ptsd 50% Ptsd, How To Get And Increase ?

[Wjason777]

In 2011 I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, and was granted 50%. I’m currently being seen at the local VA and is currently taking meds. In the last 8 months I’ve been really having trouble, my condition has gotten worst and it seems like my meds haven’t been working. I have and appointment this month with my psychologist. What do I need to do and what do i need in order to get and increase for my condition? How can I get my condition to get listed as permanently? I see on Ebenefits that I’m schedule for an Review on Nov 2016 and that my condition is not listed as permanently.

Edited February 10, 2015 by Wjason777

[USMC_HVEQ]

Wjason777,

no problem asking questions that is what the forum is for, besides you know the Corps line on questions, there are no stupid q's.....

You need to get level 2 access from the VA for ebenefits website so you can have access to the Blue button which has a lot of information such as progress notes, lab results etc. It will not have everything in you C-File, but will have a lot of information if it is the only facility you are treated at.

To get Level 2 or an elevated security clearance, you need to find the person in charge of internet authetication. You show them you are ID and they should explain it all for you. Once you have access, you can send private messages in email to the VA docs through their system.

As for any possible increases, you need to see if you fit the criteria for the higher levels. Just wanting it, isn't enough.

You will not be able to get a copy that day, so don't waste your time. Generally, you meet with the doc then at some other point in time they input info on your session. It could be right then or it could be later, depends on the doc.

[georgiapapa]

Also ask your psycholigist to complete a PTSD DBQ (VA form 21-0960P-3) for you. My psychologist keeps the DBQ forms in her desk and did not hesitate to complete the a DBQ for me. You can google and print a copy of this form. I would review it carefully so you can go over it with your psychologist to make sure he/she lists all of your symptoms.

I would also Google 38 CFR part 4.130 which shows the Schedule of Ratings for mental disorders, including PTSD. You can compare your current symptoms with the group of symptoms shown in the different percentage levels. If a lot of your symptoms are shown in two different levels, the VA should give you the rating percentage for the level showing more of your symptoms. This should give you a good idea if you will receive an increase. JMO

Good luck to you and Semper Fi.

Georgiapapa.

[Navy04]

Great Advice Georgia!!!

[Wjason777]

Also ask your psycholigist to complete a PTSD DBQ (VA form 21-0960P-3) for you. My psychologist keeps the DBQ forms in her desk and did not hesitate to complete the a DBQ for me. You can google and print a copy of this form. I would review it carefully so you can go over it with your psychologist to make sure he/she lists all of your symptoms.

I would also Google 38 CFR part 4.130 which shows the Schedule of Ratings for mental disorders, including PTSD. You can compare your current symptoms with the group of symptoms shown in the different percentage levels. If a lot of your symptoms are shown in two different levels, the VA should give you the rating percentage for the level showing more of your symptoms. This should give you a good idea if you will receive an increase. JMO

Good luck to you and Semper Fi.

Georgiapapa.

Thanks for the great info, Reading all the symptoms in 38 CFR part 4.130 everything that’s listed in the 70% level is what I’ve been experiencing in the last 6 months. When I have my appointment I’m going to bring these things to his attention and then ask about filling out a PTSD DBQ. Once he fills it out I'll submit for and increase on Ebenfits. Along with TMJ/ teeth grinding

Since more than likely my doctor would be taking notes and adding them to my file do I have to have those notes for evidence to support my case when I file for and increase?

[georgiapapa]

Yes. Even though your psychologist provides you with a DBQ, you still want as much supporting evidence as possible when submitting a request for an increase. Also, you want copies of your psychologist's notes and reports to see if anything in the notes and reports reports might contradict the DBQ and hurt your chances for a request for increase. If you have increased your PTSD medication since your last award for PTSD, you also want to provide proof of the increase in medication. Provide any evidence you have that your PTSD condition has become more severe.

You also may want to have any family members or others who have witnessed your PTSD condition worsen write Statements in Support of Claim (VA form 21-4138). You can google this form and print it off the Internet. The statements should be detailed and focused on different examples of your behavior where you exhibited more severe symptoms, especially those shown in the 70% or 100% levels.

A more detailed statement is a more credible statement. However, no exaggerations or lies. Make sure you review the statements carefully for inaccuracies and omissions before you submit them to your RO. JMO

Good luck.

[Philip Rogers]

Technically, you don't need any evidence that you've gotten worse, once you've been awarded an illness/injury. You merely need to request an increase and the VA is required to re-evaluate your condition. Obviously, the more evidence you have the better chance you'll have of winning. What you should have done was appeal your original award, within the one year deadline. jmo

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