm scheduled for C&P exam on 6/10/2015 for mental health... I suppose they're going to put me through the wringer on the cirrhosis secondary to alcohol abuse secondary to ptsd. Hope I don't get reduced or lose my P&T.

[Philip Rogers]

You shouldn't get reduced but you never know w/the VA. I am SC for alcohol, due to PTSD. I very, rarely, drank, until VN, but that's what we did when we returned to base camp, after an operation. I'd get that 11yo start stuff corrected. It may take a while but you'll win. There's no extra money but they will rate and pay compensation, for damages & care, caused by alcohol. I hope I never need it!!

pr

[Gastone]

When did you get the Cirrohsis DX? VA's a real stickler for DX dates when it comes to SC Secondary ratings. How did the DR come up with the "started drinking at 11?"

Do you have or is there an official VA DX regarding Alcoholism? How long were you self-medicating your PTSD symptoms before your official VA PTSD DX?

Remember, You DON'T have the right to remain Silent and EVERYTHING, YOU SAY or is said about you, WII BE USED AGAINST YOU!

Semper Fi

Gastone