PTSD due to Investigation

[John Galt]

Have a question.  I was investigated by the IG.  No charges filed, but were substantiated.  This ended the career.  I have developed several mental health issues because of this.  Long story on the investigation that I do not want to get into but looking for advice.  

1. Can I put in for PTSD on this?

2. Or should I put in for MDD/Anxiety?

This condition has led me to a couple of suicide attempts, and massive other health issues.  I am seeing a shrink and therapist weekly.  This issue will affect the rest of my life and all future employment opportunities.  The investigation was such BS and over something that is so small that I get so angry and depressed over it.  What is the best strategy for approaching this to the VA.

[Tbird]

John - this happened while you were in the service? 

[John Galt]

Third - Yes.  Investigation removed my promotion and placed me as a fail to select to the next rank (officer).  The incident occurred over 10 years but the investigation from the IG was completed last year.  The stress of the investigation is part of my mental health issues, but is the sole stressor for PTSD.  My health has really gone down hill over the past 18 months.  I am seeing a shrink and therapist.  diagnosed with MDD, anxiety and PTSD.  My MDD is really from the health while the anxiety is from the PTSD.

 

[broncovet]

To get service connection, you ALWAYS need:

1.  Current diagnosis of PTSD

2.  Documentation of an "in service event" or aggravation. 

3.  Nexus, or medical link between your PTSD and the in service event.  

So, since I have not read your file, but you indicated you had a current diagnosis.  (1).   Let's assume that the IG investigation serves as an "in service event", tho I understand what Tbird is saying...if this is "VAOIG" then that is "after service" not in service.  However, again we havent seen your file but I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you had this "stressor" IN service.  

Now, you get to the nexus.  Has a doctor opined, in writing, that your PTSD is "at least as likely as not" due to the stress of an IG investigation in service"?   If so, you should be good to go.  

If not, then you will need to "cure" any deficiencies that may come in the above 3 in order to get SC for this.  

I dont think you will have any  issue with number 1, the diagnosis, as its apparently already been made by a VA doc.  (VA does not accept private care diagnosis of PTSD, it must be a VA doc.  I didnt say thats right or fair, but its the VA rules and we have no choice but to follow their rules.

Probably the issue here is a nexus.  Maybe you have one, again, I have not read your file.  However, if you do not, it will likely take an IMO/IME to do so, which will likely be at your expense.  

[John Galt]

Quote

 

broncovet - I still am in now.  Shrink has said PTSD but changes his diagnosis a couple of times over the past several sessions.  So, I have NOT seen a VA doc yet and my question was really about should I put in a PTSD claim for my Benefits Before Discharge.  I do have multiple docs saying Anxiety Disorder.  Do this get any rating? 

[Carl the Engineer]

When you get out, you will have a discharge physical and a direct link to the VA system.  I was not afforded that option as I was AGR, title 32.  I did request and got a discharge physical, which active duty members get, but after when they went to the retirement/VA briefing, I got shown the door.

What is most important is that you keep going to the docs and keep getting records from your visits for when you file a claim with the VA.  Paper, paper and paper.  The VA likes paper medical records.

Is your shrink a military doctor??

It sounds like your on active duty, what happened to you was on active duty, and they are treating you on active duty.  Looks like a slam dunk to me.

 

Hamslice

 

[John Galt]

Hamslice - thanks.  The shrink is a navy doc and the therapist is a navy LCSW.  I have about 8 months left till terminal and will see these two weekly.  Also the shrink has prescribed lots of drugs.

And paperering... yes.  I have been going in for everything that I can find in my record to the smallest degree to get evaluated and tested.  Have had 3 MRIs and have another coming up.  Lot of x-rays and physical therapy twice weekly.

Another question - what if I get better between now and my C&P exam?  Will I then be cured and not be eligible for a disability rating based on that condition?