C&p Question

[marine0811]

I went to the VA today and picked up a copy of my C&P exam results. I am currently rated 50% PTSD (S/C) I have also been diagnosed with TBI but the VA denied my claim for TBI. Long story short the exam states the following:
Does the veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury? yes
Is it possible to differentiate what symptom (s) is/are attributable to each diagnosis? no
if a diagnosis of TBI exist, is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by the TBI? no

Now since the VA declined my claim for TBI is this going to hurt my increase for PTSD or help?

 

[reddevil1111]

The most they give for typical PTSD is 30% You have 50% now. I wont say its impossible to get higher than 50% as I have heard of some guys getting 100% but its a select few.

Consider obtaining legal assistance. It sounds like they admit TBI has happened but they cant figure out how much of it is involved with your current issues. That's a side step. Especially as they denied TBI but admit you have it. I think a lawyer could help you out a lot. Maybe you could get a higher % than your currently getting.

Its a rough long road to get even close to 100% for most of us. I gave up. I wish you luck! Semper Fi!

 

[JarHed]

Hey Marine

I agree with Red. Get an advocate like the DAV or VFW. They will help you with your claim. I've used them and they've been a great help. Also, they will send you to outside doctors and psychologists to confirm your diagnoses. Also, think of it in terms of; can you work due to your conditions? If you can't you can also apply for Unemployability. That may help to get you a better rating and some perks that you deserve. It may take a while, so try and hang in there and be patient. Let us know how you make out.

Semper Fi

JarHed

 

[marine0811]

Thanks for the input, I have always used the DAV as my VSO, I will keep you guys updated.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Marine0811 - The name of the game is deny, delay until they die.

Now since the VA declined my claim for TBI is this going to hurt my increase for PTSD or help?

Two separate claims I doubt it. But in dealing with the VA.... all is possible

If your VSO is worth his/her salt the denial should be followed up with a NOD (notice of disagreement) if properly stated and supported with another independant Dr.s opinion they will either have a fresh set of eyes review the award (denial) or remand for a second medical opinion. The later is rare since the VA Dr's don't contradict each others diagnosis. EXCEPT.... if a outside (private) Dr. reviews the diagnosis and disagrees.

Good luck. Remember you EARNED those benefits they are NOT an entitlement!

Keep poking them with a stick. Semper Fi!!!.............OOHRAH

Ba

 

[Lee C]

Welcome

 

[You're Not Alone]

I used the DAV and they were amazing.

 

[Jimmy1]

Hey Marine, first of all welcome to the forum, secondly, you could think yourself lucky, over here in Australia they knock back nearly every claim whether it be for PTSD or TBI first up and veterans have to fight for the benefits they are entitled to. For some strange reason the VA here believe everyone is faking it.

Now as for TBI, there is a very fine line with regards to symptoms. Anthony might be able to shed more light on that one.

Good luck with the DAV.

Jimmy

 

[JarHed]

As well as getting what you're entitled to make sure that you're getting the care that you need. In the long run it's perhaps more important than money.

 

[SteveMD]

Marine: My understanding is that rating percentages are symptom-based, not so much by diagnostic naming. See the various VA claim sites for the standards.

I can reach into my files and find: PTSD, Anxiety, MDD, etc... and all these "nasty" sounding reports and numbers (PQH 7 and 9s). Am I tangential circumstantial, or derailed? Seems to depend on the day and evaluator. And all this fractured memory crap, and lack of attention seems to be peripheral to the insomnia and suicidal ideations. I got sick of even trying to read these files, especially since I know just enough about them to be dangerous.

I know I had a mild TBI, and Xrays/ confirmed event, but just never raise it since it doesn't seem to really change anything (for me).

But aren't your questions really boiled down to: (1) How, if any way, does PTSD/TBI, uniquely affect the symptoms/limitations on which your disability rating is based? 50% because you can't walk doesn't really matter whether it is for one thing or another (as long as it is service connected)---you still can't walk; and, (2) as Jarhed says, How does this affect your care/treatment?

I've been trying to research on the web the question of course and prognosis, all of which seems pretty nebulous. I keep trying to find someone to tell me something more than: take the drugs to stabilize, get a dog, do your yoga and grounding, get exercise and find a hobby. My private shrink is even more blunt: I'd like you to do the drugs for another six months or year until you are well-stabilized, before we start working on things beyond CBT. Next year, we can start talking about what we might do the next year? (So much for my theory or take drugs, hit therapy hard, and get back to life as it used to be).

I'd like to know concrete things: Can my memory improve so I can go back to school? Will my anger continue to explode at each stumble of the day? How the hell can I get some sleep on a regular basis?

But it sounds from so many comments and good advise that the answer is: It's complicated.

 

[anthony]

Because they have you as yes for a diagnosed TBI, then yes, it could affect an increase for PTSD because TBI and PTSD have overlapping symptoms in some critical areas, such as:

• Memory or concentration problems to profound confusion
• Headaches
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Mood changes or mood swings
• Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior
  
• Feeling depressed or anxious
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Inability to awaken from sleep
  
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sleeping more than usual

Basically, everything in the spectrum of anxiety, depression and mood based symptoms, which is a lot of crossover between TBI and PTSD. This is the very problem in itself. If a person endures an injury to the head, then medically it can be ascertained to TBI which doesn't get the same benefits as PTSD, even if it PTSD or part thereof. Veteran boards love to use this in order to keep claims minimised, or reject them entirely due to TBI possibilities.

Saying that, it truly can be near impossible to detect what symptom belongs to what problem when both are present. I have helped people with PTSD who had TBI, and whilst they have no ongoing symptoms due to the trauma itself, they seem to continue to have certain symptoms regardless what mental health techniques they put in place... thus one can only ascertain that the resulting symptoms are TBI and either can't be fixed, or may correct slightly in time or with medication, or both.

 

[marine0811]

Thanks for all the input everyone. Here is a little back story on my TBI, I was a turret gunner in Iraq in 2004. My vic was hit by an IED ( I guess I can say we were lucky I was the only one injured) besides shrapnel wounds to my leg (which caused sciatic nerve damage) I was knocked unconscious. I plan on appealing my TBI claim after reading my c&p exam for my PTSD increase.
Anthony I'm guessing the TBI diagnoses on my PTSD claim would have a negative affect?