Jim,

I enjoy reading your Q & A column and have found a lot of good info from it. I am an OIF vet currently rated at 70% for PTSD/100% IU, all temporary. I do not plan on filing for an increase for PTSD because I do not meet the criteria and hope I never do (no offense to those who are rated at 100%).

I am getting my ducks in order so I will be ready for the day the VA comes knocking at my door and wants to reexamine my case. I have recently stopped going to the vet center and seeing my VA psychologist because after 5 years of this I have found no benefit as my symptoms have not improved and some days it feels like it is doing more harm than good. Some of the therapists are good and they mean well, but the process that they have to work by is a joke.

I only see my VA psychiatrist about once a month to check on my meds. Will the VA come to the conclusion that since I have stopped going to therapy, I must be doing a lot better and be “healed”? I would rather stay in my house and never leave because this feels safer. I understand that most people will see this as being unhealthy, but it works for me. I’m sure I’m not the only Vet that feels this way.

Also, in the past you have written that, “the IU rating is 'safer' as it's almost impossible for VA to reduce.” Why is that, compared to being straight 100%?

Reply:

You are rated at 100%. There is no way that you can file for an increase to 100%, you're already 100%.

If you have IU your rating is 100%. You just took a different route to get there. There is no discernible difference between a 100% IU and a 100% Schedular rating. Either rating may be awarded as permanent or temporary.

The IU rating is "protected" to a greater degree because if VA would reexamine the veteran who has IU and propose to lower the rating, they would have to show he was measurably improved and also able to seek and hold gainful employment.

To reduce the rating of a 100% Schedular rated vet VA would only have to show measurable improvement in a rated condition.

You're right that most observers would agree that your plan to avoid treatment and stay in your house and never leave is unhealthy. In any mental health issue one usual objective is to mainstream the patient into society as much as possible.

Eventually there will be tasks in the outside world that you will have to face and deal with. The longer you avoid contact with the world, the more of a challenge it will become to catch up to things you may have to do.

Treatment of PTSD and/or other mental health conditions isn't ever over. I don't know of any cures. Treatment is for life and requires a steady maintenance plan as well as plenty of effort by you.

By walking away from your therapy you risk a great deal more than losing benefits. You risk losing any progress you may have made from your past therapy.

I'd strongly urge you to tell your Vet Center therapist how you feel and listen closely to the response. I'd vote that you get back into it soon.