ptsd Filed Va Benefits Claim Before Going To Va Mental Health Center

[AF1TX]

I went in to see the DAV representative and he said even though I haven't been treated by the VA for PTSD that I should submit the disability claim for compensation. He then said I should visit the VA mental health center to get treatment and a confirmed diagnosis.

Should I have gone into the VA mental health clinic first? I'm going into the clinic for the first time today to start treatment. My symptoms have been getting worse and worse over the past year to the point that I can't take them anymore. I didn't know where to go first so I went in to the DAV. If I go into the VA Medical center now and they give me a confirmed PTSD diagnosis, will the VA still be able to use that diagnosis in my claim? Thank you for your help.

[Mikemmlj]

What's done is done. Make sure you feel comfortable with your VA treatment team and make sure you stay in charge of your own claim. No one is going to take care of your claim as good as you will. The biggest regret I have is not filing for my secondary conditions when I filed my PTSD claim.

[Notorious Kelly]

My guess is: If you get a diagnosis from VA doc regarding mental condition, you can submit a form 21-4138 to clarify claim.

VSOs like your rep love submitting claim ASAP to 'preserve the date' but it not the best method.

Fully Developed Claims (FDCs- where you present a nice package of evidence including diagnosis) are preferable to possibly lessen the claim processing time.

But if you gave him Power of Attorney, he should be handling all this.

It would be good to clarify who is driving your claim.

[Vync]

Also, keep in mind you can only have a single mental health rating

[AF1TX]

Thanks for your replies. My claim has moved to the "Gathering Evidence" stage and a "Development letter was sent" in the updates column. I'm guessing it's just a letter stating they are working on my claim or to ask for a stressor letter. I've heard it will stay at this stage the longest.

My VSO was quick to submit the FDC to preserve the date, so I'm hoping they schedule me for a VA exam before my C and P exam or maybe the C and P examiner can diagnose or confirm the diagnosis. Either way, I should have a PTSD diagnosis in my file before long from my visit to the Mental Health clinic. Walking in those doors was the hardest things I've done in my life.

[Notorious Kelly]

Glad you made that trip, AF - stay the course and WIN!