ptsd Ptsd Review

[RAKMEDIC3/187]

Hello,

I have just recently stumbled on this site while searching for answers... About 5-6 years ago, I applied for PTSD compensation. I was awarded something like 10% at that time. During my C&P, two things I was told affected the low ball on this. The first being that I was never awarded my CMB, although I should have been more than once. The second was that I was getting good grades in school while working a full time job. The examiner had questioned why I did not even receive a CAB, I am guessing that he did not know that as a medic this was not something I could have earned.

After the time of the Award, I was sent to Walter Reed for a mental health eval, and soon came back to find that I was being booted from the National Guard. My Social worker at the VA gave me a choice of either checking into a mental health clinic or being forced into one. I chose to go on my own... While there I had asked that my rating be increased, and it was soon increased to 50%.

NOW, I have another appointment dated for 29th of June. In the last few years, I went back to school using the VocRehab, and finished my degree in 2014. I am worried that they are going to use that same thinking that there is no way that there is any mental impairment in this individual because he was able to finish school with a GPA of 3.4 while being a father of 2 young kids.

Please if anyone would have any information for me it would be greatly appreciated.

[Smirak]

I have a 70% rating for PTSD and have a normal, functioning job. The VA C&P MH Doctor was surprised at my level of functionality combined with my severity of symptoms. Just because you hold a regular job down doesn't mean you don't have a case for PTSD.

[georgiapapa]

Look at the "Schedule of Ratings" for mental disorders under 38 CFR part 4.130 and you will understand why your doctor might have been surprised at your level of functionality with 70% rating.

GP

[ArNG11]

yeah I kind of get treated like that from the VAMC. I've been lucky as so far as getting my meds from the VA. I guess maybe because I've learned so much from this site as well as researched my conditions. For me I am aware of what's going on when I get attacks most times self talk helps and talking or chatting with people you trust and/or who share and can relate to your experiences. I'm not going to kid you I'm on a bunch of meds, I research like crazy and I hate being on so many but they help. You have to be assertive and realize that the meds are kind of like a cushion tool to stabilize you of sorts or rather keep the extreme ups and downs down to a minimum. It's not a for sure cure but a means to adapt and overcome. I'm not going to get rid of this but learning what the triggers are and the combination of treatments and support can help you manage. For me self talk, meds, treatment from VA Psych, Civilian Psych and the help of other Vets, and family support keep the demons at bay most of the time. I'm highly suspicious and don't trust the VA, still don't, heck I'm even apprehensive about people when they try to help, but I utilize them how I need to in order to learn how manage and cope.

I'm no expert and I can give you all the pointers and things that have worked for me and others, but I'm still learning every day and what's been working for me isn't guaranteed to work for you. It's hard to find a balance. But as long as you keep learning and trying to move forward you will be better off. I've only been at it for 8 years and although I've had some success I don't consider it a complete win. Take heed and listen to people that are serving your best health,well being in mind, and best interests. with VA it is what it is, know that it's a two edge sword while there to help it can hurt you as well. Talk and chat with folks that have been living with this for a long time I'm a newbie of sorts, and use the tools they offer that work in your situation. Adapt and overcome. JMHO.

The VA views PTSD as curable, I personally don't agree, what it is, is something you learn to live with and realize when you need some help or a push to get you over the next hump. Anyways treatment, medical records, family and medical support, use these to help keep your ratings

Edited June 17, 2015 by ArNG11

[RAKMEDIC3/187]

Thanks ArNG11,

I have been dealing with this since 2005, and nothing seems to work. I use to be a big gym rat, always in the gym working out it was what I did. Now that does not work, I will go to the gym and belong to a 24hr gym. I will go when there are no people and the first sign of someone coming too close to me there I am usually out the door. I have talked with a few people about this but in the end it kind of makes my situation worse. Especially when I see that these individuals have been dealing with these same problems since 1970s... It has almost been 10 years since I was deployed and in my thinking as to where I should be I shouldn't still be driving like I'm driving down a road filled with IEDs, Sleepless nights, and so on... I understand why I am doing these things, I went through the PTSD program with the VA, they explained it all to me. The only source of relief that I have is to avoid every possible situation that may pop up which leaves me alone.

Finding others that have the feelings that I have does help. Makes me feel less crazy knowing that I am not the only one that is going through this. For a long time that is how I felt, and did not bring it up with anyone because of this. The VA does nothing to help me, I had a good social worker before but they retired from the VA. Now its all drugs and quit drinking... I go long periods without drinking and I do take the medications that they prescribe for a long while until I realize that I am feeling and doing the exact same as I was when I first started on the medications. A few years back they had me on some anxiety medications that did help me, however they were prescribing that I take way too much of it so I started only taking them as needed. When I told the psych about this, they told me that I was abusing the drug and took me off of it saying that I have abusive tendencies... I am unsure how that is abusive when I was only taking them when I had a situation where I could feel myself getting too worked up rather than 2 every 6 hours as they had wanted. Also, I would only take 1 of them rather than 2. It worked, I brought that up during my last session with the psych and she again stated that it is an abusive pattern because the brain begins to make me feel anxious or angry so that I will take the meds and my brain would continue to increase the frequency on these "attacks" so that I would take more and more of the drug. She says the same with alcohol, I can take it or leave it when I drink its because I have been up for 3 days in a row and I just want to be out for a while. So my track record with mental health at the VA is not the best.... I can not continue to go when I am seen for only 15 minutes and that is all that I am told is to not drink or that I'm a drug abuser when that IS NOT THE CASE!!!..

Sorry for going on and on, just a venting session I guess.

Thanks again to everyone for the responses.

[USMC_VET]

With 10% now for SC PTSD, you do not have to prove or elaborate on any stressors.

If you have had any increases in dosage or major changes in your PTSD meds, this can sometimes support a higher rating.

Your Psyche records are important too as I assume you get PTSD counseling at the VA.

It never pays to hold back when dealing with a VA shrink.

Did you have any documented problems on the USPS job that could be attributed to PTSD?

As Gastone says that degree can become a problem for PTSD vets trying for higher ratings, such as TDIU.

Has any other SC disability increased (in the 60% you stated you have now ) to a higher level,in your opinion and did you claim that as well?

RAKMEDIC

I cannot reiterate enough what Berta said there

Never hold back with a VA shrink and especially on a exam for C&P

I am proof of what can happen as I am 6 months into a battle with a proposal to reduce my PTSD rating because I was worried about losing my job if i didnt. The best advice i can give is one that i got from this site regarding what to say to the VA shrinks in a exam. Dont lie, dont make stuff up. However do tell them what your worst day is like, if you are feeling decent that day, and you tell them that they dont say write down "veteran reports good day but symptoms remain as severe as last exam on the majority of days" they write "Veteran reports positive outlook, symptoms reported indicate lessening of severity compared to past exams" and then they reduce you and you have to lose your rating and owe money back while you fight it etc etc.

Its not a lie to say what you worst day is like, its the truth.

I know you dont like getting pills going to the shrinks, but continue to do so. the choice to take the pills is up to you. Its not fair however the VA views you not getting treatment and or/not continuing to be prescribed pills as "improvement" I hid from my symptoms for a long time. I knew i had them, but i thought i was fine, "This is how i am" i didnt go to treatment etc. I dont know if i will ever get better, i want to, however if I (or you) dont try and seek help 2 things happen

1) you will definitely never get better

2) the VA will just say you must be fine because you are not in treatment.

If you dont want pills ask for a PSYCHOLOGIST and not a PSYCHIATRIST. "OLOGIST" cant prescribe pills, they could send your file to a "IATRIST" and ask them to prescribe them to you possibly, however ive found the "OLOGIST" is often more productive, however the VA likes "IATRIST's" because its "take some pills, here ya go".

Im not bashing Psychiatry, i do think that medications can and do help some folks, however i think its been taken from where its supposed to be, a Last ditch attempt and/or unique and special case where it might work and turned into what it is now, a general treatment for everyone so that it 'seems' like they are trying to help.

Thanks ArNG11,

I have been dealing with this since 2005, and nothing seems to work. I use to be a big gym rat, always in the gym working out it was what I did. Now that does not work, I will go to the gym and belong to a 24hr gym. I will go when there are no people and the first sign of someone coming too close to me there I am usually out the door. I have talked with a few people about this but in the end it kind of makes my situation worse. Especially when I see that these individuals have been dealing with these same problems since 1970s... It has almost been 10 years since I was deployed and in my thinking as to where I should be I shouldn't still be driving like I'm driving down a road filled with IEDs, Sleepless nights, and so on... I understand why I am doing these things, I went through the PTSD program with the VA, they explained it all to me. The only source of relief that I have is to avoid every possible situation that may pop up which leaves me alone.

Finding others that have the feelings that I have does help. Makes me feel less crazy knowing that I am not the only one that is going through this. For a long time that is how I felt, and did not bring it up with anyone because of this. The VA does nothing to help me, I had a good social worker before but they retired from the VA. Now its all drugs and quit drinking... I go long periods without drinking and I do take the medications that they prescribe for a long while until I realize that I am feeling and doing the exact same as I was when I first started on the medications. A few years back they had me on some anxiety medications that did help me, however they were prescribing that I take way too much of it so I started only taking them as needed. When I told the psych about this, they told me that I was abusing the drug and took me off of it saying that I have abusive tendencies... I am unsure how that is abusive when I was only taking them when I had a situation where I could feel myself getting too worked up rather than 2 every 6 hours as they had wanted. Also, I would only take 1 of them rather than 2. It worked, I brought that up during my last session with the psych and she again stated that it is an abusive pattern because the brain begins to make me feel anxious or angry so that I will take the meds and my brain would continue to increase the frequency on these "attacks" so that I would take more and more of the drug. She says the same with alcohol, I can take it or leave it when I drink its because I have been up for 3 days in a row and I just want to be out for a while. So my track record with mental health at the VA is not the best.... I can not continue to go when I am seen for only 15 minutes and that is all that I am told is to not drink or that I'm a drug abuser when that IS NOT THE CASE!!!..

Sorry for going on and on, just a venting session I guess.

Thanks again to everyone for the responses.

Vent all you need to.

I did two tours in Iraq and probably chewed the same sand as you in some areas. I know what you mean, i still swerve unconciously whenever i see a box or a dead dog in or on the side of the road. Thankfully cassette tapes have gone out of fashion, the unreeled tape in the bushes and weeds off the side of the road always triggered a "wire detonated ied" in my brain box.

As far as being labeled a "drug abuser" i would possibly see if you could find a private psych that might help you out for free or reduced fee. I would also look at maybe requesting to see if you could be reassigned to a new psychologist at the VA. explain the situation to them as you did here. let them know what happened, that you were not abusing them, you were using them less than prescribed and that you "realize that you are not a medical professional you were tyring to find what worked for you since the prescribed amounts and daily use were not"

Anxiety medications often arent ones that lead to being "abused" in the traditional sense like barbituates, etc. Its strange

[Navy04]

Welcome aboard and sorry to hear of your issues bud. I too completed multiple degrees in the last few years, and I have had all of my high %s Re Evaluated in the last few months, even though I was not up for Review until Feb 2016. The PTSD Re Eval was brutal and over 2 hours, but I just went in there and was honest. I have had a lot of PTSD and Trauma treatment at the VA, and still currently in VA Treatment, so It was all well documented. Good luck and God Bless, keep us posted