Claim for increase time

[Rick33]

I currently have a claim for an increase in for PTSD PT. The claim is 5.5 months in and It is in the preparation for decision step almost 2 months now. I received my CP exam results a few weeks ago and the examiner marked: total occupational and social plus 5 of 7  of the criteria for 100. I do not get hopes up that this means automatic due to 3 horrendous experiences with the VA. I look at it like I have a possibility for the rating. 

Just curious if this is the norm on length now? Also , are only certain personnel allowed to review and rate increases for PTSD P&T? I have heard this. Just want to ask. 
 

 

Edited July 22, 2022 by Rick33
I made a mistake

[Rick33]

All criteria for 100 are checked. My mistake. 

[brokensoldier244th]

"Regular" PTSD can be reviewed by any VSR, and any RVSR, though generally the PTSD claims as a whole go to certain teams of RVSRs depending on what they are for. Mostly thats just so they can be more easily tracked, and so those of us with more experience in certain areas work more claims in that particular area. 2 months at "Prep" seems a bit long, though, unless they had to request records from NPRC or something, or are waiting on prior employers, private medical records, stuff like that. Did you file for IU? that can take longer, too. 

MST (sexual trauma) PTSD claims, though, they only go to certain groups at 5 RO's right now, and each of those teams specifically is about 20 people or so, because we have had different training from the start, and ongoing, for working with these. They take longer because they are a lot more nuanced, and require a lot of back and forth with short patrol, CID, local investigative agencies, whatever. 

 

 

Edited July 22, 2022 by brokensoldier244th

[Rick33]

Thank you sir

It is a std claim and the Va regional office and that 1000 number told me everything regarding evidence is there and nothing else is needed. It is still in a que and a suspense date towards the end of June 30 wasn’t met. So all is ready for them. It is not MST. 

P&T was requested via my psychiatrist. He And a VSO said the CP exam was good and I shouldn’t need to appeal for it. 
Just seems like a long time. 

[Rick33]

3 hours ago, brokensoldier244th said:

"Regular" PTSD can be reviewed by any VSR, and any RVSR, though generally the PTSD claims as a whole go to certain teams of RVSRs depending on what they are for. Mostly thats just so they can be more easily tracked, and so those of us with more experience in certain areas work more claims in that particular area. 2 months at "Prep" seems a bit long, though, unless they had to request records from NPRC or something, or are waiting on prior employers, private medical records, stuff like that. Did you file for IU? that can take longer, too. 

MST (sexual trauma) PTSD claims, though, they only go to certain groups at 5 RO's right now, and each of those teams specifically is about 20 people or so, because we have had different training from the start, and ongoing, for working with these. They take longer because they are a lot more nuanced, and require a lot of back and forth with short patrol, CID, local investigative agencies, whatever. 

 

 

I just tried to call the 1000 and the lady said she was going to send an inquiry straight to the RATER and in tge end I thought to wait until the 75 day mark. 
 

[MilvetHD]

Personally, I'd be concerned that at some point along the way a breakdown occurred. We often are critical of the VA, but as it relates to claims of PTSD they have made a concerted effort to expedite those claims and in my opinion they've gotten much better. Given that your PTSD is already SC that should in theory mean your decision for increase would be returned quicker. For example, and I know all claims are different, but I have a friend who had his increase for PTSD granted one day after his C&P exam and that was in late 2021. In my opinion, this is not normal for this specific type of claim so keep applying pressure. 

[brokensoldier244th]

If you have a vso they can see the claim directly- the phone people can only see the comments we leave.