Dad filed claim for PTSD with no diagnosis..Seriously..But..

[msh789]

Brother, who worked doing claim appeals for veterans, seems to think he might still qualify.. I don't get it..

Dad was in the Korean war, he is 88, and he has always had an occasional nightmare of still being in the war, and the nightmares have gotten really bad. Other PTSD symptoms, but he is his own worst enemy, and has always refused to see a doc nor even let his PCP at least prescribe him med's for it. So, he was never diagnosed by a doctor. 

But when he went to see the VA doctor after filing his claim..the exam for his claim, the doc went over a few questions and concluded by saying 'how would you like to get $1200 for your claim..?'..I don't see how the doc can say this..First of all, it isn't up to the doc to decide the decision of his claim, is it..?  But the doc said it in a serious tone..

In addition to the nightmares, dad jumps when the phone or doorbell rings, he panics when left alone,  he freaks out when he hears unfamiliar noises..And he did tell the VA doc that one time, back in the 1970s or so, he was visiting a friend and heard a BOOM..and dad hunkered down to the floor. He witnessed an army buddy literally get blown up right next to him, and one night, he was in service, he was sleeping and he woke up to a loud noise, he stood up, and no sooner than he stood up, the wall right next to his bed where he was sleeping caved in....he said if he hadn't gotten out of bed, he would have been dead...

But he has never been diagnosed with PTSD bc of his stubborn pride....and that is him being his own worst enemy, unfortunately..

I just don't see why my brother, who did claims for veterans for years, and this examining VA doc...seem to think he will apparently qualify..? I thought you have to have a PTSD diagnosis..? 

[Berta]

He might have gotten a PTSD diagnosis at the "exam for his claim."

His DD 214 might well reveal combat decorations. If not he needs to apply for a DD 215 and here is the form he needs:

https://1stmob.com/dd-149.pdf

Just put Not applicable under the "injustice" part. He should sign and mail it but keep a copy for his records and make sure it goes to the right place- as directed on the second page.And get a PO Proof of mailing receipt.

I am surprised a doctor would state a comp amount-but it sounded a little low to me.

If his DD 214 does not show PH, CAR, or CIB, then proof of this will get him a PTSD award.

"He witnessed an army buddy literally get blown up right next to him, and one night, he was in service, he was sleeping and he woke up to a loud noise, he stood up, and no sooner than he stood up, the wall right next to his bed where he was sleeping caved in....he said if he hadn't gotten out of bed, he would have been dead..."

He might even fit into the Korean War AO regulations, if he has any AO presumptive disability.

 

Edited January 17, 2019 by Berta

[msh789]

2 hours ago, Berta said:

He might have gotten a PTSD diagnosis at the "exam for his claim."

His DD 214 might well reveal combat decorations. If not he needs to apply for a DD 215 and here is the form he needs:

https://1stmob.com/dd-149.pdf

Just put Not applicable under the "injustice" part. He should sign and mail it but keep a copy for his records and make sure it goes to the right place- as directed on the second page.And get a PO Proof of mailing receipt.

I am surprised a doctor would state a comp amount-but it sounded a little low to me.

If his DD 214 does not show PH, CAR, or CIB, then proof of this will get him a PTSD award.

"He witnessed an army buddy literally get blown up right next to him, and one night, he was in service, he was sleeping and he woke up to a loud noise, he stood up, and no sooner than he stood up, the wall right next to his bed where he was sleeping caved in....he said if he hadn't gotten out of bed, he would have been dead..."

He might even fit into the Korean War AO regulations, if he has any AO presumptive disability.

 

thank you, Berta.. Will suggest all of this to him..   Thank you, very much..

[broncovet]

Any VA doc can diagnose PTSD..and one or more may have already done so!!!  You would have to read his file to know.  Remeber, too, it doesnt necessarily mean he needs a PTSD diagnosis.  ANY mental health disorder, when service connected, will work.  Panic disorder, Depression, Bipolar, etc.,etc.  While, sure, you may think its ptsd, the doc could say its depression and provide a nexus to service.  My advice is to get his cfile, and read it.  See if there is a PTSD diagnosis, or another one also, that may be compensable.  

[jfrei]

Anytime you file a new claim with no dx paperwork you will be scheduled for a C and P exam and it’s there you will see if you are diagnosed for the VA. I was never dx when I filed in 2016 and they told me I did have it along with other stuff... also when they do send him to an exam make sure it’s a qualified psychiatrist who can do the ptsd exam.

Edited January 17, 2019 by jfrei

[broncovet]

Its the VA's option as to whether or not they schedule an exam.  They can also simply deny.  They are supposed to make a jugement call as to whether or not there is a reasonable chance of substantiating the claim with a c and p exam.  More than one claimant has been denied without an exam.  

[msh789]

Thanks for all the replies..How do I read his cfile..? Where is that..?