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Ptsd 60% Bipolar 40%...what Does That Mean For Rating?

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bassrunnin

Question

Here are the results of my c&p exam...would like opinion on rating and whether they might give me tdiu that I applied for...thanks ahead of time for your input,,, I tried to narrow down the exam to only the important info...

1. Diagnostic Summary

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Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-5 criteria based on today's evaluation?

[X] Yes [ ] No

ICD code: F43.10

2. Current Diagnoses

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a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD, chronic

ICD code: F43.10

Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Bipolar I Disorder, mixed

ICD code: F31.13

b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the

Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): Hypertension, Obesity

3. Differentiation of symptoms

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a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed?

[X] Yes [ ] No

b. Is it possible to differentiate what symptom(s) is/are attributable to each diagnosis?

[X] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not applicable (N/A)

If yes, list which symptoms are attributable to each diagnosis and discuss whether there is any clinical association between these diagnoses:

PTSD: hx of trauma, nightmares, flashbacks, traumatic memories, hypervigilance, avoidance of reminders of trauma, persistent guilt

Bipolar I: mood swings, manic episodes and depressed mood, low self esteem, increased appetite and weight gain

4. Occupational and social impairment

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a. Which of the following best summarizes the Veteran's level of occupational and social impairment with regards to all mental diagnoses? (Check only one)

[X] Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or mood

b. For the indicated level of occupational and social impairment, is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by each mental disorder?

[X] Yes [ ] No [ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed

If yes, list which portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis:

PTSD: 60%

Bipolar: 40%

2. History

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Veteran reports she has not been able to work since June 2014. Worked 4 out of the last 14 months. Worked at the Verizon call center doing tech support. "Had a good job and made good money. Having issues maintaining my composure. I was dissociating especially on breaks. Jumpy and emotional. Ususally very laid back person. Customer service don't always get nice customers. Started getting written up for poor performance. She reports she was on a leave of absence for 6 mos and then was let go because she was unable to perform her job. Too many triggers". She was told by her Dr Putatunda, psychiatrist, that she could not work. CWT: voc rehab at VA.

4. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria

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Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious injury, c) sexual violation, in one or more of the following ways:

[X] Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s)

Criterion B: Presence of (one or more) of the following intrusion

symptomsith the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred:

[X] Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s).

[X] Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s).

[X] Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of awareness of present surroundings).

[X] Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).

Criterion C: Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic events(s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following:

[X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).

Criterion D: Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:

[X] Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am bad,: "No one can be trusted,: "The world is completely dangerous,: "My whole nervous system is permanently ruined").

[X] Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead to the individual to blame himself/herself or others.

[X] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).

[X] Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.

[X] Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.

Criterion E: Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:

[X] Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation) typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.

[X] Reckless or self-destructive behavior.

[X] Hypervigilance.

[X] Problems with concentration.

[X] Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep).

Criterion F:

[X] Duration of the disturbance (Criteria B, C, D, and E) is more than

1 month.

Criterion G:

[X] The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Criterion I: Which stressor(s) contributed to the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis?:

[X] Stressor #1

5. Symptoms

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For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the

Veteran's diagnoses:

[X] Depressed mood

[X] Anxiety

[X] Panic attacks more than once a week

[X] Chronic sleep impairment

[X] Flattened affect

[X] Impaired judgment

[X] Disturbances of motivation and mood

[X] Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships

[X] Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or a worklike setting

[X] Suicidal ideation

8. Competency

-------------

Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs?

[X] Yes [ ] No

9. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any

--------------------------------------------------

Medical Opinion:

"Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of (a) posttruamtic stress disorder that is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) incurred in or caused by (the) miitary sexual trauma during service?

Yes, the Veteran symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder do meet DSM-5 criteria and are as least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) incurred in or caused by (the) miitary sexual trauma during service. Veteran has been working, studying and trying to function in her marriage, family and work settings. She has legitimately sought professional help for her sx and continues to do so. She has beenhospitalized three times for sx related to PTSD and bipolar disorder. The Veteran was consistent in her presentation and facts. She is compliant with treatment.

In your opinion, is it at least as likely as not, that the Veteran's documented history of STD on exit exam dated 5/28/1996 supports the occurrence of the described military sexual assault in November 1992?

In my clinical opinion, the documented history of STD on exit exam dated

5/28/1996 does support and add validity to the Veteran's claim of military sexual assault.

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I just replied to the other post you made here on the C & P.........

gee I forgot already what topic that was under...

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I don't know much about PTSD raitings but Berta is the one that I respect the most for her opinions. That being said. What the Dr selected with deficiencies in most area seems to me to be 50%

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I just rechecked the raiting scale the dehiciencies in most areas is for 70%. If you are working then I would say 50%. A rep at the DAV told me that the raiters have a new system they can use to speed raitings up if they want to use it but they do not have to if they don't want to. What she said it is is a program that they punch in what boxes were selected on the C&P work sheets and that will tell them what the raiting should be. If that is the case I hope all the best for you and I would like to thank all of you for your service.

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Deficienies in most areas is at the 70% level. They could always make it for 50% I guess, but I see you getting 70% minimum. If you don't, file a NOD. FYI: I received a 70% PTSD rating while I was working.

Also, if you get the 70% rating and you are not working then I would file for IU as soon as you get your retro and BBE. Again FYI: I received my 70% PTSD rating on March 11, 2014. On March 23, 2014 I filed new claim for an Increase and IU. It took 31 days to award me TDIU and was awarded total and permanent as well. I am rated 80%, but TDIU or IU pays at 100% rate.

Obviously not all RO work so quickly, but again my advice is if you get the 70% then by all means file for the IU ASAP!!

All the best to you and your family!!

Greg

Just to be clear...when awarded 70% PTSD rating I was working. Several days later I lost my job and then I filed for the increase/IU on March 23, 2014. Also if you file for IU there is an past employer form that needs to be filled out. I don't remember the form number but it is available on the VA website. Hand carry the form to former employers Human resource dept and have them fill it out. Some will do it on the spot while others take a couple of days. It is a short form. When you send in new claim for increase/IU then include those forms. It will give them everything they need to approve the IU and save you about 2 months of wait time on the claim. OK....I'm done!!

Edited by eagle1012004
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I just rechecked the raiting scale the dehiciencies in most areas is for 70%. If you are working then I would say 50%. A rep at the DAV told me that the raiters have a new system they can use to speed raitings up if they want to use it but they do not have to if they don't want to. What she said it is is a program that they punch in what boxes were selected on the C&P work sheets and that will tell them what the raiting should be. If that is the case I hope all the best for you and I would like to thank all of you for your service.

that would be the reason I was denied a service connected scar. in the comments the rater wrote that a scar was painful and due to a service connected surgery, however in the Section where it asks is the scar painful or unstable she checked NO.

SO if what the rater writes down doesnt matter and they just go by the boxes that are checked, this could be a problem, as my CP examiner CLEARLY made an error, or intentionally tried to stick it to me.

Now I believe the VA has stopped access to CP exams, so the veteran has no chance of contesting the CP exam until After the claim is rated.

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ok the file went from prep for decision to gathering evidence. Here is why and what does this mean? Does this mean they will deny me benefits completely?

COMPENSATION AND PENSION EXAMINATION REPORT (FREE TEXT) =======================================================

REQUEST

Previous examiner provided a level of occupational and social impairment of: Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or mood; however it was reported that 60% was attributed to PTSD and 40% was attributed to biploar disorder. This is not sufficient for rating purposes. Please provide the veteran's level of occupational and social impairment due solely to her posttraumatic stress disorder outside of her bipolar disorder. If it

is not possible to differentiate between the two without resorting to mere speculation then please state so.

Additionally, please provide the symptoms as marked in Section II question 5 of the DBQ that are attributable solely to the veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder outside of her bipolar disorder. If it is not possible to differentiate the symptoms between the two without resorting to mere speculation then please state so.

RESPONSE

I have reviewed the veteran's TVHS electronic medical records and VBMS chart. While the examiner indicates that bipolar symptoms are more prominent, there is significant overlap between the two disorders and they cannot be fully differentiated. For example, either can cause any of the symptoms listed in Section II. 5.

In summary, I cannot provide an estimation of impairment due solely to PTSD without resorting to mere speculation. Also, I cannot differentiate which symptoms listed in section II. 5. are solely due to PTSD.

Thanks for any help in this matter. It's now back to pending decision, but I am really nervous.

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