PTSD Doctor SE Michigan

[wysiwyg1965]

Hi,

Does anyone know of a good Behavioral MD in the SE Michigan area I could consult with that is knowledgeable of VA DSM requirements and OIM letter?

Thank you!

[broncovet]

Whether we like it or not, unless something has changed, the VA "does not accept" private doc's PTSD diagnosis.  

Do you have a documented in service stressor?  You should start there, and you can find that out by ordering your cfile.   Who knows?  Maybe PTSD is already diagnosed, and its in your file.  

A doctor can not make up for a in service stressor, but that can be supplied with buddy letters.  In other words, if one or more of your friends observed you see an event in service, this letter could serve as documentation of a stressor.  

Once you have a stressor documented, you will need a diagnosis and a nexus.  

Many Vets use an IMO to provide a nexus, and an IMO doc need not be located near you.  The doctor can read your records and opine if your (diagnosis) is at least as likely as not due to an event (stressor) in military service.  Still, however, I think a VA doc has to diagnose you with PTSD in order for VA to accept it.  (Yes, I agree it sounds crazy).