Interesting info from VA Progress Notes

[Hucast21]

Hello,

I was denied for PTSD and migraines two years ago. I’ve been having sessions with a VA psychiatrist till now and found something interesting in my progress notes the other day.

The VA psychiatrist wrote this: Veteran is a 40 yo male with bipolar disorder, unspecified anxiety, and PTSD from military experiences and MST.

Does the statement above satisfy the Caluza elements?

Thank you

 

[broncovet]

It sounds like it meets "at least one" Caluza element:  Current diagnosis.  It does NOT say, for sure, however, your PTSD is "the result of military service".  Other things can cause PTSD..or MST, not necessarily "only" military service.  

Theoretically, YOUR PTSD could have been caused by "some other trauma" while you were "not" in military service.  For example you could have worked as a clerk in a convience store, and you may have been held up with someone with a gun, or even shot at.  

The VA doesnt often "connect the dots".  

Your doctor, instead, needs to opine another Caluza element (nexus) , that your "PTSD is at least as likely as not due to xy event which occurred in military service."   You will also need documentation of a stressor IN SERVICE.  I have no idea if/what stressors you have, and whether or not they occurred in service.  

To get benefits, you will likely need to provide documentation of  the other 2 Caluza elements:  (in service event,aka "stressor") and (nexus).   

[Tbird]

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

Caluza Triangle defines what is necessary for service connection.

[Fat]

I will be the deal breaker. 

That information is priceless; however doesn't a diagnosis have to be within a 6-12 month window?

However, I do think the information is perfect information in helping formulate a nexus statement.

You are definitely in the ball park.........

[deedub75]

Did you file a claim for PTSD based on MST?

[Hucast21]

13 minutes ago, deedub75 said:

Did you file a claim for PTSD based on MST?

Yes I did, along with non-combat trauma as well.

Edited October 1, 2020 by Hucast21

[Hucast21]

3 hours ago, Fat said:

I will be the deal breaker. 

That information is priceless; however doesn't a diagnosis have to be within a 6-12 month window?

However, I do think the information is perfect information in helping formulate a nexus statement.

You are definitely in the ball park.........

The case manager for my VA claim agrees with your assessment. 

Edited October 1, 2020 by Hucast21