C&P FOR PTSD - Weird experience - Please help

[FMFCorpsmen]

Hello everyone, 

 

I hope this finds you all well. So, quick background..

I was ADMIN Separated from the military, all while going through a MEDBOARD. I was send to a Medboard for PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Inguinal nerve damage.. years of medical history showing these injuries.  My lawyer during this process stated that the Military found me fit because I was going through a ADMIN separation. All my doctors wrote letters to the board stating that all diagnosis were current. The Board came back to state that they did not believe my doctors and stated that my actions were for secondary gains. It was obvious, as per my lawyers, that the board was not fond of the fact that I was being Administratively (after 17 years. Because of my traumas, I acted out and go into trouble. My discharge was a General (Under Honorable)) and I was found fit. 

Fast forward a few months, here I am at the C&P... 

I went to the C&P and the provider was kind and respectful. She asked me questions about my past, she even started some small talk about how we had the same ethnic background.. 

She then began to ask me how the PTSD hinders my life. She went on to say " So, from what I see.. I don't think you can work?"... I replied, I am currently sleeping in my car.. I have nowhere to live. ( this is all true).. 

She then stated that she was having a hard time finding the exact moment when I suffered the personal assault..., but went on to say that she understands that most men don't report that...

I told her that she was absolutely right.. She then stated  "I see that you have been going to medical for depression for years, around that time of your assault.. I can almost hear "assault" through all the depression encounters, even though you didn't say it.. is that correct?"...

I began to cry because that was exactly the case. She then said, I understand and I am sorry..  I went on to say, I never had a provide pick up on it.. I was always so embarrassed to tell anyone about the assault, but I kept going in hopes someone would see it and help me..

 We spoke about my father.. 2) How my life was prior to the military 3) how I felt during the service 4) what I did on my off time ( I sleep in my car and at times, at a friend's couch, when I am really frightened.. in a closet.

She ended the meeting with " Do you have any questions".. I replied yes... I wanted to know how bad my depression is from a professional stand point since I don't have a provider anymore.. She stated, " I don't diagnose and I can't tell you how bad your symptoms are... but what I will tell you, and probably shouldn't... I think you case is severe..

She walked me to the lobby, said something to me in our native tongue.. and then said, " we will see you in 5 years...

- I remembered that I had forgotten to tell her about my memory problems (Ironic)... so I called and left her that exact message with my number... 15 minutes later, she called me laughing at my message, thanking me for calling since she had forgotten to ask me that.

I left very paranoid because I never seen a doctor like that.. 

I walked out feeling cared for, but then my paranoia set in.. I began question the whole encounter.. I began to ruminate on the fact that during my Medboard a doctor stated "Secondary gains," basically stating that I was trying to medically retire before getting separated  ( I was already in the Medboard process before getting in trouble).. Will they hold that against me?

 

All these things came to mind and then I found this group.. I am paranoid, anxious, struggling because I feel like I was being played with.. I have 3 doctors that have evaluated me and stated that I have these conditions.. I just don't know what to think.. 

Has anyone else had an experience like this?

[GBArmy]

FMFCorpsmen I am truly sorry for your experience. It is important to focus on your own situation; anyone else's experiences may not really fit your situation because of course everyone is different. All I can offer is this: trust that the system will prove out. Eventually. Maybe you will have to appeal, or maybe, you will get your rightful decision right away. But, the key is, if you keep fighting, and you have the evidence for your claim, you will win. You may need a lawyer, but if you keep at it, you will get what you deserve. So don't give in if you don't win. Get a lawyer that is really familiar with the VA hamster wheel. Get a copy of your c-file. Just keep it going, be sure to comply with continuation appeal deadlines, and and you'll get there. Hang in there!

[FMFCorpsmen]

10 minutes ago, GBArmy said:

FMFCorpsmen I am truly sorry for your experience. It is important to focus on your own situation; anyone else's experiences may not really fit your situation because of course everyone is different. All I can offer is this: trust that the system will prove out. Eventually. Maybe you will have to appeal, or maybe, you will get your rightful decision right away. But, the key is, if you keep fighting, and you have the evidence for your claim, you will win. You may need a lawyer, but if you keep at it, you will get what you deserve. So don't give in if you don't win. Get a lawyer that is really familiar with the VA hamster wheel. Get a copy of your c-file. Just keep it going, be sure to comply with continuation appeal deadlines, and and you'll get there. Hang in there!

Thank you for the encouraging words. I won't give up. I was just hoping to see if anyone had similar situations and how their outcome was.... and also to see what your take is on the fact that it appeared favorable... 

 

Are they allowed to portray that they are helping, but then deny you.. 

I guess what I was hoping to see is if anyone feels that this was a favorable outcome?

[GBArmy]

I understand you have high anxiety; you can't avoid it. But I think you are not listening to what I'm saying. Yes, I do feel your case has merit. BUT, what I think really doesn't matter. Nor, does someone else's "similar" case matter Your claim will be decided on its stand alone facts and that's it. Let it play out and in the meantime try to do other things instead of worrying yourself sick. Let the process play out. Like I said, hang in there.

[pacmanx1]

When I first went to the VAMC for medical treatment I was seen by a doctor that diagnosed me with Somatic Disorder. This doctor was not a mental health doctor, but he wrote in my records that he found no real cause of my complaints and thought I was seeking secondary gains. This went on for several years until the VA sent me to see a mental health specialist who did a C & P exam for about three hours. Even though my situation was/is not like yours, he (This Specialist) did a thorough job and reviewed my entire military records. I was complaining about multiple joint pain. He reviewed my records and found that I had several car accidents, fell out of a rolling Deuce and a half and fell on my spine. He referred me to rheumatology where they did a bone scan and all of a sudden, my claim for depression was granted. I later got my claim for nerve damage granted so I would suggest to you the most important thing is to try your best to stay in therapy. If you are not currently in therapy, try to get in it as soon as possible and stay in it if you can.  Current medical opinion will help your claim and you will eventually need a medical nexus (A medical doctor stating that your current condition is related to your military service). Of course, you will also need an in-service event or incident. Which is the Caluza elements 1. An in-service event, accident or incident, 2. A current diagnosis, and 3. A medical nexus connecting 1. and 2. to get granted service connection. 

[Buck52]

I would say you need to get into treatment therapy right away  to learn some skills as to how to cope with the stress and anxiety 

Hiding in a closet is severe. living in your car is homeless and dangerous .

You need to see the VA MH MST Coordinator, after visiting with you awhile  the coordinator can place you with the right counselor or L.C.S.W.  That best fit your needs  as to the severity of your condition  COMPLEX AS IT MAY BE.

We can't tell if a C&P EXAMINER is on the level or same page as we Veterans...they may say things that seem favorable to our face but  will stab us in the back at the same time, You actually won't know until a decision has been made/

if your awaiting a decision?   you should try to get your hands on the C&P Examiners report   to see what she put down in her report ?  if you don't want to get the report  then you will just have to wait on the decision.

DO NOT LET THE PAST HOLD YOU BACK OR FROM WHAT SOME VA RATER SAYS... (they don't believe your Doctors)   thats  B.S.

THIS COULD POSSIBLY OPEN UP  A CUE FOR THEM TO CUE THEMSELF  THIS STATEMENT BELOW FROM WHAT YOU MENTION

'''All my doctors wrote letters to the board stating that all diagnosis were current. The Board came back to state that they did not believe my doctors and stated that my actions were for secondary gains''if you can prove that statement is wrong  then it certainly will change the outcome of your decision.

That is deciding the case without probative evidence & THE FACTS   just from opinion from the Board  or VA Rater.

They have a duty to Assist veterans. (Duty to Assist)

YOU NEED TO COLLECT ANY OR ALL MEDICAL RECORDS AND in service reports, witteness that may know about it or actually witness the event..ect.,,,ect,,, if the event was not reported  then give your side of the story  of what and when  and place it happen, you don't necessarily have to have a record of the event if it went unreported ,  your lay statement can be used ... if they can place you at the time &place and dates of the event  that you say happen, or old newspaper clippings or any report that may have got written up......if they can't find any evidence of what you say happen   it will be hard for you to prove what happen  but they do take into account your lay statment and statements from your friends . buddys  or anyone that knew you at the time of the event. .....>(I am guess only but  maybe its (MST?)

iT DON'T MATTER HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED BEFORE YOU CAME FORWARD WITH THIS...THEY HAVE TO CONSIDER YOUR LAY STATEMENTS.

Getting into treatment is the best place for you right now  in my opinion anyway.  get a hold of yourself and get the medical care you so badly need,,, then worry about these claims.

come here   hadit members can help you work your claim.  do not be shy in here  we all WELCOME YOU HERE.

Your going to have some rough times ahead  dealing with this through the claims process  but It will be worth every effort on your part  and that is to get helped and  be compensated for your trauma and disease that you encounter while serving in the military.

Edited February 15, 2021 by Buck52

[pacmanx1]

51 minutes ago, Buck52 said:

THIS COULD POSSIBLY OPEN UP  A CUE FOR THEM TO CUE THEMSELF  THIS STATEMENT BELOW FROM WHAT YOU MENTION

Buck, I may be wrong but I believe when the OP (ORIGINAL POSTER) refer to board he/she are referring to a MED BOARD and not the BOARD of APPEALS. Hopefully, they could clear this up. CUE claims are only for VA Decisions and not MED BOARD Decisions.