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

[georgiapapa]

You are certainly welcome.

[Gastone]

Kate: Regarding getting a PTSD DBQ from your husbands VA Mental Health providers. PTSD DBQ can be requested by the Veteran but the VA directs Mental Health providers to hand off the actual review of mental health file and subsequent completion of the DBQ to another Mental Health Clinician that would not have been involved with your husbands case. That to say if they even accepted your PTSD DBQ Request. You can kind of understand the VA's thinking, your husband and his Mental Health Clinician have a certain Bond established that they don't want compromised by possibly your husband getting upset with his Dr over the completion of his DBQ. At the VAH Detroit, they refer all requests for PTSD DBQ's to the Vet's Primary Care Dr. Problem there, what good is a PTSD DBQ completed by a non-Specialist. Pscychiatrist or Pscycologist PHD DX trumps a General Practitioner DX of mental health issues.

Under current VA Guidelines regarding DX of PTSD for compensation claims, the C&P Examiner must be a PTSD Psychiatrist or Psychologist PHD. The examiner can be either VA employed or Contracted, but must meet the guidelines for Mental Health Credentials.

As for his PTSD claim, you mentioned Danang and USMC. Was he awarded a Combat Action Ribbon? have you pulled his complete USMC military record? Mine showed all awards and Combat operations I participated in by name and date. The Corp was very big on paper work and records.

Semper Fi

Gastone

[kate7772]

Well, did all we could. I wrote a lengthy statement disputing all the errors and out-right lies in the exam. Uploaded a copy to ebenefits, faxed copies to both scanning centers (the regional va is a different location from the one that actually has the claim.). Also faxed a copy to the actual RO where claim is. Emailed a copy to Secretary Bob. Husband went for his monthly NP appt. today and she was appalled at the C&P. Totally at odds with their treatment records. She recognized the examiners name and said he is "an idiot." Has a reputation. She checked on doing a DBQ and said they were not allowed to do them out of their office but would ask if there was anything else they could do to get something to the rater before a decision was made. In the meantime, she said to go to the VSO and have them send a statement. We did that also today but they mail it, so........ Also, today the claim moved to preparation for decision, so unlikely any of the things we sent will be read before a decision is made. There has got to be a way to fight a lie-filled C&P without a lengthy appeal. I've moved from stunned to absolutely furious. And my husband feels totally invalidated. It's like returning home from Vietnam all over again for him.

Kate

[georgiapapa]

Apparently the VA has changed their policy regarding mental health doctors completing DBQs for their patients. My psychologist did not hesitate to complete a DBQ when I requested one in August 2012. She even had the forms in her desk.

Hopefully the rating officials will render a favorable decision after a review of your husband's medical records which countermand the C & P examiner's report. If your statement and any documents from your husband's mental health team are received by the RO before a decision is made, you might see his claim move from preparation for decision back to gathering of evidence. This would be a good sign.

However, don't give up if his claim is denied. Just post the reasons for the denial on Hadit and let Hadit members help you with the next step.

Good luck.

[kate7772]

Managed to post C&P in the C&P topics. Please take a look at it.

Thanks

Kate

[militarynurse]

Ah, the old "adjustment disorder" bamboozle. Dealing with the VA's "shrinks" is always a

crapshoot. Also, any chance that the kidney disorder arose from agent orange exposure in Vietnam or from trauma while in military service?