ptsd QTC/IMA Exams

[ozwald71]

So here is my predicament. I'm 70% service connected with PTSD and have been for almost four years now. I recently received a phone call from the QTC Corporations asking me if I was available for an appointment. I asked them what it was about. They said the VA is now "outsourcing" their patients and I was on the list. My question is this. If I already have my rating why do I need to go to the QTC? I've got my rating and I go to the VA as much as possible, not as much as they would like me to BUT I do go(think the last time was over a year ago). I'm all anxious about this shit and its causing me stress I do not need. Can the VA be trying to reduce my rating? Is that possible?

Edited February 14, 2016 by ozwald71

[TALON II FE]

I think it is likely a review DBQ.  With a year gap in treatment, they like to infer that you miraculously got better. I know this is not what you want to hear, but that is what it appears to be, imo. Make sure to go the appointment. I wish I could offer some good advice for the stress.

[ozwald71]

Sorry, but was is a DBQ? Thanks for the info.

Edited February 14, 2016 by ozwald71

[toddt]

DBQ = Disability Benefits Questionnaire

http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_ListByDBQFormName.asp

I may be wrong but I don't believe the VA lets anyone but a VA doctor diagnose PTSD.  Others may chime in.  Good Luck.

[ozwald71]

Can't thank you enough for the info. I feel a bit better about going. I  hate any deviance in my normal routine and any deviance, such as this, sends my anxiety into a frenzy. I know I need to see doctors for help but sometimes I honestly think just staying home and avoiding any confrontations is my best avenue of defense. Thanks again.

[TALON II FE]

2 hours ago, ozwald71 said:

Can't thank you enough for the info. I feel a bit better about going. I  hate any deviance in my normal routine and any deviance, such as this, sends my anxiety into a frenzy. I know I need to see doctors for help but sometimes I honestly think just staying home and avoiding any confrontations is my best avenue of defense. Thanks again.

I feel the same, rarely leave the house, can't go anywhere without 'issues'.  I wish I was a better example and could give good advice for getting out of this rut, but I am stuck right here with you, lol.

I did not mention the VA needing to diagnose bc you already have an award.  I do not know if a new DBQ is required for an increase or if you can go thru the FDC process.  I think Toddt may have hit on something, though, since you "went off the range" and haven't been attending regular counseling. 

My advice would be to immediately schedule an appointment with your VA Psych Doc.  Explain to them how stressed this is making you, why you stopped going to treatment, etc.  They will annotate it in your record and it should help you as well as get 'your side of the story' into the pertinent records that will be used to adjust (or not) your rating.  Are you taking meds or going 'au natural'?

[ozwald71]

I will take your advice and make an appointment for the VA Psych as soon as possible. I was taking meds but I did not like the way the meds made me feel.  The feeling was worse than the anxiety I have, plus they had me on 3 different meds. I'm 'au natural' now and I just deal with the anxiety by avoiding the things (as much as possible) that trigger my anxiety i.e driving, crowds. It's tough going 'au natural'. Just talking to someone makes me feel better than the meds. Anyway, thanks for helping me out.