PTSD Increase - Opinions Wanted

[anxiousinMD]

Hello all, first of all thank you to all who share your stories and advice. While this is my first post, I've been stalking the forum for months as something to do during my insomnia as I wait for my decision. I have found both comfort and education here. I was hoping for some opinions, advice, or even encouragement. I realize I'm not in the worst shape compared to others, but this process has my anxiety through the roof.

I am currently rated 30% SC PTSD-MST (total rating with other disabilities is 50%). My condition has progressively worsened, especially over the past few years. I submitted my FDC for PTSD increase and TDIU in May and it has been in Gathering of Evidence phase. All of my treatments have been with VA docs. My GAF scores average around 50. I obtained a favorable IMO to submit with my application. I haven't yet been scheduled for a C&P exam. Over the past several years I missed a lot of work, burned through my leave with sick days, was previously placed on both short and long term disability with my employer, all from my SC medical issues.

I would appreciate based on your experience and thoughts on whether I might have a good case for increase, what my rating might be, whether I might get TDIU or P&T, how long it might take for VA to get my medical records from VA hospitals, if I will have to do a C&P exam (the thought almost triggers a panic attack), or any advice on what I can do to pass the time as I wait besides chronically check eBenefits and read every single thread on this forum. I realize I have a much longer wait ahead of me, so I figured I'd start engaging here.

Thank you in advance for any help.

Edited August 26, 2016 by anxiousinMD

[anxiousinMD]

Berta, thank you so much for the thorough response. My SSDI claim is for the same conditions as my SC disabilities. So, I will wait and see if either are approved favorably, and if so I will submit one decision as evidence for the other. It seems SSA moves faster but denial rate is high...I submitted both applications around the same time.

[anxiousinMD]

PCW,

Thank you for the advice and encouragement, it's greatly appreciated and reassuring. I saw somewhere on the VA site where you can check claim stats by RO that there's only about a 2 week difference in average processing time for FDCs and regular claims, so your post is very reassuring. I guess I've been reading the horror stories and was afraid I might be one of those that gets kicked out of FDC and it ends up taking years. But I believe my claim to be pretty thorough, my last job did submit the employer verification form and I am currently on LTD with my employer for about a year now. My IMO is consistent with my medical records and PNP notes, I only got it to reinforce rather than contend. Also thank you for your advice about the C&P...that perspective really makes me feel better. When I went to my initial C&Ps back in 2007, I didn't know what I was going in to, but I was just me and honest as I can only be, and I felt my decisions and ratings at the time were fair and the C&P examiners seemed compassionate and attentive. However, since my conditions have worsened, my related anxiety about everything has worsened. I don't really have friends or family to talk to so it's easy to get on the Internet and freak myself out.

Edited August 7, 2016 by anxiousinMD
inaccurate sentence

[anxiousinMD]

 

Edited August 26, 2016 by anxiousinMD