Military Paranoid Or Is The Va Trying To Stiff Me???

[Virtues]

so... I just got a call the other day from the VA (department of compensation & pension) apparently I am do for a re-evaluation for my PTSD. It has only been 1 1/2 years since I ended active service. I was under the impression that my re-eval wouldn't happen for 5 years. Are they trying to trim my benefit package or am I just being paranoid?

I go to therapy 5 days a week, If I were to have to give up therapy to return to work I'm not sure I could handle that right now. Have my symptoms gotten better? Yes, but I honestly believe that is only because I spend so much time focusing on my recovery.

Anyways, you can imagine the immense amount of anxiety this has created for me. Does anyone have any experience with the VA and these re-evals? Am I just being paranoid or do I really have something to worry about?

 

[EveHarrington]

Be prepared?

I know there's a recent story of someone having their military PTSD benefits ripped away from them as they were un-diagnosed in one of these follow ups.

I can't remember what country this person is from.

I don't think you're being paranoid.

 

[joeylittle]

Does your own therapist get any voice in the process, @Florian7051?

 

[Virtues]

Does your own therapist get any voice in the process, @Florian7051?

I should have written this in the original post, but no, none of my doctors get any input at all as to my diagnosis or recommendation for percentage of disability. This doctor is a private contractor (a civilian not through the VA) contracted by the Lockheed Martin company. Why Lockheed Martin has anything to do with my compensation & pension is beyond me. Before Friday I thought Lockheed Martin only built military aircraft; I guess I was wrong.

 

[scout86]

I don't have any information that will do you any good. Just wanted to say, based on what you've said, being suspicious doesn't seem like a bad idea. I can't imagine why they'd do a re-eval and not have input from your doctors. Have you had a chance to ask any of them about this? I hope this turns out to be nothing! I can relate to how you might feel though. I have problems every time I have to deal with the state people about my health care. This sounds similar but maybe worse. Keep us posted, ok?

 

[Powder]

After doing some research, I found an online forum where people talk about VA re-evals. Looks like 1-2 years for PTSD is not uncommon, and often people's fears are that their ratings go from 70-100% PTSD and disallow them from working to keep benefits.

What I found was from 2013 but they said that as long as you have evidence that the trauma was in the military, not while at home, then you are okay. Also, many took their meds with them to show they are taking them. Also having a letter from your Dr or Therapist(s) saying that you are unable to work or that you need the therapy you have been receiving to maintain yourself is a must.

Did you apply for a new disability or condition to be considered? Some said it's normal when you apply for any changes to your status to be also re-evaluated.

I agree with you that this is stressful. Let your T or Dr. know about this right away and how stressful it is to you.

They will be able to help you.

Link to forum I was looking at: http://community.hadit.com/topic/20346-ptsd-re-evaluation/?page=3

 

[CS67ART]

I have C&P exams coming up this summer, not looking forward to them at all. I think the main thing is not to go in there with the military mentality of suck it up and drive on, they will use it against you. If you can think of what is causing your PTSD before you go in and be in a bad place during the C&P exam, it is better. Its like a self inflicted wound to prove you were wounded in the past. ;-)

 

[Virtues]

Well... today is the day...

 

[scout86]

Good luck!

 

[Virtues]

Just got my Comp & Pen results back last week... I figured I'd update this thread. My percentage actually went up; my PTSD rating went from 50% to 70% (as per CFR 38 my PTSD rating should have been at 70% to begin with, but I didn't want to fight the system when I ended my active duty service). This was not a witch hunt after all. They were legitimately re-evaluating me to see where my condition was at. I did a whole lot of worrying for absolutely nothing. Now I can go back to what's really important (and that's focusing on my recovery). I just wanted to thank everyone in this thread for listening to me when I was an absolute basket case and my anxiety was peaking through the roof. Peer support is a great thing.

 

[Powder]

You're nothing like a basket case. I'm so glad that it worked out, how you handled it, and how you are reflecting on it. :tup:

Do you reflect on trust and who and what you can try trusting with positive results?

I do this. It's hard work, but I think the rewards are there.

I'm in a backslide right now due to my husband's inability to find work for over a year. He was first generation and disabled college student. Against the odds, he was successful. He is a great guy who has a lot to offer any company. I don't know why the job market is how it is or if he's just lacking contacts.

The system is not fair or great, but there are some things we can trust, such as certain people.

 

[John123]

I found a few posts online were the VA took PTSD disability away, the end result was the vet suing the VA over it and winning his case. I'm sure it's not common, but it DOES happen. Also it's not paranoia... the VA/Government is out to take your money and give you nothing if they can get away with it, disability or otherwise, the governments in a lot of ways a ruthless monster with its taxes and "ownership" of land in the USA. You got this brother. There have been ALOT of lawsuits with VA attorney advocated and other lawyers who have won against the VA over the years, you just don't hear a whole lot about it.