Dear Jim,

I want to thank you again for your input concerning my C&P exam for I.U.

I'll update you so others can look at my experience. The psych doctor I spoke to for an increase in my existing PTSD rating put me right at ease as to how it works for an increase vs a new claim. The doctor said we would not be rehashing and going over wartime experiences etc. We would not be talking about anything that occurred BEFORE my original award of 50% PTSD.

This doctor was only interested in what would be evidence of how my PTSD symptoms etc. have increased in severity. That took most of the anxiety out of exam. Evidence in my case to show increase in severity etc. was new updated info by my "one on one" psych doctor and I also had a lowering of my GAF score.

Also I do attend my PTSD workshops with my fellow vets. Vets should at least give their claims a great help and also help the person taking this info to help them by doing at least the minimum to help themselves by attending workshops, appointments and taking prescribed meds if that is what you need to do. I doubt there are many examiners who would not want to see your claim come to a successful completion if you help them help you.

While some questions were similar to questions for original claim this doctor did ask particular ones that were not asked before. I won't list them as any vet would be able to answer these without a problem. I will go so far as to say, and I believe you would agree, that if you are honest and your case history is consistent it will be perceived as such.

That said you know that all of us vets usually make a big mistake and get too much info from other vets and not the experts at your local vet organizations that process untold numbers of these cases. Our DAV reps here know their job pretty darn well. The amount of and some advice I was given by other veterans who think they are experts was at times ridiculous.

Please all of my fellow vets, listen up. Be honest, be yourself. Don't listen to too much friendly advice from others. Stay consistent with your case history and you will be ok......

Reply:

Thanks for sharing that. The C & P exam frightens many veterans. It shouldn't. As I have published for many years, if you have a well grounded claim and if you do your homework to prepare your case, you will prevail. To win your claim will take some effort by you and it will take a lot of time. But...if your claim is legitimate, you will win.