ptsd Ptsd Rating Appeal

[Cavman]

As many of you know I have appealed my 50% rating asking for increase with IU. In the rating letter it was stated I was not in treatment at the present time. I got into treatment and the doctor has since wrote a letter stating I am totally & permanently disabled and will most likely never be able to work. He sent me to another shrink that could write prescriptions. The new shrink has put me on 3 med daily permanently. He has now written me the same type of letter. I am in treatment now with both shrinks at different times of course. My question is should I save this second letter of proof or have it put in my appeal file also? I thought I might need it in case of denial for increase to send to the BVA.

Cavman

[Berta]

Cavman- did these doctors clearly state that your PTSD has made you unemployable?

The nexus factor has to be stated by any doctor.Even if it is an obvious link- the VA wants to see it in their opinions.

If I were you I would send a copy of it, with a 21-4138 (available at the VA web site- as a cover letter) telling them it is additional evidence to support your IU claim and then tell them of the meds and of any side affects they give you that would render you unable to work.

I feel that you have very good evidence for IU but these docs have to specifically connect it to your SC PTSD in their opinions.

[Cavman]

Cavman- did these doctors clearly state that your PTSD has made you unemployable?

The nexus factor has to be stated by any doctor.Even if it is an obvious link- the VA wants to see it in their opinions.

If I were you I would send a copy of it, with a 21-4138 (available at the VA web site- as a cover letter) telling them it is additional evidence to support your IU claim and then tell them of the meds and of any side affects they give you that would render you unable to work.

I feel that you have very good evidence for IU but these docs have to specifically connect it to your SC PTSD in their opinions.

Yes Berta, I have already given the VA my list of meds I am on a the side effects. I have given them that list, my NOD letter, another DD-214, letters from wife, mother & sister, letter from another shrink and now will carry this letter to them asap. Thank you so very much for advice.

Cavman

[Cavman]

Cavman- did these doctors clearly state that your PTSD has made you unemployable?

The nexus factor has to be stated by any doctor.Even if it is an obvious link- the VA wants to see it in their opinions.

If I were you I would send a copy of it, with a 21-4138 (available at the VA web site- as a cover letter) telling them it is additional evidence to support your IU claim and then tell them of the meds and of any side affects they give you that would render you unable to work.

I feel that you have very good evidence for IU but these docs have to specifically connect it to your SC PTSD in their opinions.

Yes Berta, I have already given the VA my list of meds I am on a the side effects. I have given them that list, my NOD letter, another DD-214, letters from wife, mother & sister, letter from another shrink and now will carry this letter to them asap. Thank you so very much for advice.

Cavman

[Vike17]

Cavman,

My question is should I save this second letter of proof or have it put in my appeal file also? I thought I might need it in case of denial for increase to send to the BVA

I don't mean to sound really harsh or anything, but why would you want to hang on to additional evidence like that incase you needed it for an appeal? As Berta said, by all means send it in to the VA so they can consider it! You would really kick yourself in the a$$ if you withheld that letter and the RO denied the claim, and then waited two years for the BVA to grant it on the basis of that letter. You would have just put yourself through two more years of waiting for no real reason.

Vike 17

[Cavman]

I get your point Vike. I guess I was thinking I already have one doc`s letter at the VA in my appeal file. I also thought I had to have more evidence for the BVA to consider my appeal if it is denied at the RO.

I`ll get it to the VA asap.

Cavman

[evandc]

I give the VA a copy of every piece of paper that I have, if I think it will help my case. However before the VA gets the claim, I'm working on the future. I have a Vet Center write up, psychologist, & psychiatrist write ups in the works before the VA can consider what I have submitted. That way I give them everthing, but I planning for the future. I also don't screw with SO, take the claim to RO, have it date stamped & get a copy to keep with date stamp.

Just my idea,

Don

Edited November 17, 2006 by evandc