PTSD for MST Do I have to give access to private med records?

[flow1972]

My claim is currently in Evidence Gathering.  My MST Coordinator has a DBQ that my VSO sent me to have my Dr (Private/Non VA) fill out.  It was filed with my claim.  She also has the AF OSI Report concerning the incident in question.  Two things:

1.  The FOIA Request I did to retrieve the AF OSI Report gave me the report summary and my hand-written statement of account.  The report summary discusses all statements, but they are redacted in my copy.  The report status shows Closed.  Recommended for action.  The MST Coordinator said she had the report but it didn't show what action was taken.  I told her that I was never "sent" anything explaining the action taken.  All I ever got was some generic phone call from some JAG person months later letting me know the case had been closed and that the subject had been "offered" CC but refused and was subsequently being discharged from service.  (I won't get into how crazy it makes me that someone can be "offered" jail time and "refuse")  MST Coordinator said she was going to see if she could obtain the action report.  I don't understand why they need that.  Any ideas?  I have since submitted a second FOIA Request (after learning that even though the Action Report is required to be given to OSI they "can't" release it to me without a FOIA Request being submitted and approved by the owners of that report which is AFLOA.  (Freaking ridiculous)

2.  She sent out a release letter to sign that will give them the ability to get my records from my private Dr.  Should I sign it?  Or should I get those records and send them only what they need?  My fear is that I talk about lots of things with my Dr.  Some aren't specifically about this.  Will they get that info and try to use it against me?

The stress of this, is literally about to do me in.  One of my "triggers" is being put in front of some person in charge and having them judge me while forcing me to recount every detail I've already written in my statement.  I am literally stretched thin thinking of being put back in that same situation.  It's unfathomable to me that the VA should be allowed to literally put an MST Survivor through the EXACT situations that caused a lot of the issues we suffer from.  They wouldn't stick a person with Combat PTSD back in Combat for their claim.  Before I go off on a tangent...thanks in advance for advice.

[broncovet]

And, yes, the VA will use any applicable evidence against you, if they get the chance.  Count on that.  

Again, my advice hinges on what evidence your private docs have.  I dont know that.  I suggest you get those records, and read them.  If you think these provide favorable evidence, send them to VA.  If not, dont send them.  

We get to choose what evidence to send to VA.  However, if they have insufficient, or negative evidence, they will deny.  

 

[broncovet]

No, you are not required to release private medical records.  However, the VA requires medical documentation to establish that you meet the Caluza elements.  So, if you fail to provide all 3 Caluza elements, expect to be denied.  

My advice:  Check those private party records.  If those records reveal favorable information, then sign the release form.  Favorable information would be evidence which documents symptoms, a nexus, in service event, or diagnosis.  Unfavorable evidence, for example, would be if that doctor said he did not think your condition was related to military service.  

You are not required to provide all private records, but, if you lack the evidence you will likely be denied.  

 

[broncovet]

You should also get your VA medical evidence.  See if it has the Caluza elements, and your symptoms adequately documented.  You may/or may not need private evidence depending on what VA evidence you have.  

[Tbird]

Caluza Triangle https://hadit.com/caluza-triangle-defines-necessary-service-connection/

[flow1972]

Thanks, everyone!  So, I spoke to my private doc (I really do love her).  She fully understands the adversarial relationship the VA tends to have and will provide me only the notes and records she feels they need to see that directly relate to the PTSD due to MST. 

I have chosen NOT to sign the VA's form.  I will submit my own records to them.  I actually just found out today that somehow I was scheduled for a C&P exam on November 18th.  I was never contacted to schedule it.  I only know because I called the local MST Coordinator trying to find out what exactly is needed from my private provider.  The local MST Coordinator (whom I've never spoken to before today) told me she isn't the one who requested the records.  It's the "Regional" MST Coordinator from the Claims side of the house.  The local one only deals with the treatment side of things, apparently.  I"m so new to all of this...it's just crazy confusing.  The local one kept apologizing for the fact that when I'd originally called to try to seek treatment through the VA, they didn't handle my request correctly.  They told me they couldn't see me for over a month, so I went ahead and found my own provider.  They also were supposed to notify her of my call...they didn't.  She said she will assist in trying to continue care with my current provider through the VA as much as she can since they totally hosed all of that up.