ptsd First C&P How to handle

[tomahawk23]

Hi all: Well 10 months after I filled the VA finally called to schedule a C&P they gave me the first available which is tomorrow. I put a claim in for PTSD  and IHD. I'm a Vietnam Vet Army Helicopter Pilot, with plenty of stresors. The IHD seems pretty cut and dry I had a stress test I 2008 (Before the Va considered it AO related) and a recent Test outside the VA to confirm the DX. (I'm somewhere between the 10% - 30% range. My real concern is with the PTSD claim. I've had all the symptoms for years but only recently (18 months ago) sought help. I have a out side DX of PTSD and MDD (major depressive disorder) the private Doc even filled out the DBQ and listed my GAF as 50. My question is how to handle the Exam. I'm on meds and  attending counseling and they seem to be helping so what do I tell the examiner or more importantly what should I expect ? This is my first C&P Exam and I need some Help. Have DAV as VSO but no one there today. Thanks   

[Buck52]

 PTSD Diagnose needs to come from a VA Dr , MH  psychiatrist...I don't think they will take a Private Dr for the PTSD dX?

IF THIS IS A SPECIALIST DR in the field of psychiatric evaluations  then maybe? not so sure?

 Take most of your medical records & STR's  any unit reports ..ect,,ect,,with you to the exam...stressors take  CIB if you have it?

 if not then something of record with your name on it puting you in a location hostile enemy territory in fear for your life...you may need them? unit and location from Nam.  if you have a CIB or combat ribbon on DD-214 then your stressor's is waived.

organize them the best you can/ because some times the VA don't send all the records of evidence to the examiner..just be honest is the main thing  be sure you can back up what you say.

if this goes South  then you can NOD the decision.   work with the VA MH Dept  get therapy/counseling from them for PTSD& Especiallity  a PTSD Dx  it will all be documented ,  if you have a MyHealthyVet Account  then go to your progress Notes make copies of anything that will help your claims.  you can use it as evidence.

ITS PROBABLY TO LATE NOW THO....Good Luck at your C&P

As for as what to say just answer his questions honestly and let him know your in treatment ,add lay statements from your spouse  your change in behavior after you got back home  ect,,ect,,,  , however a PTSD Dx needs to come from a VA Phyistrist ..They don't accept a private PTSD dx

this is PTSD probably going to be denied for that reason.

[Berta]

Were you denied for IHD SC by VA in the past but they gave you a rating for it on that older decision?

 

If so you are a Footnote One Nehmer AO claimant.Meaning they should go back to the initial IHD percentage for the proper EED....if the IHD was at a ratable level then.

You might well get the PTSD  VA MH diagnosis at a C & P exam, then if they low ball the rating, your independent shrink could prepare an IMO that could possibly get a higher % rating for the PTSD.

[Gastone]

Mid to late 60's, age wise, you ain't going to get any better, health wise. Your really coming late to the CAD party, proof of Boots OTG NAM, shouldn't be a problem.

PTSD C & P per the DSM V guidelines, only the C & P Examiner's (Psychiatrist or Psychologist Phd) Forensic DBQ will determine if you actually have SC PTSD. The C & P PTSD Dr doesn't really care what another non-forensic Dr thinks, if it make you feel good, take all your files. The only file he's concerned with is your C-File, primarily your COMBAT verification's, air Medals, Hearts and Stars.  All or any of which, would make your claimed Combat Stressors, conceded.

You'll note on the PTSD DBQ, the Dr has to indicate if he Viewed your C-File. If so, he's already had an opportunity to view your supplied evidence, Buddy Letter, etc. Would be a good idea for you to go over a PTSD DBQ the day or so before your PTSD Exam.

At the Exam, just be yourself, no better, no worse. Keep in mind, the Forensic nature of the Exam. This Dr is not going to treat you. His sole purpose is to Determine if you have SC PTSD and whether or not, your "Over Reporting your Symptoms." The Dr will insert his opinion regarding how your PTSD Symptoms, affect your employ-ability, employment or lack thereof.

At he end of your PTSD C & P Exam, ask the Dr what his DX is. Supposedly, with the New DBQ Regs, if you ask for a copy of his completed PTSD DBQ, he required to provide it to you.

Back in 10, I didn't know what a DBQ was but I did ask for his opinion. He told me I had PTSD but didn't elaborate.

Semper Fi