Claimed PTSD

[freedog89]

Hello Everyone. Just looking for thoughts and opinions if you have time. I put in a claim for PTSD because I am having flashbacks, nightmares, and cannot sleep. So I filed a claim for PTSD. I submitted my eval documenting combat, received a CAR, submitted article where people got blown up, submitted duty assignment of Bahrain.  I had a disability of adjustment disorder with anxiety at 10 percent. Now they have given me 30 percent and changed it to GAD. I know every case is different and both exams was by the same doctor. Have not received my letter yet. I think the doctor would like for me to go get seen by by a professional. I will once I get an appointment. I have all the symptoms with migraines like crazy, GERD, sleep disorder, and other issues. I am blessed with 30 percent.  If it was you how would you go about getting a higher percent? I hope everybody the best in their journey.

[ShrekTheTank]

I had to get an IMO and i am now at the CAVC with a Remand because the BVA and everyone before them would not look at my favorable findings.  Now I am look at a 30% to a 70% jump back to 2015.  If this does happen it will be a large back pay.  

[freedog89]

4 minutes ago, shrekthetank1 said:

I had to get an IMO and i am now at the CAVC with a Remand because the BVA and everyone before them would not look at my favorable findings.  Now I am look at a 30% to a 70% jump back to 2015.  If this does happen it will be a large back pay.  

How would I get an IMO? I hope you the best on the back pay.

[ShrekTheTank]

My VSO and my therapist (outside the VA)  had a doctor who would write them.  Mine was $500 and took a half a day of sitting down with them.  They can go up and over $2000 depending on what they charge and how detailed they are.  Mine was not the best, but it is getting the job done.  I am sure if you go down to you local VFW or anywhere like that someone will be able to give you a doctor who can and will do this for you! If you do not feel it is right keep appealing it until it is where it should be!  

[pacmanx1]

Since you are already service connected for a mental health disorder, you can contact your VA PCP and have them refer you to the mental health clinic for a PTSD evaluation. VA will only pay compensation for one mental health disorder but just like when VA increased your last rating, VA can change it again and rate the symptoms as PTSD. The cost is free and a PTSD diagnosis is better when it comes from a VAMC Psychiatrist , Psychologist, or a Social Worker. 

[freedog89]

Thank both of you for the information. 

[GBArmy]

freedog89 Advise from Shrek and Pacmanx1 is solid. Consider that you are trying to go from now 30% to 50 or 70%; that's serious change. I would do what's been advised; ask your doc to put you in for the eval at the VA. Once you get it, then get an IMO from an outside specialist. You may be able to get the increase/change in disability for MH without it, but for higher level ratings especially it helps with additional professional evidence. IMHO it is a good investment. Good luck.