New Claim?

[bmiddleton]

I received a random call from Topeka VA to schedule a reevaluation for PTSD. I checked my Ebenefits when I got home, there is an entirely new pending claim for PTSD as of May 4. I still have my rated disabilities since Feb 2012 as follows:

back strain- 10%

bursitis right hip-10%

GERD-0%

psoriasis-10%

panic disorder without agoraphobia- 70%

I did not start the new claim, but it is in the gathering evidence stage. I do see a psychiatrist for my medications and short psychotherapy sessions every 3 months through the VA. He has not stated any change in my diagnoses to me. I went through the notes my psych has put in and the only thing I have seen diagnoses wise is panic disorder with agoraphobia r/o PTSD in his notes. What could be the reason for all this in my claim? Is it an attempt to decrease my percentage, change my diagnoses, or just add to my claims? This will be the only other C&P exam I have had since my initial C&P exam.

Thank you for your help. 

 

 

[bmiddleton]

I had my C&P exam last week. The MH provider was not sure why it was under PTSD, but he filled out the PTSD form anyway. He wanted to focus on my panic disorder, so he marked "does not meet criterion" in the "traumatic experience", then continued to write in the summary that a traumatic experience did occur. Will the VA automatically see that the "does not meet criterion" is marked or will they read the summary to change it to PTSD? He stated he could easily write me as PTSD, but wanted to focus on my Panic Disorder so he marked does not meet. I do not expect my rating to change, but still states it is a new claim. I am able to see what the MH provider wrote, he even spoke it all out loud as he wrote it.

I am just becoming inpatient, the estimated time is Nov to Feb for the decision. Will it really take that long, for what should be just a reevaluation?

[vetquest]

Unfortunately it can take that long or longer depending on your RO.  

[Vync]

It could be a case where the MH provider simply didn't know the proper way to fill out the DBQ. Many of us have had instances where the exam was both for and against a disability due to human error. However, relative equipoise, or benefit of the doubt, may come into play regarding a claim. If the evidence is equally for and against a claim, the benefit of the doubt is supposed to go to the veteran. I'm not sure if this helps, but I hope it does.

[bmiddleton]

Is there any way to ask for C&P exam on my other ratings like GERD and back while they are still reevaluating my PTSD? They did change it from a new claim to RFE.

[kanewnut]

23 hours ago, bmiddleton said:

Is there any way to ask for C&P exam on my other ratings like GERD and back while they are still reevaluating my PTSD?

I don't think your PTSD evaluation has anything to do with GERD and back. You just need to put in for increase on GERD and back. They will be looking at them separately. Best of luck.

[63SIERRA]

I was under the impression that a vet can only be service connected for a specific mental disorder, like you cant get 20 for anxiety, 20 for depression, 30 for  ptsd, ect, its called pyramiding.