ptsd C&p 5-Year Reevaluation?

[MarineLCpl]

Hello gentleman,

I am a new member on the site. Thank you for having me! I'll tell you a little bit about myself..

Background: (Feel free to skip down to present day for the actual concern)

I was discharged from the Marine Corps in 2008, due to mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I have struggled with these issues ever since, and am still struggling to this very day. Shortly after being discharged, I was contacted by the VA to come in for a C&P exam to determine a course of action. In 2010, I received a rating of 50% for the issues mentioned above. I had a follow-up exam 6-months later, and my rating was increased from 50% to 80%. At the end of 2010, I filed the paperwork for unemployability, and was granted it at the end of that year. It remains current, and I have been in treatment with the VA since then to work on my issues.

In 2011, I applied for the Vocational Rehabilitation program to pursue a 4-year college degree. I was approved, and started attending classes. My first semester went rather well, pulling a B/C average at the end. The second semester, not so well. Ended up having to drop out because my anxiety was so immense. Enrolled to try again the following semester...dropped again...just could handle it, and was released from the program. In 2012, I became very interested in the engineering side of music, and wanted to give it a shot. I liked the fact that it was something I could do on my own, and didn't have to be around lots of others to perform my job. Being alone is when I'm more content.

I was hooked. I again applied for Voc. Rehab, and met with a rep. He was optimistic, which surprised me because of my past history with them, and he said he would run it across his boss and get back with me. He scheduled a meeting with me two weeks later and said that they couldn't approve that particular music program I wanted to pursue, and if that I picked something else (with a little better job security), I would likely be approved. I said no thanks, I'll just have to do it on my own. I think this surprised him, and I don't know if it was just because he could tell I was passionate, but he said he would vouch for me, and to go ahead and start the program. He told me that I would need to prove to him that I was serious, and maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to keep pursuing it. I agreed.

3 years later, I am finally a senior, and have not once dropped below the 3.0 GPA mark. WOW is all I can say to myself. I'm not going to lie, I went through some hard times with my mental health problems during these last 3 years, but I have fought hard, and maintained. I'm serious about doing something with my life and resolving my issues all together. My rep is very happy with me, and always reminds me that I continue to amaze him at holding up my end of the bargain.

This brings me to present day.

The VA has contacted me and scheduled a C&p exam in a couple of weeks. I do realize that it might be routine, but have a slight suspicion that a few VA employees at this facility are out to get me. While my depression has gotten better in recent years due to optimism about being a degree holder, my anxiety level has not changed, which is why I'm hoping that obtaining a college degree will give me that confidence boost I need to survive in the real world and stop getting so worked up about what others think/how they treat me. All I can think about is them taking away my benefits. I can imagine the aftermath, and I know myself pretty well. I would likely go back into depression because funds will start running low, anxiety will increase even more, fear of the future will be at an all-time high, etc.

I have been honest with the VA about my claims, and have sought treatment ever since my discharge. I have heard horror stories that if you tell the VA that you are better (as in my depression being better), they will automatically try and reduce, or take your rating away all together. I have worked so hard, and I'm gearing up for my last year of college, but now I feel as it all might come to a bleeding halt. I have been an American Legion member for 6 years, so I do have them as a point of contact, but I'm not sure if or when I should contact them about the situation.

Any tips, guys?

Thank you for listening, it truly means a lot! And again, thanks for having me on the site.

MarineLCpl

[MarineLCpl]

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to share a quick update with you and fill you in on how the past year has went for me. Since Last July, I have successfully graduated from college with my B.A. My SC conditions are still present, and getting through everything required tons of effort on my part. Many sleepless nights have been endured, but I kept strong and pushed through. Even better, I graduated with academic honors. I was quite surprised with my performance. 

I suppose the next step is to find a job. This is what is stressing me out the most these days. In college, you are pretty much on your own program. The stress-level is much lower due to less pressure, and you are rarely put into situations where you are disciplined. The workforce is the total opposite...the pressure is on...you have people breathing down your back that expect a certain level of performance...you have strict deadlines where your job depends on them, etc.

So, I will definitely be tackling some known fears head on...I just hope I can function normally. I understand that my very first employment route may not be the one that works out for me, but I am going to remain optimistic, and tell myself that if I was able to succeed in school, then I can surely tackle the next challenge and come out on top.

_____

I did have a question on if my IU rating would be affected now that I have a degree. Does it go away automatically, or when I find a job? Also, what if I am working and 2-3 months later, my disabilities force me to leave that job. What then? I guess I'm just curious as to how they approach the whole rating thing now that technically, with the degree, I could be considered "employable". Any insight would be appreciated.

I hope everyone has been well!

-- LCpl

[iceturkee]

i tend to think if you become gainfully employed, the IU will go away. if you should become unemployed shortly thereafter, i believe you would have to reapply for IU. my 2 cents.

[pwrslm]

http://helpdesk.vetsfirst.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=2813

Good info on this.