ptsd Opinions Needed Please

[Cavman]

Just to refresh:

Rated 50% PTSD. Was sent IU form with rating.

Filed NOD to be decided by DRO. (Hoping for 100% or 70% with IU)

Sent letter from myself, sister, mother & wife.

Sent proof of meds and side effects.

Letter from present Psychologist treating me states: PTSD chronic, major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe without psychotic features. Gaf = 40 (current). Says I have a service connected disorder which leaves me totally and permanently disabled from employment. The severity and chronicity of these diagnostic patterns creates occupational, social and emotional dysfunction at a level indicating poor prognosis for improvement. (Sent this letter)

Letter just received from Psychiatrist M.D. states: PTSD as a result of his combat exposure and that inadequate treatment and chronic alcohol abuse may have been in the way of his recovery. Gaf = 45-50 and clinical symtoms deem him to be totally disabled. It is likely he will improve clinically on the regimen I propose him to stay on, he unfortunately will remain totally and permanently disabled as far as his employability is concerned. (Need to deliver this letter to the RO this week)

Please give me your predictions and I won`t bug you all again about this appeal. Thank you all.

Cavman

[john999]

Cavman

My guess is you should get your TDIU. Your GAF is low enough and the shrink says you are unemployable. Hang in there by all means.

John King

[Bound4heaven]

Greetings,

The letter from your doctor is very powerful and he makes the statement very clear that even with treatment you will remain unemployable. That is a big hurdle that has been crossed. When I received that statement from my treating physician 4 years ago I went from 70% to 100% T&P IU.

You must take the advice of the others as well by hand delivering this IMO to your VARO in person. DO NOT MAIL IT!!!!!! unless you live a great distance from your VARO. This is powerful edivence and should not let the VA pull their famous, "We never recieved it" act. Please let us know what happens. Just mu opinio, but I think you will get at lest IU. God bless you.

Bound4Heaven

[Josephine]

You certainly are not being greedy. Never think that!

You deserve ever penny that you will receive.

Congratulations and hope that you're money is with you very shortly.

Always,

Josephine

[Cavman]

The 3 of you that have answered have made me feel pretty good about my chances. I do like to hear Berta`s and Vike`s thoughts also. And Ricks etc.

Cavman

[Guest rickb54]

Caveman,

I think there are some excellent responses here. I can't offer much more than what you have already been told. I am in agreement that it apears you doctor does not think you could work now or in the future. I suspect this statement assures your award of IU. Keep your chin up ... it will take some time.

best of luck

[10thFO]

Once you had the statement about being unemployable that's all you needed really. Will be hard for them to deny it. Make sure in the appeal you ask for the highest rating possible. When I did this with mine, they didn't even look at my other injuries, just made the deal for the TDIU since that paid me at 100%. I'm working on my other increases now. The statement from the Dr. shouldn't hurt you. At worst they will say that rule of evidence doesn't sway them one way or the other with that, combined with the other will probably grant the TDIU.