How do I get into VA hospital to see mental health specialist?

[KC3]

I am seeing 2 separate psychiatrists. I have been diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety from non combat. Both say it is from my military service. I would like to get into a VA facility and see a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Is this possible or do I have to make a claim and be diagnosed by a VA contractor first? Thanks.

I also conducted a search for this to no avail. 

[GeekySquid]

2 hours ago, Pockets said:

I was under the impression at that time my husband made too much money. that was before I went to the VA.

this is the link to what va uses for income limits; http://nationalincomelimits.vaftl.us/

if you make less than that amount for your family size and county/parish you can get low or free care as an honorably discharged veteran. even an early out discharge.

when i first got accepted into the VA in 2013 they asked me about my income. I had retired a couple years earlier. They pulled my SS income and used the last job reported which put me way over the amount for my area which is why they tried to bill me the full cost of treatment, meds, doc visits, tests, etc. took some shouting and desk-dancing but i got that taken care of.

[FormerMember]

Regardless of income or anything else, the important thing is for KC3 to get adequate mental health counseling -the sooner the better. I had a Vet I represent who filed five times from 1970 to now for PTSD. Each time he lost. VA, nevertheless, allowed him to use mental health counseling at no charge over those years. Unfortunately, he tried to use those MH records to support his claim for PTSD. VA uses "counselors" for these Kumbaya meetings rather than Psychiatrists/psychologists. All those years of counseling and the records were useless for providing a nexus. All they confirmed was that he had MDD. They did not provide the link to service.

While it is important to obtain counseling so you do not end up being one of those 33 guys who sucks on a lead lollipop in the VAMC parking lot each month, it is imperative to get the ball rolling with a claim. It's easier to file a claim and then a NOD than get into a pissing match with a gomer down at the VAMC as to whether you need psychiatric help or not. I never filed (or sought help) when I came home from two years in Vietnam and I regret that decision. It cost me a marriage, my wife and my kids. I blame myself for that. Somehow I stumbled through and my second wife recognized the problem and was supportive. With all the assets available now, no one should have to go through this without  a good support network. There's also a Catch 22 involved here. You cannot diagnose yourself. If you present there and say "My brain is bent", they'll say "No, it isn't." They're an insurance company. They don't want to pay out.

I think all who commented here in this thread want the best for KC3 but have different ideas on how to approach it. I deal strictly with the compensation side of the coin and not the medical side at the VAMC. In fact, I have no authority as an advocate or representative to throw my weight around at a VAMC. I'd be 86'd permanently with my runaway mouth. My advice is to pursue a claim while continuing to pound on the door of your VAMC. If you have an honorable discharge and are indigent, you are entitled to free medical care-for life- regardless of Obamacare.  That, I know for a fact.  When you file, you're going to get a c&p assuming you have a bonafide stressor in service or a legitimate MST claim (documented or not). That automatically will get your foot in the door at the VAMC for counseling. I also strongly suggest this: 

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

I think I speak for all of us when I say we want the best outcome for KC3. We may have different opinions on how to reach that goal but the end result, regardless of how it is accomplished, is to help. 

Edited December 1, 2018 by asknod

[Pockets]

Wow~ I guess I'm a freaking idiot because none of this makes sense to me. I hear what everyone is saying but it is not what I have experienced. I must be a misunderstanding.  At this point, I hope I don't qualify because wow...This information hurts. I feel so betrayed. I think i'll ask my lawyer.

KC~ Best of luck in your healing.

 

[Buck52]

ALEX I Agree KC needs to get help if he is having mental problems and that help should come from the VA healthcare .

he might have to pay a low C0-PAY and I think we all have had to do that at one time or another  but even if he can't pay the co -pay  the VAMC should still see him.

...They have did this at my VAMC for years but maybe some VAMC are more stiff or non-caring ??

  this has nothing to do with a claim   and sure it will start a paper trial if he does decide to file a claim for MH rather PTSD or Depression  he will have some medical records   even if he can't prove a stressor  or a marker as they call it with a MST Claim.  but as your well aware if he is a combat Vet they wave the stressors , they did for me and you too after we prove we were combat vets.

[doc25]

9 hours ago, Pockets said:

Wow~ I guess I'm a freaking idiot because none of this makes sense to me. I hear what everyone is saying but it is not what I have experienced. I must be a misunderstanding.  At this point, I hope I don't qualify because wow...This information hurts. I feel so betrayed. I think i'll ask my lawyer.

KC~ Best of luck in your healing.

 

We've all been there with feeling betrayed by the VA. But, there's some work to be done.

I don't mean to be callous. Only you know what you experienced with in-service MST.  You also mentioned in a previous post of your best friend being raped, tortured, and murdered? Was that the event of the in-service stressor or is that a separate event?

Was there any military police report submitted? A court martial of the perpetrator(s)? Is there anybody, during your time in-service, that knew about your trauma that could corroborate your claim via a buddy letter (lay-evidence testimony)? Was there any medical evidence after your trauma;that was reported? https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/MST.pdf

The VA will investigate the traumatic event/in-service stressor using the Joint Service Records Research Center (JSRRC) to substantiate your claim.

If you did not meet these three requirements known as the  Caluza factors, it's very difficult to grant a favorable decision.

#1. In-service stressor, event, injury

#2. Current diagnosis

#3. Nexus of opinion stating the minimum threshold of "at least as likely as not" your condition was a result of military service.

Now for the work to get started. Here's what you'll need to do.

#1. Read over your denial letter with your lawyer or a Veterans Service Officer. The VBA should have provided you their rationale for denying your claim.

#2. Have your lawyer or VSO submit a Freedom of Information Act request for your Claims File (C-File). I have included the cover sheet you'll need and the request form in this post. Print,fill out both, sign and date. Your C-File number will be C-[your SSN]. Be sure to state that you are requesting your c-file in it's entirety. Sticky notes and any hand written notes included.

Your C-File contains all the evidence used to grant or deny a claim. It's going to be awhile before you get it, in the meantime, there's more work to be done.

#3. If you do not have a copy of your service medical record, you will need to submit another FOIA request from your Regional Office or the National Archives. https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html

Here is why: You may have sustained physical injuries that you forgot about  in-service that you might be able to claim. Did your MOS have you around loud noise work environments in-service and you now have ringing in the ears? You can claim Tinnitus which is rated 10%.  Do you recall having to go to medical often for a condition and received treatment? 

#4. Keep seeking treatment by a civilian mental health dr. if at all possible. Also gather all your evidence and make copies for your appeal. If you already have a mental health condition diagnosed your civilian Dr. must provide his/her nexus of opinion, as I mentioned before.

#5. DO NOT GIVE UP, AND NEVER GIVE IN. 

You're not alone in this fight. Best wishes.

2017-01-18+Claims+Intake+Fax+Coversheet-1.pdf

 

va3288.pdf

Edited December 2, 2018 by doc25
correction

[GeekySquid]

14 minutes ago, doc25 said:

VA3288.pdf

ahh this form has someones name and ssn on it.. hopefully it isn't real.