ptsd C&p Results Don't Look Good.

[kate7772]

Looks like my husband's claim for PTSD will be denied. He was diagnosed in Jan. 2914 through VA. Their Psychologist and Psychiatrist concurred on the diagnosis. Has been receiving therapy through PTSD counselor at VA since diagnosis. Counselor says he is a "mess." Severe PTSD and major depressive disorder.

Now the examiner says my husband's problems are the result of his physical health (kidney disease) that was diagnosed two years ago. It's true that the ### really hit the fan at that time with PTSD symptoms becoming more severe. His counselor explained the reason for this is because he had to cut his work schedule to less than 1/2 time and has more time to dwell on things. Counselor said this is a common occurrence with PTSD.

The C&P results have not been posted on Myhealthevet yet; DAV rep gave us this info. I know we will need to wait for the official rating but looks like a long process is in front of us and my husband has very severe and worsening issues at work as a result of the symptoms.

Do you think contacting the VA secretary would help?

Thanks

Kate

[free_spirit_etc]

I think we covered the evidence, the examiner just seemed stuck on the idea that the kidney disease is responsible for an "adjustment disorder"instead of PTSD despite the timeline of when the kidney disease started and when the symptoms were claimed.

I actually doubt he is stuck on this. It was just something he could use.

[free_spirit_etc]

I am so sorry he is going through this. It is so uncalled for.

And my husband feels totally invalidated. It's like returning home from Vietnam all over again for him.
Kate

[kate7772]

Ah, the old "adjustment disorder" bamboozle. Dealing with the VA's "shrinks" is always acrapshoot. Also, any chance that the kidney disorder arose from agent orange exposure in Vietnam or from trauma while in military service?

We have an appeal in on the kidney disease being caused by the chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water. This is a tough one to win;they aren't awarding many for Camp Lejeune but on the appeal we have a good IMO from Dr. bash as well as medical notes from one of the VA specialists saying as likely as not.

Kate

[kate7772]

I am so sorry he is going through this. It is so uncalled for.

Thank you.

We did get a denial. Have not seen it yet but DAV looked at it and said we need to get a confirmed diagnosis from a board certified psychologist and then file for an FDC reconsideration. Will try to get an evaluation from the psychologist that my husband's NP referred him to for ruling out other cognitive issues. He did test my husband and indicated he agreed with the PTSD diagnosis and the symptoms being as a result of it but apparently we need more, probably a DBQ.

Kate

[militarynurse]

The frustrating thing about VA mental health is it's so darn inconsistent. Two Veterans with exactly the same symptoms could see two different VA "shrinks" and get two different diagnosis. "Chronic adjustment disorder" due to a service connected medical problem may be worth something comp-wise, however, it's more like a runner-up placeholder for the PTSD diagnosis.

[Mikemmlj]

Hmmm by its very nature chronic adjustment disorder is PTSD. I realize the DSM criteria may differ slightly, but something seems a little odd here. Have you looked at healthgrades to see what the docs ratings are? I'm not judging the Doc maybex this is they're sincere diagnosis but some docs may "steer a diagnosis" out of a sense that veterans are over compensated or some other issue like "cynical burn out". Just saying.....