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

[georgiapapa]

According to an **Advocacy Tip** in 5.8.6 (Medical Statements in Support of Claim for Increase) of the VBM, it states:

"The VA does not have to conduct a VA examination in order to pay increased compensation benefits. If the advocate submits medical evidence that is adequate for rating purposes, and the evidence supports a higher evaluation for the claimant, the advocate should argue that the medical evidence submitted meets the requirements of the regulation and therefore that the evidence is sufficient to support an increased evaluation in the service-connected condition."

A DBQ prepared by your current psychologist and other medical reports showing your PTSD has become more severe may be adequate for a higher rating without being required to submit to a new VA exam. Sometimes the VA will still insist on scheduling a VA exam. In the event this happens, the above referenced section advises the veteran to report for the examination with any supporting evidence they want the VA doctor to review. Even if the VA requires another VA exam, having supporting medical evidence for the VA examiner to review should increase your chances of receiving a higher rating for your PTSD.

In regards to my suggestion about obtaining Statements in Support of Claim from others, please disregard my suggestion. The statements would be helpful with a new claim for PTSD but not a request for an increased rating for PTSD. About the only evidence that would be helpful to your request for a rating increase for a condition already service connected is medical evidence. However, you do need to send a letter or use a VA form 21-4138 to provide your own statement to your RO requesting an increased rating for your PTSD and also state you believe the attached medical evidence meets the requirements for an increased rating for your PTSD. JMO

Good luck.

[Wjason777]

According to an **Advocacy Tip** in 5.8.6 (Medical Statements in Support of Claim for Increase) of the VBM, it states:

"The VA does not have to conduct a VA examination in order to pay increased compensation benefits. If the advocate submits medical evidence that is adequate for rating purposes, and the evidence supports a higher evaluation for the claimant, the advocate should argue that the medical evidence submitted meets the requirements of the regulation and therefore that the evidence is sufficient to support an increased evaluation in the service-connected condition."

A DBQ prepared by your current psychologist and other medical reports showing your PTSD has become more severe may be adequate for a higher rating without being required to submit to a new VA exam. Sometimes the VA will still insist on scheduling a VA exam. In the event this happens, the above referenced section advises the veteran to report for the examination with any supporting evidence they want the VA doctor to review. Even if the VA requires another VA exam, having supporting medical evidence for the VA examiner to review should increase your chances of receiving a higher rating for your PTSD.

In regards to my suggestion about obtaining Statements in Support of Claim from others, please disregard my suggestion. The statements would be helpful with a new claim for PTSD but not a request for an increased rating for PTSD. About the only evidence that would be helpful to your request for a rating increase for a condition already service connected is medical evidence. However, you do need to send a letter or use a VA form 21-4138 to provide your own statement to your RO requesting an increased rating for your PTSD and also state you believe the attached medical evidence meets the requirements for an increased rating for your PTSD. JMO

Good luck.

Thanks for all the info, I seen my doctor last week and explained how i was feeling these last few months, he increase my meds again ( this would be the 4 time within 3 years and the 2nd time he changed my meds ). He also agreed to fill out the VA form 21-0960P-3. Once I get the form back im going to fill out a VA Form 21-4138 in regards to why i think i should get an increase along with all my doctor notes from the past 3 years.

Hopefully I get it.

[Berta]

TMJ can definitely be a secondary disability to PTSD...maybe he could offer a medical statement to that affect as well.

[Wjason777]

TMJ can definitely be a secondary disability to PTSD...maybe he could offer a medical statement to that affect as well.

What's the rating for TMJ?

[Berta]

You can find the ratings at the VA Schedule of Ratings link here at hadit.

This BVA decision has some TMJ rating info:

The veteran was rated at 20% for TMJ but
" Simply put, the record does not show that the functional loss due to his TMJ syndrome impairs him to such a degree that he has the equivalent of the criteria for a higher 30 or 40 percent rating. "

It is a detailed decision regarding other issues as well, but shows the evidence that VA needs to have that would warrant a higher TMJ rating for this vet..such as functional loss.

http://www.va.gov/vetapp12/Files1/1200284.txt

Diagnostic codes and rating info are about half way down the VA SRD link.

[Wjason777]

Ok I got my Va form 21-0960P-3 back from my doctor last week and I'm questioning myself to even submit it as evidence. My doctor didn't list much of the symptoms that I'm having on section 7.

Here is a copy. What do you guys think? Will this be enough for and increase ?

Edited February 19, 2015 by Wjason777