ptsd-mst

[babs]

I got my claim started and had my C& P appointment rather quickly. I then had my MH appointment after and finally got my diagnosis. It took me long time to get the courage to go to the VA. I started my claim to help me get motivated to go and finally get help. I went and was prescribed BUPROPION HCL and TRAZODONE HCL. I was diagnosed with Adult victim of sexual abuse during military service (SCT 718495005), Chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (SCT 313182004), Generalized anxiety disorder (SCT 21897009), Mild alcohol dependence (SCT 713583005), Severe major depression with psychotic features (SCT 73867007) and Sleep disorder (SCT 39898005). I added all of this to my claim. When I added it, it was already at the decision phase. Once they received my new information they went back to the gathering phase.

I went to the Regional Office and got a copy of my last C&P exam. This was before I submitted my diagnosis. They have that "The claimed condition was less likely than not (less than 50 percent) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event or illness. provide rationale in section c. Veteran's symptoms do not meet criteria for ptsd under dsm-5 criteria. verteran has another mental disorder diagnosis. Continue to questionaire. Anxiety disorder. occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by medication. Stresser does meet criteria A. Is ther stressor related to in-service personal assault-yes. Criteria A- directly experiencing the tramatic event. Criteria B- Recurrent, involuntary and intrusive distressing memories of the tramatic event. recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the tramatic event. Citeria C- Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts or feelings about or closely associated with the tramatic event. Criteria D- No criteria in this section met. Criteria E- Hypervigilance and sleep disturbance Criteria F- No criteria in this sectio nis met. Criteria H- The disturbance is not attributed to the physiological effects of substance or medical condition Criteria I- Stressor 1 Symptoms- Anxiety, Chronic Sleep impairment, Disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and socail relationships.Veteran's current symptoms fo not meet criteria for ptsd. 

Since this C&P appointment, I turned in my VA mental health records, a statement from my brother and husband. I also have my statement as well. I talked to a VA rep and they said my claim went back into gathering evidence phase since I turned in my new information. They also said that they requested a DBQ for PTSD. I hope this is a good sign. Does anyone have any advice on what else I can do? Unfortunately, all my records were not found from 1998 in Bosnia. 

[broncovet]

It sounds like you have it together, but hopefully you kept a copy of your records and did not "turn in" your only one.  Reason:  VA LLLLLLoves to lose records, it sounds like they already lost those in Bosnia so you should be extra careful.  

[11cvolley]

Just be careful. They will use any negative event post military service to say that is what caused or aggravated your condition. This will result in a finding of less than 50% or not service connected.