Started My MST/PTSD Journey

[pyrotaz]

I met with a VSO on Feb 8th 2019 and started my MST/PTSD claim. To be totally honest I am scared to death. The incidents happened during my Navy duty 88-89. I had hid it from everyone including my wife until this past December. I had went to a VSO  to talk about other claims when it slipped out and I was offered help to form a claim.  We filed an intent to claim in Dec 2018. She suggested I talk with my wife and make an appointment with my doctor. After sitting and having a very emotional talk with my wife and with her support I made an appointment with my personal doctor. I am very lucky to have a great doctor who sat with me and after many tears I was able to explain in detail what had happened. He diagnosed me with extreme anxiety mostly when dealing with other Males ( Authority Figures or when confronted), and PTSD/MST and prescribed an anxiety as needed.

What we submitted:

1. A two page statement from me ( Timeline form)
2. A statement from my wife
3. A statement from from my 20 yr old son detailing my issues with examples of my issues with male authority figures 
4. A Nexus statement from my Doctor saying he feels that my anxiety and PTSD is definitely caused by what happened while I served. The VSO said that it was the best written Nexus statement she has ever seen  in her 10 years in doing Veteran claims. 

My Questions:

1. After submitting a claim to the VSO how long before it shows up on ebenefits? Mine still shows as intent to file. The VSO says it has been submitted.
2. What can I expect at my C & P exam? How can I prepare myself for the exam? This is what I dread/fear most. 
3.  Is it ok if I post my journey?

I also want to thank all the men and women who have submitted to the MST forum.  I now know I am not alone. Being a male and reading that similar things has happened to other males and reading their journeys  has prepared me to start my journey and start the healing process.

[vetquest]

You will hear from the VA about a C&P appointment in their own time.  Maybe 30 to 60 days.  At this C&P be honest with the doctor and do not try to snow him.  If you have anxiety that is fine, just do not raise your voice.  Describe what your worst day is like, not your best day.  You will probably come out of the appointment feeling like you have been through the wringer but that is normal.  

[Patton]

When I submitted my PTSD claim thru a VSO, it took a week or 2 before it showed up on eBenefits. Then it took another 2 months before I got my C&P Exam. It is really hard to know what they are going to ask but read over everything before going to your appointment. Do take a copy of any documentation you have. If you get a good examiner, they will have reviewed your packet before meeting with you.

Do be very honest during the appointment and tell your story as it happen and how it has affected your daily life. During my C&P Exam, I had the Doctor laughing, because of some of the stupid stuff I have done over the years. My event happen in 1984 (non-combat), so they did not give me a PTSD rating but did rate me for persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) with anxious distress (now claimed as PTSD, previously denied as adjustment disorder) at 30%. A month ago they changed it to persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) with Insomnia. 

Best of luck!

[pyrotaz]

Noticed today my claim finally should up on MYVA for initial review. To be honest to see it online knowing that the journey to tell my story and get the help I need was very overwhelming. it was a very emotional day. I know that my journey has just begun and one of the hardest part of it  the C & P exam will be coming soon. I think of all the things I dread its C & P exam the most. Tp come out about what happened to my Wife and my doctors was by far the most hardest thing I ever had to do. Now I have to relive it again to a complete stranger and I am scared to death.  Although everyone's story here is different I find comfort in reading them all and realizing I am not alone which for a long time I thought I was. Thank you for all the post and support.

[vetquest]

Yep, the C&P's are stressful, I think the waiting is about as stressful.  Hang in there and let us know how it is going.

[pyrotaz]

Received the call from my local VA to set up the date for my C & P exam. Next Thursday the 13th at 8:00 in the morning. I thought I was ready for this and while on the phone with the receptionist I started shacking and my pulse went up to 156 beats per minute. I took the day off from work and my wife will be with me for support. She will stay on the grounds and I will call her when done. I am a nervous wreck but know I can and half to do this.

[vetquest]

My pulse always increases when I am at the VA, my blood pressure also goes up.  This is normal for some vets.  I believe if you can walk into a mental health C&P and not be nervous you are abnormal.  It covers a lot of ground, some you do not want to cover.  The examiner should expect some anxiety out of you, it is a tough thing you have decided to do.

Edited June 8, 2019 by vetquest
sp (see edit history)

[GBArmy]

You WILL get it done! Good luck-but you don't need it. Keep us informed.

[doc25]

On 2/21/2019 at 7:05 PM, pyrotaz said:

I met with a VSO on Feb 8th 2019 and started my MST/PTSD claim. To be totally honest I am scared to death. The incidents happened during my Navy duty 88-89. I had hid it from everyone including my wife until this past December. I had went to a VSO  to talk about other claims when it slipped out and I was offered help to form a claim.  We filed an intent to claim in Dec 2018. She suggested I talk with my wife and make an appointment with my doctor. After sitting and having a very emotional talk with my wife and with her support I made an appointment with my personal doctor. I am very lucky to have a great doctor who sat with me and after many tears I was able to explain in detail what had happened. He diagnosed me with extreme anxiety mostly when dealing with other Males ( Authority Figures or when confronted), and PTSD/MST and prescribed an anxiety as needed.

What we submitted:

1. A two page statement from me ( Timeline form)
2. A statement from my wife
3. A statement from from my 20 yr old son detailing my issues with examples of my issues with male authority figures 
4. A Nexus statement from my Doctor saying he feels that my anxiety and PTSD is definitely caused by what happened while I served. The VSO said that it was the best written Nexus statement she has ever seen  in her 10 years in doing Veteran claims. 

My Questions:

1. After submitting a claim to the VSO how long before it shows up on ebenefits? Mine still shows as intent to file. The VSO says it has been submitted.
2. What can I expect at my C & P exam? How can I prepare myself for the exam? This is what I dread/fear most. 
3.  Is it ok if I post my journey?

I also want to thank all the men and women who have submitted to the MST forum.  I now know I am not alone. Being a male and reading that similar things has happened to other males and reading their journeys  has prepared me to start my journey and start the healing process.

For the Nexus of Opinion:

Did the doctor state one of these legal statements?

1. " due to" (100% probability)

2. "More likely than not" (greater than 50% probability)

3. "At least as likely as not" (equal to or greater than 50% probability)

That your Anxiety/PTSD is the direct result of MST.

 

For your questions:

#1. If you really need a timeline give it two weeks or more.

#2. You will be asked questions about your in-service event/stressors, Social and Occupational impairment.  Answer the questions as honestly as you can. DO NOT downplay what you experienced and DO NOT overexaggerate either.

#3. If you feel you need to share your journey with us up to your discretion. We're here to support you in your continued journey and the claims process.

[GeekySquid]

16 hours ago, pyrotaz said:

She will stay on the grounds and I will call her when done.

@pyrotaz

The very first thing you need to understand is a technical one. VA compensation is not like SS disability or getting payments from AFLAK or workmans comp. VA Compensation is the measure of how your circumstances impair the ability to earn an income (over marginal income) for an AVERAGE PERSON. You can be a neurosurgeon and you would evaluated on that AVERAGE PERSON criteria. Understanding that technical fact helps understand the rest of the C&P evaluation process.

----------- Beyond the above understanding-------------------

If  you are shaking when you arrive you can ask if your wife can be in the room. All they can say is no. If the doctor comments on the shaking, tell them flatly why you are shaking.

If the doctor tries to engage you in social pleasantries, don't engage. If the say "how are you today" say scared shitless, angry, anxious, frustrated.. .whatever you are feeling. Do NOT say "It's a great day to be alive". If you feel distrust in the DR. say so. If you feel that exposing yourself will turn people against you or laugh at you, say so. If you feel shame (and you should not but it is common) say that.

I cannot emphasize enough that you have to do two things at the same time.

1) BE HONEST! 

2) Describe your WORST DAY(S) not your good days. DO NOT MINIMIZE your problems. Don't say " i have dealt with this fine on my own." you will talk yourself out of a rating or an appropriate higher rating.

This is not a contradiction. They only know what you tell them and what they observe in the meeting. The reality that days can be good and then swing bad cannot really be seen in the moment. So deal only with your WORST moments as if they are today.

Read the DBQs and the rating tables for PTSD and MST!!!!! don't try and say those words exactly ( it will make you sound fake and rehearsed), but understand that the doctor has to hear you and make connections to those words. Each category is NOT exact. You don't have to have every condition outlined in the rating tables. There are many analogous situations and diagnosis for each specific item listed.  you can have 3 from column A, 2 from Column B and none from Column C, but they all can add up to a higher rating

What you have to show is social and employment impairment. The more impaired you are, particularly in employment, the higher rating you are consider for. The rater makes that decision NOT the Dr.

understand what having a flat affect means.

If you have night terrors and have peed the bed, say so and say how often.

If you have ED tell the doc you have it and describe your intimacy problems.

Are you incontinent during the day or night? use pads? tell the doc what situations make you leak.

Yes  I know how uncomfortable those conversations are, but ptsd has many secondary conditions, including ED and bladder issues. bringing them up in this initial C&P can help you get a higher rating or exams for those problems. You want those exams.

Your exam needs to tell a compelling story of why and how your in service nexus events have harmed your life and income.

Understand that saying 'i get mad at coworkers" is not going to get you a rating for impaired employment. Saying Yesterday I tipped over my desk and stormed out because a coworker was whistling and would not stop gives a much better description of the workplace problems (assuming you did that of course).

Do you cause confrontations? are unwilling to be alone in a room with people similar to your attacker? do you have flashbacks to the events? do you run from things, metaphorically, physically, emotionally or intellectually? have you been arrested or detained for anger? have the cops been called to your home for a domestic situation? i am not being personal, I am pointing out possible scenarios that the doctor needs to know.

I will give you a personal example. I am 100% PTSD P&T. One of my conditions is that I can go to a steakhouse today, and the smell of cooking meat will be delicious, tomorrow I can walk by a burger joint and the smell of cooking meat will make be vomit and run away. This happens in the grocery store and at home. I cannot tell you how much meat I have thrown away. The social impairment is obvious, but work wise this has happened at company meetings, trade shows, luncheons, dinners, award events and even in the air traveling to Europe with a group up C-Suite executives on the company jet. The Dr would not know that unless I described it too him to demonstrate the work impairment.

If talking about these things frustrates you, DON"T HIDE IT. Don't attack the Dr, but don't try and pretend you are nifty with the situation and having to disclose this stuff to another human. Don't say "Talking about it has helped me". for gods sake don't say that!!! EVER!!!!

Are you or do you suspect you are Bi Polar? Manic? Chronically depressed? these are all common to PTSD. So are drug use/abuse and alcohol abuse.

I will also suggest you look at the letter  (or online website) for the C&P Doctors Credentials. This is so important these days. The letter should say what type of Dr they are, where they went to school, how long they have practiced medicine, and what type of C&P's they are certified to do.

It is a sad fact the VA contractors are often not qualified in appropriate areas that we are being evaluated for. Make sure you KNOW THIS as it affects what you need to do if you have to file a NOD after the rating results are delivered.

When you leave the session, have a tape recorder at hand with a long battery life. Dump all your observations about the exam, the questions and the doctor onto that tape. Then go home and type it up and email it to yourself.

You will then create what is called a contemporaneous record of the events. Store them both in a cloud account and or a safe.

Humans have selective memory and waiting to write down or record information will frequently change what our perceptions were and what actually happened or was felt/heard in the moment.

Sorry about the long post and I know it may seem a bit dry and unsympathetic. It is not meant to convey that, but you need to know what is happening and there is no touchy feely way to say it that I have ever come up with.

Tell the truth, be honest, describe your worst days not your best day or today (unless today is your worst day) and you will make it through.

I can promise you the next one, and there will likely be other exams, will be slightly less fear inducing.

Keep coming here, venting, asking questions, developing a support system .

We are all veterans and are here because of our own problems. We support each other, even when we disagree on some topics.

There is no shame here, no condemnation. We won't ask personal details and you can share as much or as little as you like.

Let us know what happens after the C&P. and after the rating decision.

 

[pyrotaz]

So I survived the DBQ. I will admit it was the toughest thing I ever had to do. I had a female Doctor who allowed me time to explain my feeling and I didn't feel threatened or rushed. The questions that were asked opened up a lot of flood gates and to be honest I shed  a lot of tears. She seemed very understanding and allowed me to take breaks as needed. The whole DBQ took about 2 hours.  Before I left she took me aside and stated She definitely feels I suffer from PTSD and should look into counselling, which I am doing.  She was going to finish up her report and submit it by the end of the day. What is roughly the timeline for a rating decision from here? I know it can go back and forth jut wonder the rough estimate.

[vetquest]

We cannot tell the time for a rating decision.  It could be months to years.  The fact that she spent two hours with you is probably good.  Most C&P's last fifteen minutes to an hour at max.  Please do look into counseling.  One of the things they look for is continued treatment.  If we are not being treated they will try to say your condition is not chronic or has improved.  Hang in there, the second hardest part is the wait for a decision by the VA.

[pyrotaz]

Moved to Prep for decision yesterday. 

[pyrotaz]

So a little concerned.  I looked today and noticed the they put in the following request.

Request 4

Optional - We’ve asked others to send this to us, but you may upload it if you have it.

<VA Medical Facility>

 

Anybody want to chime in what this means? 

[pyrotaz]

Here are the results of my C&P exam,  Just wondering what you think about it.

 

1. Diagnostic Summary

    ---------------------

    Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-5 criteria

    based on today's evaluation?

    [X] Yes   [ ] No

   

       ICD code:  F43.1

      

    2. Current Diagnoses

    --------------------

    a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD, Chronic

           ICD code: F43.1

 

    b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the

       mental health disorder (to include TBI):

       No response provided.

      

    3. Differentiation of symptoms

    ------------------------------

    a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed?

       [ ] Yes   [X] No

      

    c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

       [ ] Yes   [ ] No   [X] Not shown in records reviewed

      

    4. Occupational and social impairment

    -------------------------------------

    a. Which of the following best summarizes the Veteran's level of

occupational

       and social impairment with regards to all mental diagnoses? (Check only

       one)

       [X] Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work

           efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform

           occupational tasks, although generally functioning satisfactorily,

           with normal routine behavior, self-care and conversation

 

    b. For the indicated occupational and social impairment, is it possible to

       differentiate which impairment is caused by each mental disorder?

       [ ] Yes   [ ] No   [X] Not Applicable (N/A)

      

    c. If a diagnosis of TBI exists, is it possible to differentiate which

       occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by the TBI?

       [ ] Yes   [ ] No   [X] Not Applicable (N/A)

      

                                   SECTION II:

                                   -----------

                               Clinical Findings:

                               ------------------

    1. Evidence Review

    ------------------

    Evidence reviewed (check all that apply):

   

    [X] VA e-folder

    [X] CPRS

    [X] Other (please identify other evidence reviewed):

          Compensation & Pension (C&P) for Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA)

          and represents a Disability Evaluation - not a comprehensive clinical

          evaluation of the Veteran.

          Items on this DBQ are marked in highly specialized ways that conform

          specifically to the needs of VBA disability rating determination.

          Some items could be left blank because the Veteran's responses or

          physical findings could not be attributed to or are not associated

with

          the current disability claim(s).

          Symptoms and signs may be present, but may not be clinically linked to

          the claim(s) C&P was requested to evaluate by VBA.

 

          ===============================================

 

          This C&P examination or/and medical opinion does not constitute a

          rating decision.

          by the C&P staff.]

          Rating decisions are made solely by the Regional Office (VBA) after

all

          required data has been reviewed and verified. Any questions or

concerns

          regarding rating procedures should be directed to the Veteran Service

          Organization, Regional Office or an Appeals Board.

          The decision to service connect or not service connect a claimed

          condition is the sole responsibility of VBA.

          The percentage of disability (if awarded) is determined by VBA - not

          C&P.

                   

         

 

    Evidence Comments:

      All evidence gathered pertains to the review of Veteran's VBMS, CAPRI

      documents, own statements and recollections, as well as the WHODAS-2 and

      Mississippi Scale of Combat PTSD (administered to Veteran by this examiner

      today.)

     

    4. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria

    ---------------------------

    Note: Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD

diagnosis.

    Do NOT mark symptoms below that are clearly not attributable to the

Criterion

    A stressor/PTSD.  Instead, overlapping symptoms clearly attributable to

other

    things should be noted under #7 - Other symptoms.  The diagnostic criteria

    for PTSD, referred to as Criterion A-H, are from the Diagnostic and

    Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).

   

       Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious

injury,

                    c) sexual violence, in one or more of the following ways:

                   

                   [X] Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s)

 

       Criterion B: Presence of (one or more) of the following intrusion

symptoms

                    associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the

                    traumatic event(s) occurred:

                   

                   [X] Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing

memories

                       of the traumatic event(s).

                   [X] Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or

                       affect of the dream are related to the traumatic

event(s).

                   [X] Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the

                       individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s)

were

                       recurring.  (Such reactions may occur on a continuum,

with

                       the most extreme expression being a complete loss of

                       awareness of present surroundings).

                   [X] Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure

to

                       internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an

                       aspect of the traumatic event(s).

                   [X] Marked physiological reactions to internal or external

                       cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the

traumatic

                       event(s).

 

       Criterion Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the

traumatic

                    event(s), beginning after the traumatic events(s) occurred,

                    as evidenced by one or both of the following:

                   

                   [X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories,

                       thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with

the

                       traumatic event(s).

                   [X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders

                       (people, places, conversations, activities, objects,

                       situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or

 

 

                       feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic

                       event(s).

 

       Criterion Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with

                    the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the

                    traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more)

of

                    the following:

                    

                   [X] Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or

                       expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g.,

"I

                       am bad,: "No one can be trusted,: "The world is

completely

                       dangerous,: "My whole nervous system is permanently

                       ruined").

                   [X] Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or

                       consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the

                       individual to blame himself/herself or others.

                   [X] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror,

                       anger, guilt, or shame).

 

       Criterion E: Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with

                    the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the

                    traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more)   the following

                   [X] Hypervigilance.

                   [X] Exaggerated startle response.

                   [X] Problems with concentration.

                   [X] Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying

                       asleep or restless sleep).

 

       Criterion F

                   [X] Duration of the disturbance (Criteria B, C, D, and E) is

                       more than 1 month.

       Criterion G

                   [X] The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or

                       impairment in social, occupational, or other important

                       areas of functioning.

       Criterion H:

                   [X] The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological

                       effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or

                       another medical condition.

       Criterion I: Which stressor(s) contributed to the Veteran's PTSD

                    diagnosis?:

                   

                   [X] Stressor #1

                   [X] Stressor #2

                   [X] Stressor #3

                   [X] Other, please indicate stressor number (i.e., Stressor

#4,

                       #5, etc.) as indicated above:

                         4, 5, 6, & 7

                     

  5. Symptoms

    -----------

    For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the

    Veteran's diagnoses:

       [X] Anxiety

       [X] Suspiciousness

       [X] Panic attacks that occur weekly or less often

       [X] Chronic sleep impairment

       [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood

       [X] Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or a

        Work like setting

 

    6. Behavioral Observations

    --------------------------

    Alert and oriented times three with good eye contact. Casually dressed and

    well groomed. Normal ambulation. Speech was slightly inaudible at times but

    otherwise WNL. Attention and concentration were good. Thought process was

    circumstantial. Thought content was slightly paranoid. Veteran denied SI/HI

    and AH/VH. Judgment was good and impulse control was good. Insight was fair.

    Intellect was average.

 

    7. Other symptoms

    -----------------

    Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other

    mental disorders) that are not listed above?

       [ ] Yes   [X] No

      

 

 

    8. Competency

    -------------

    Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs?

       [X] Yes   [ ] No

      

    9. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any

    --------------------------------------------------

       The WHODAS-II was developed to assess disabilities related to physical

and

       mental disorders experienced within the past 30 days and provides a

       profile of functioning across six activity domains-understanding and

       communicating, mobility, self-care, getting along with others, life

       activities, and participation in society-as well as an overall disability

       score.

 

       The WHODAS-II has been used with individuals with PTSD and other

       stress-related disorders and research has shown it to be useful in these

       populations. A notable asset of the WHODAS-II is its relationship with

the

       International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health which

       is an internationally recognized system of classifying the consequences

of

       physical and mental health conditions. The WHO has also developed and

       validated a self-report version of the WHODAS-II that can be used in

       instances when an interview is not feasible or efficient.

 

       The scores assigned to each of the items - "none" (0), "mild" (1)

       "moderate" (2), "severe" (3) and "extreme" (4) - are summed. The simple

       sum of the scores of the items across all domains constitutes a statistic

       that is sufficient to describe the degree of functional limitations.

 

       The Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD (M-PTSD) is a 35-item

       self-report measure that assesses combat-related PTSD in Veteran

       populations. Items sample DSM-III symptoms of PTSD and frequently

observed

       associated features (substance abuse, suicidality, and depression).

 

       Respondents are asked to rate how they feel about each item using

5-point,

       Likert-style response categories. Ten positively framed items are

reversed

       scored and then responses are summed to provide an index of PTSD symptom

       severity which can range from 35-175. Cutoff scores for a probable PTSD

       diagnosis have been validated for some populations, but may not

generalize

       to other populations.

 

       Examination measures were verbally administered by the examiner to the

       examinee instead of administered in written format and should be

       interpreted with this limitation in mind.

 

       It is as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the

       Veteran is diagnosed with PTSD, chronic at moderate severity that

incurred

       in or was caused by military sexual trauma.

 

       Rationale:

       The Veteran's summary score on the WHODAS-2 was 63, indicative of

moderate

       impairment in social and occupational functioning. His score on the

M-PTSD

       was 123, indicative of mild to moderate PTSD symptoms. Records indicate

       that Veteran meets with a D.O. who prescribes Veteran with psychotropic

       medications on a regular basis. In 2016, that provider diagnosed Veteran

       with PTSD and stated the following "it is my professional opinion that it

       is highly likely that the Veterans PTSD is a direct result of traumatic

       events from his military service." Further, the following markers provide

       evidence that his PTSD diagnosis is related to his military stressors:

 

       Markers:

       1. Erectile dysfunction (per Veteran report)

       2. Difficulties engaging in physical intimacy with wife (per wife and

       Veteran report)

       3. Avoidance of male authority figures (per wife and Veteran report)

       4. Veteran waited until 28 years old to engage in sexual relations (per

       Veteran report)

       5. Veteran slit wrists during military service in direct response to

       ongoing harrassment by fellow Navymen, leaving a scar. (per Veteran

       report)

Edited July 25, 2019 by pyrotaz
edit (see edit history)

[GeekySquid]

8 hours ago, pyrotaz said:

Just wondering what you think about it.

out of the gate I would read this as a 30-50 percent rating.

there are some things I don't understand though and if you choose to challenge the award I would suggest you consider them.

8 hours ago, pyrotaz said:

The WHODAS-II was developed to assess disabilities related to physical

and

       mental disorders experienced within the past 30 days and provides a

       profile of functioning across six activity domains-understanding and

       communicating, mobility, self-care, getting along with others, life

       activities, and participation in society-as well as an overall disability

       score.

who in the xxxx decided to give you a WHODAS-II? and since when did the VA certify it for PTSD exams?

8 hours ago, pyrotaz said:

The Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD (M-PTSD) is a 35-item

       self-report measure that assesses combat-related PTSD in Veteran

       populations. Items sample DSM-III symptoms of PTSD and frequently

observed

       associated features (substance abuse, suicidality, and depression).

 

same here? what brain child authorized the M-PTSD as an evaluation standard of C&P Exams?

do the research yourself but I am unaware of either be authorized in a VA C&P exam as an evaluation basis.

8 hours ago, pyrotaz said:

Veteran meets with a D.O. who prescribes Veteran with psychotropic

which psychtropics and at what mg for how many years?

 

8 hours ago, pyrotaz said:

It is as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the

       Veteran is diagnosed with PTSD, chronic at moderate severity that

incurred

       in or was caused by military sexual trauma.

did you ever get an MST exam and C&P? they are different than a PTSD exam and should, I think, have its own separate rating.

 

I would also check the structure of the "magic words" above....it reads you were likely diagnosed PTSD. not likely to have PTSD caused my military service connected events. The phrasing has made the hackles on my neck stand up.

[pyrotaz]

Went to Prep for Notification today. A few weird things.

1. They added Erectile Dysfunction secondary to MST to my claim. Did mention it in my letter I wrote by never applied. Thought this was weird. Was added today. 
2. Originally they were asking for a Request 4 from the VA. Had checked with my VSO and she stated they were looking for some clarification from the Doctor who gave me the C& P exam. As of Friday of last week she hadn't responded and the Request is now no longer there. 

Will keep you updated and Just a note I am starting counseling next week. Took a little while to build up the confidence to go. 

[GBArmy]

First of all, congratulations on moving forward. Admitting there is a problem, then having the gumption to actually do something like starting counseling. Absolutely fantastic. Sounds like you have a great support team too with your family and your doc. And ED; they are supposed to add to the claim if it was declared by you anytime you talked to a VA doc. It's a special SMC rating and pays out if you qualify about $110.00 a month separately from your regular combined rating. Do you have weight gain; look up your BMI for your weight and height. If you are overweight or obese according to the table, you are considered overweight by the VA. If you research your specific meds prescribed by the doc you may find a nexus between the incidence and weight gain. Now, if you have sleep apnea, and your wife can probably attest to it even if you don't know it, there is a connection with weight gain and PTSD thru the meds. There are a lot of other things "secondary" to PTSD but you need to est. the in service event, your diagnoses now and the connection. There are several other disabilities that originate from the base issue.Several contributors to Hadit can offer guidance specifically on the PTSD claim. Shrekthetank1 is one of several that can offer good stuff. The point I am making here, is take the steps to get well. Secondly, work the claim. If you want, just go for the PTSD?MST disability by itself first. You were harmed when in the service of the U.S.; the VA has to compensate you for it. Reach out for help.

[pyrotaz]

Looked on ebennies and Noticed I was awarded 50% for my PTSD-MST Claim.  So that Makes me 60% now. I want to thank everyone for there help. I know this is not the end and only the beginning of my journey to recovery but I'm ready and am seeking all the help  can get. 

[GBArmy]

Congrats! Fantastic. It will take a little time to get your letter; check your bank account as it often is credited to your account before the decision letter comes. But remember, ebennies is sometimes wrong, so you can't be sure what's behind the curtain until that BBE comes in the mail. Hang in there!

[vetquest]

Congratulations.  I remember when you were anxious about your C&P.  I am glad it all worked out.