ptsd IU and SSDI Journey

[Corpsman8404]

I saw in Myhealthevet where my PCP added the info I requested. I am hoping this is good to go in regards to IU? (as well as treatment notes, of course):

 

Patient is a 47 year old male here for follow up his PTSD, OSA and migraine headaches -reviewed chart and interviewed patient, he is unable to maintain gainful employment due to his PTSD. He avoids crowds, is easily distracted in working environment and difficulty with conflict and stress. Has been unable to hold down jobs. Currently on temporary leave in an effort to get needed treatment initiated. Wrote letter stating that he continues to be unable to work. His PTSD is directly related to his time in the service as a medic. - migraine/headaches worse, excerbated by stress, PTSD symptoms and poor sleep associated with obstructive sleep apnea. MRI brain pending for later this week to further evaluate. -

Has been seen by outside pulmonary sleep specialist for his obstructive sleep apnea. Notes that OSA is known to exacerbate PTSD symptoms

ACTIVE PROBLEM
Depression
Headache
Anxiety
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Tear of meniscus of knee
retinal detachment
Obstructive sleep apnea of adult 

PTSD: patient involved in intensive treatment plan, followed by pharmacy for medication adjustment, has been seen by a counselor and is in group therapy - he is unable to maintain gainful employment due to his service related PTSD - currently on short term disability and leave from work, will readdress at next visit in March but it is unlikely that he will capable of returning to work environment. 





My LCSW (PTSD counselor) has stated she is going to put something in notes as well, along these lines?  
Any thoughts on how this looks for me for IU?

[Corpsman8404]

I'll be meeting with my VSO next Thursday regarding my IU app.

I'm doing everything online, and I'm going for the FDC claim, so I'd like to have everything uploaded before hitting the submit button.

1) I shouldn't have to fill out a Individual Unemployability 21-8940 form because that info is added in while doing the IU application online, is that correct? (THIS...is a confusing one while looking around the internet.)
2) I will be adding a "Statement of Claim" and referencing Dr's notes about employability in it. Cannot get the Doc to do a recent PTSD DBQ.
3) I see things about a "release of information" form, but it seems that it is already in the online FDC application???
3) Other than adding in my SSDI approval letter to this, is there anything else that has to be added per policy? Thank you for any info, as usual!


UPLOADED SO FAR:

Mental Residual Functional Capacity Assessment form
Sleep apnea IME-IMO
TMJ/Bruxism Dentist notes
21-4192 Employer form

[silverdollar22]

 

      

Edited June 3, 2016 by silverdollar22
didn't read whole thread!!! Sorry

[Corpsman8404]

Update:

So my claim was at prep for notification yesterday, and complete today.  80 percent from 70.
Headaches (30) and TMJ(10) approved.

Called my VSO and he stated that yep the IU denied due to the standard "you have not been shown to be unable to work" etc.  I then called Roanoke VA #.  Spent 30 minutes on the phone with a girl that ran through all the info. She determined that it was closed, (and re-opend this am), and closed due to they sent a form to Voc Rehab to answer, and she stated that it was closed before the 2nd try full timeline was even met.

She stated she is going to put in a CUE and update the file.  
After speaking more about the VRE issue, we determined that the form was not sent to MY voc rehab here in Richmond, VA....but to SEATTLE WASHINGTON Voc Rehab. WTH?
She stated that THAT was wrong also!  (Not to mention a week ago a dependent claim was approved for me, and I don't even have a child with that name! My dependent has already been approved!)

So I guess my question(s) is:
1) Does her putting in a CUE make a difference in comparison to me doing so? 
2) Timeline (WAG) since she put the CUE in?

Edited February 11, 2017 by Corpsman8404

[Corpsman8404]

I GOT IT! Last hill taken, I own the F'n valley.

 

I don't even believe it yet.  Claim shows complete and A8 letter shows 80% IU paid at 100% and P&T!!!! 

 

Reconsideration worked, with NEW evidence.  (My VA Psychiatrist wrote a letter saying I was compliant with treatment and unable to maintain gainful employment etc) 

 

Put in for it on 20March, and today is 11April. I know it isn't "official" until I get the BBE letter in the mail, but commissary notes, etc and everything in ebennies points to success.  Was in Prep for Notification this afternoon, then looked about 20 minutes ago and BAM, complete! 

 

Thank you for your support!!!! Overwhelmed, and feeling good about it, but also feeling depressed at the news.

 

[Berta]

Those conflicting feelings are quite Normal when a vet succeeds on their claim but realizes their working days are over.

I am sorry I missed the CUE stuff here....because the last CUE I filed took one month to jump from denial to award but the sole reconsideration request I had took YEARS to finally be granted. That was due to 2 CUE claims as well.

You did VERY WELL!!!! and unpaid volunteer work can be as satisfying as working for cash.

We always need help here with vets whose success can inspire others.

I guess you spoke to a VSO  who put in the CUE claim?

There is some discussion here that a CUE cannot be filed within the appeal period but 2 members here as well as myself have been successful with that tactic and I am glad to see someone else (the girl at VSO office) used it.

I need to follow up a letter I wrote to the new VA secretary.

One part of it was a request  that he could issue a Fast Letter on the CUE approach, if feasible, and filed within the appeal period. It could help reduce the backlog.

This is Wonderful News Corpsman!

 

 

[Corpsman8404]

Thanks Berta! 

I ended up not doing the CUE, just doing a reconsideration with new evidence. I am so glad I didn't file a NOD, which would have probably taken yeaaaaaars. Didn't expect to get P&T, but I did and I am grateful that this is over.