ptsd Ptsd Vs Anxiety Vs Panic Attacks And The Dsm-V

[KYVet]

Need help clarifying the VA's clarification.

I was recently confused about the difference of anxiety vs PTSD. I thought I gained an understanding about it when I realized one major difference was a traumatic event.

Recently I went to my VA appt and asked for clarification on this issue and why they are treating me for anxiety instead of PTSD. I have had two traumatic events that qualify as a nexus. I experience most if not all of the PTSD symptoms such as anger outbursts, hypervigilance, panic attacks, chronic sleep disturbance, flashbacks, etc.

My psych doc advised under the new DSM-V PTSD is at the end of a continuum starting with anxiety then panic attacks in the middle, and ptsd at the end:

anxiety--------------->panic attacks[----------]------->ptsd

He stated all of these fall under anxiety disorders in the new DSM-V.

He stated that I would fall under the upper third of this continuum, as indicated by the brackets. I am currently preparing a claim, i.e. gathering evidence of stressors, buddy notes, etc. However, I am even more confused now about what my claim should be for: anxiety disorder/panic attacks/or ptsd.

I just don't want to file for something that they would say i have not met the level of and there for denied. But I do not want to file a claim that is going to fall short of what I am going through either.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. And as always many thanks to those who served before me and to those who continue the tradition onto the next generation.

[Guest]

Based on this information, VA can only pay/compensate you for one mental health disorder. IMHO, it would be easy to file a claim for a mental health disorder stating that you are currently being treated for PTSD/Anxiety and panic attacks which you feel is caused by or the result of your military service and that you request the highest rating allowable by law and your medical records. This way you leave nothing out.

Edited August 9, 2015 by pete992

[Berta]

What specfically did the psyche doc diagnose you with?

If it was PTSD, that is what I would claim, or PTSD with panic attacks,

[Berta]

I agree with Pete above, we were posting here at the same time....

PTSD/Anxiety and panic attacks and if the doc states you have agoraphobia, put that in too.

[KYVet]

What specfically did the psyche doc diagnose you with?

If it was PTSD, that is what I would claim, or PTSD with panic attacks,

According to my records they have diagnosed Anxiety Disorder NOS. He verbally stated that I experience PTSD symptoms. This is documented in my intake session with a nurse practitioner when I first started being seen regarding these issues.

[TALON II FE]

I have gotten the 'feeling' that they are trying to reduce metrics again by relabeling and diffusing the diagnoses of PTSD and spreading them across other mental issues. The wind has been blowing that direction for at least a year or two. This balancing game between "too specific" and "not specific enough" verbiage in submitted claims seems like such a joke to me, but maybe I'm an idealist. If they deny my claims because I took them straight off my chronic list and they are too specific they can kiss my @$$. It's their job to label things, it doesn't change how we feel or make someone's injured body part perform differently. I am sorry you have to expend energy and 'anxiety' over whether or not you have anxiety or not, smh! Isn't that ridiculous, to any logical person? Listen to the advice you are receiving, it's good advice. But, we need to demand better, even if they aren't forthcoming with it, because otherwise, the VA will continue to do what they do, to generation after generation of service men and women.

Edited August 9, 2015 by TALON II FE

[KYVet]

I really appreciate all of your input. Thanks. I hope this post helps clear things up for others as well.