PTSD (Personal Trauma) Claim changed to GAD

[baezivy]

I put in a claim twice for PTSD Personal Trauma and both times they changed it to GAD increase. So my C&P exams are schedule for GAD increase and not PTSD. I just had an exam today and the examiner stated it was for GAD and not PTSD which I was so confused. I called the VA and told them, I was scheduled for something I did not put a claim in for. Now they are researching as to why it was changed. Has this happened to anyone else? I was diagnosed with PTSD by my Therapist/Phychiatrist for over a few years now and I am having such a difficult time with compensation. Any suggestions on what to do next?

[broncovet]

You posted:

Quote

If they rate me PTSD/GAD, I am happy with that. I wasn't looking for an increase at this point. I just need a PTSD diagnoses.

Im having a hard time understanding your reasons for this.  First, a DOCTOR makes a PTSD DIAGNOSIS, not a rating specialist.  Check your medical records, a doctor has either diagnosed you for PTSD or he has not.  A current diagnosis of PTSD, made by a doctor, is necessary for compensation for PTSD.  (Its one of the caluza elements).  

Next, its unclear "why" you would want to apply for benefits if "you arent looking for an increase in compensation".  

I think its a huge waste of my time to apply for benefits which do not result in an increase of compensation.  I have "no desire" to fight with VA to increase my  ratings if there is no resultant increase in compensation.  Im not sure why anyone would want to apply for benefits if there was no chance of an increase in compensation.  

[baezivy]

In my comment I did state I was diagnosed with PTSD. I understand why you are a bit confused. I am at 70% for GAD, so in order to get 100% I would have to fall within certain guidelines which I feel I don’t. I have secondary conditions that fall under PTSD, but in order to be compensated for them, I need a C&P exam for PTSD and then I can apply for my secondary conditions. I hope I was a bit more clear this time. Thank you for your input. 

[Andyman73]

On 11/19/2021 at 4:18 PM, baezivy said:

In my comment I did state I was diagnosed with PTSD. I understand why you are a bit confused. I am at 70% for GAD, so in order to get 100% I would have to fall within certain guidelines which I feel I don’t. I have secondary conditions that fall under PTSD, but in order to be compensated for them, I need a C&P exam for PTSD and then I can apply for my secondary conditions. I hope I was a bit more clear this time. Thank you for your input. 

File for the PTSD, so you can then file for those secondary issues. I have several that are secondary SCDs to my PTSD. And those are what brought me to 100%. Also, as I mentioned previously, if you did not use the MST specific PTSD claim form, that may well be why the VA has been able to change it. They would not be able to change a MST specific claim without opening themselves up for serious trouble. I suggest calling the MST coordinator to get that ball rolling. 

[john999]

You can get 100% for GAD just as well as for PTSD.  The VA rates emotional conditions the same basically.  To get 100% for any mental condition is pretty hard if you go by VA guidelines.  You have to be totally incapacitated  in every way including social and employment.  I got 70% for bipolar disorder.  To get 100% I would have had to be in an institution. I was not going lie and  tell the VA that I ate my own feces just to get a rating.  I was honest with the bastards and that was hard enough. What counts with mental health claims is just how badly your condition disables you regarding work and social world.  

[pwrslm]

VA must maximize you benefits. If there were anything missing for PTSD, but the specifications for Generalized Anxiety Disorder would be met, they are obligated to rate you for GAD. Your decision letter should explain why they awarded the GAD, if not, FOIA your C-File to see if the PTSD was even addressed. I would guess that the VA's psych eval resulted in this change.

Edited December 2, 2021 by pwrslm