Question:
Hi Jim, I came across your website from a fellow disabled combat vet’s questions from your forum. I am a 34 year old disabled Army Operation Iraqi Freedom Infantry Veteran. I am 100% Chronic PTSD with panic disorder, 20% left wrist, 10% left shoulder, 10% tinnitus, and 10% shin splints. I am also on Social Security Disability for my disabilities from my military service. I have been 100% combined for 5 years and 3 months with VA and have a future exam with VA on March of 2021. I have been on Social Security disability for 3 years and 4 months. Just had a continuing disability review from Social Security approved and continued. They didn’t mention a future review but I know they will in 3-7 more years. I haven’t worked in 5 years and 7 months. I live OFF GRID out in the country. I am pretty messed up sir. I hate being around people, don’t get along with anyone except my family, short term memory loss, physical pains, flashbacks, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts almost daily, with one attempt 4 years ago, almost jumped off a 10 level parking mall garage. I only leave my home for appointments at VA, emergency room visits, taking my children to the library with my wife and to the playground park for them to play sometimes. I have ruined every single relationship with everyone I have ever had in my life except my wife and children, even my brother and mother and grandparents. Also, I want you to know I receive ALL my medical records from VA by requesting them after each and every single appointment I have regularly. I only have a few questions please if you are able to. Do I need to have my C-File in a file at home? What do you think by opinion will happen after my first future exam for chronic PTSD with panic disorder? Will they do a future exam date in 5 more years or 10 years? Thank you, sir, for answering my questions.
Jim's Reply:
I'm happy to hear you're putting so much thought into all this. I'm privileged to be able to answer those and any other questions that may come up...please don't hesitate to ask and keep on healing!
Do I need to have my C-File in a file at home? Not particularly unless you're actively working your claim. You sound like all the wheels are in motion so i don't know that you need to bother...although, it isn't a big deal to ask for the file. It'll eventually arrive on a disk after some time passes. Click here for more information.
What do you think by opinion will happen after my first future exam for chronic PTSD with panic disorder? I try to avoid guessing outcomes since i don't know you. If your conditions are stable or slightly worse, nothing should change.
Will they do a future exam date in 5 more years or 10 years? This is a guess, again: Probably. VA doesn't hand out P & T for mental health to those under age 55 easily. During your next future exam, mention to the examiner that your conditions seem to be stable without improvement and that a permanent rating would seem appropriate. If the examiner recommends permanence, it usually happens.