what to say at a ptsd exam
Veterans need to be comfortable expressing themselves in detail. Well, you came to the right place! xref A C&P exam is a medical evaluation that can potentially improve the quality of life for a Veteran and their family. Is my condition likely temporary or long term? WebThere are two ways for Social Security to find you disabled based on PTSD. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Listen to bite-sized episodes with supportive tips, tools and practices. 396 0 obj <>stream You may find yourself avoiding his or her attempts to talk about the trauma or feeling hopeless that your loved one will get better. Your exposure can happen in one or BTW, the Compensation and Pension Exam Tips is the #1 most important day in the entire VA disability claims process. 61K subscribers Subscribe 206K views 3 years ago The Truth Behind PTSD Benefits, Depression Benefits, Anxiety, and 0000007116 00000 n any private medical records. startxref The VA will also request a medical opinion and rationale for conditions that have not already been rated. 0000004197 00000 n Have you been seeking treatment or therapy for PTSD? When you arrive at your c and p exam for PTSD, youll [@Z%"JJl!}0"R$lyq(C4k@,PpH -nu /iF 0 G5 The CAPS also asks about other symptoms that commonly occur with PTSD. We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. Provide as much detail as you can and also describe the feelings you had about what happened. VA facilities are also recommended to devote a minimum of an hour. The VA will also request a medical opinion and rationale for conditions not already rated. Military burn pits are large areas of land that were used by the United States military to incinerate waste in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan in the post-9/11 era. During the military. By understanding how the VA rates PTSD, you can better understand how to communicate your condition to the CP examiner to receive a more accurate rating from the VA. Other tips for having a great CP exam for PTSD benefits are to review all of your previous medical records prior to your exam. Post-traumatic stress: How can you help your loved one? Psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in adults. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Candidly, the C&P exam for tinnitus, PTSD or other service-related condition is the single most important day in the VA disability claims process. 0000012829 00000 n If This isn't treatment. If you are a veteran with PTSD, then you need to be aware of a trap that is often used by VA doctors as part of the Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams and how to avoid causing your research to work against your claim. Do you have difficulty concentrating or sleeping? For example: "Can you tell me a little about how you assess PTSD?". Military burn pits are large areas of land that were used by the United States military to incinerate waste in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan in the post-9/11 era. If so, when was the last time you saw a Psychologist or Psychiatrist? What do you believe is causing my symptoms? If you already took the exam, how do you know if the C&P exam went well? You can always ask questions so that you know what to expect. There are two main areas of questions, your past and your present. Do you avoid certain people, places or situations that remind you of the traumatic experience? For more information, see our 7 tips to help prepare you for the VA C&P exam. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. Since there is no certainty of what was burned at each military installation at a given time, the specific toxins released by the burn pits vary for every location. 2. Review your Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) for PTSD. The SCID can be used to assess a range of mental health disorders including PTSD. Veterans should be aware of key details prior to any exam. 0000000016 00000 n The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. All questions need to be relevant to the claimed condition and standard tools and assessments for the claimed condition should not be substituted for other evaluation methods. WebDon't Fall for This VA Trick! If stress and other problems caused by a traumatic event affect your life, see your doctor or mental health professional. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 0000001596 00000 n Email: ncptsd@va.gov Monitoring As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 0000002493 00000 n stressors (or other service-connected disability) that caused or made your PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/cope/coping-ptsd-lifestyle-changes.asp. Join Examiners are expected to provide a medical opinion, even if they do not hold a medical degree. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. 12:00pm central and Wednesday at 11:00am central: Check out our website at VA Claims Insider here: Get the medical evidence you need from independent medical evaluators of fellow disabled veterans inside VA Claims Insider Elite. This exam is to verify the diagnosis of PTSD, even if you already have another diagnosis from a medical professional. Mark Twain. Mental health exams have their own set of strategies to provide the clearest picture to an examiner. PTSD Information Voice Mail: (802) 296-6300 This is not a box checking exercise, this is a life-changing decision that needs total concentration. A Veteran who does not adequately describe their symptoms will not get the support and benefits they need. About 12 out of every 100 Gulf War Veterans (or 12%) have PTSD each year. We also connect veterans with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible independent medical opinions and nexus statements (medical nexus letters) for a wide range of disability conditions. If you answer honestly, your C&P exam results will be better. American Psychiatric Association. This measure asks about how often you experience each of the PTSD symptoms over a period of time, like a month. A C&P exam for tinnitus, back pain, or any other service-connected condition is a stressful but necessary step toward eligibility for VA benefits that will improve the quality of life for a Veteran and their family. the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. Watch the video above to learn more about the PTSD C&P exam process. trailer This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. In most cases, veterans will have to provide evidence of the following three elements of their service connection in pursuing compensation: Its been demonstrated that veterans who were exposed to the environmental hazards from open-air burn pits are at higher risk for developing allergic rhinitis, and other respiratory conditions so, to your advantage, that is a known fact. You can ask your primary care physician. This doesnt mean to lie, it just means to be honest about your symptoms and how you are struggling. It is recommended that private practitioners allot a minimum of three hours to conduct the exam. These statements from other service-members can help describe the triggering incident that led to the condition and/or the impact on a Veterans performance. Were here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. You may find a provider who specializes in a different trauma area than what you experienced, or who does not specialize at all. Some conditions may require several types of repetitive. Do you have disturbing thoughts, memories or nightmares of the trauma you experienced? Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at, Helpful Tips for Answering VA C&P Exam PTSD Questions, Thick yellow or green discharge from the nose, Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage), Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose, Pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead, Loss of smell and reduced ability to taste, Veterans who served in specified locations and time periods do not have to prove a connection between their sinusitis and service to be eligible for VA health care and disability compensation. Sometimes a provider may ask if it is okay to talk with your spouse, partner or family member about what they have observed. How would they even be able to tell? Unknown. Examiners will not diagnose or treat any condition. 0000001129 00000 n If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Examiners are expected to provide a medical opinion, even if they do not hold a medical degree. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID). 37,868 veterans (2.2% of claimants) have a 0 percent VA rating for PTSD. Specifically, exposure to the toxins released can affect a persons lung health. Call 1-800-827-1000, speak to a VA representative, and request a complete copy of your C-File. At the same time, you may feel guilty that you can't fix your loved one or hurry up the process of healing. All Rights Reserved. This will empower your examiner to present the strongest case on your behalf to the VA raters. Knowing what the VA needs keeps a C&P exam in proper perspective. What is posttraumatic stress disorder? If you are limited by pain, anxiety or About 15 out of every 100 Vietnam veterans (15%) were diagnosed with PTSD when the most recent study (the National Vietnam Veteran Readjustment Study) was conducted in the late 1980s. WebE. The top 3 tips well cover today are: What is the definition of a C&P exam for tinnitus or another condition? Veterans need to be sure to keep the conversation on track and not allow an examiner to suggest an alternate cause of a claimed mental health condition to other life events. Do you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs? Many veterans are diagnosed with PTSD, so please know that youre not alone. Veterans also need to be able to explain how their condition complicates their everyday life and provide examples of the occupational and social impairments that a mental health, What happens if despite a Veterans best efforts, they get a. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. Every effort must be made to avoid downplaying the severity of symptoms. 0000012615 00000 n Dont do that here! If possible, find a provider who has completed training focused on PTSD assessment. 0000002967 00000 n The difference is that they are not only looking for a diagnosis and treatment option, but are also seeking to understand the beginning of your condition in relation to your time of military service. Rather, the examiner is looking to make a determination based on a Veterans input. Finally, even vertigo, depression, PTSD, and everyday stressors have been shown to cause a development of tinnitus. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. You can even say, 'I'd like to be assessed for PTSD.'. Accessed Dec. 13, 2016. In fact: According to the VBAs statistics reported to Congress, PTSD was the #3 most commonly claimed VA disability, with 1,753,091 veterans (of 4,743,108) receiving VA compensation for having a service-connected PTSD VA disability rating at 0 percent or higher. This exam is to verify the diagnosis of PTSD, even if you already have Many veterans do not get the benefits they deserve because they leave out details during their CP exam. Veterans should also be aware of the rating schedule for the claimed condition. List of Common Veterans Administration Abbreviations, CIGNA / New York Life Disability Insurance, Disability and Life Insurance Claims FAQs, VA Service Connected Disability Claims FAQ, Life Insurance and Accidental Dismemberment FAQs, 7 tips to help prepare you for the VA C&P exam, Top 3 Reasons VA Denies Disability Compensation Claims, VA Disability Effective Dates Disturbing Trends. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. If you tell a provider about this type of event, you might be given a screen to see if you could have PTSD. How to Prove Your PTSD Non Combat Stressors. Fighting insurance companies and the VA is what we do 24/7. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Familiarize yourself with the DSM-V criterion below and be prepared to address them honestly and accurately as they relate to your military service. Accessed Dec.13, 2016. Provide as much detail as you can and also describe the feelings you had about what happened. Veterans frequently gloss-over how bad things are when they talk to people. 0000011845 00000 n War becomes a part of you. 0000000770 00000 n Have you ever thought about harming yourself or others? Raskind MA, et al. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. 0 I like to answer any questions concerning my disability with, Sir/Maam, my doctor has provided you 0000002855 00000 n Telling Them to Get Over It: People with PTSD want to move on from their trauma. This can help a lot. 0000002116 00000 n Learn about PTSD Screening Day and take a self-screen at any time. 0000001648 00000 n The first is for you to satisfy the requirements of Social Security's new disability listing for PTSD. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml. Just fill out the form and we will forward what benefits the VA is paying for a chronic sinusitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. Providers may also use this measure to see how your symptoms change over time, such as when you are getting treatment. will forward what benefits the VA is paying for an asthma condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. Weve put together a comprehensive breakdown so you know just what to expect when you walk into that exam. WebTip 3: never give less than your best effort. "How often do you do PTSD assessments? 2018;378:507. When applying for disability benefits, every Veteran has to submit to a C&P examination, during which a contracted healthcare provider will examine your injuries or conditions to help determine what disability rating youll receive. If a Veteran has an upcoming Compensation and Pension or C&P exam for tinnitus, back pain, mental health or any other service-related condition, they most likely have a lot of questions and seeing as youre reading this post right now, you may very well have many of the same questions that well be covering today. Accessed Dec. 13, 2016. 0000004275 00000 n Call 1-800-827-1000, speak to a VA representative, and request 0000003327 00000 n Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as. Being armed with this knowledge and well-prepared for your CP exam for PTSD benefits will be key in getting the rating you deserve. Veterans should be aware of key details prior to any exam. WebThe Basic Criteria of the 70 percent PTSD rating. Thousands of Veterans who have bee through the process are ready to support them with education, actionable strategies and empathy. Veterans in this kind of exam need to stop when they feel pain. endstream endobj 375 0 obj <>/Metadata 24 0 R/PieceInfo<>>>/Pages 23 0 R/PageLayout/OneColumn/OCProperties<>/OCGs[376 0 R]>>/StructTreeRoot 26 0 R/Type/Catalog/Lang(EN-US)/LastModified(D:20100527131512)/PageLabels 21 0 R>> endobj 376 0 obj <. Describe the traumatic events in the order that they happened. Assessments usually involve sets of questions asked from a list. "What formal training have you had for PTSD assessment?". So it's important that you answer all the questions as accurately as you can. National Center for PTSD. For example, you can say things like, My PTSD causes a lot of anger issues in my relationships and I often scream at my spouse over little things. Another example is, My IBS issues cause me a ton of pain and its difficult for me to go out in public unless I always know where I can find a bathroom. Tip #7. have hearing loss, How the results of the assessment will be used. In reality, there isnt a pass/fail system in place. The questions the examiner asks will vary based on your claim (service connection vs. increased rating). In the video above and the content below, we provide helpful tips to prepare you for some of the VA C&P exam PTSD questions. What treatments do you recommend for this disorder? Why or why not? You can ask any provider. Understanding the context of a medical condition is a powerful tool to have in the VA disability claim process. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). 568 23 Accessed Dec. 13, 2016. After youve filed your VA claim for PTSD, youre likely going to get a C&P exam from a U.S. Board Certified Psychologist or Psychiatrist at either a VA medical facility by a VA doctor OR by a contracted C&P examiner at a private medical facility. Office of Accountability & Whistleblower Protection, Training - Exposure - Experience (TEE) Tournament, War Related Illness & Injury Study Center, Clinical Trainees (Academic Affiliations), Call TTY if you A C&P exam can be performed in-person, via telehealth, by providing Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) or conducted at a VA Medical Center. Posttraumatic stress disorder. Several types of psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, may be used to treat children and adults with PTSD. records. For PTSD, an assessment includes answering questions about your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. 3. If youre ready for assistance with your VA disability claim, you can sign up for VA Claims Insider Elite to get instant access to the ELITE Experience Portal (EEP) and $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources TODAY for FREE. You can ask Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, You directly experienced the traumatic event, You witnessed, in person, the traumatic event occurring to others, You learned someone close to you experienced or was threatened by the traumatic event, You are repeatedly exposed to graphic details of traumatic events (for example, if you are a first responder to the scene of traumatic events), Teaching you skills to address your symptoms, Helping you think better about yourself, others and the world, Learning ways to cope if any symptoms arise again, Treating other problems often related to traumatic experiences, such as depression, anxiety, or misuse of alcohol or drugs. 2. Also, have a detailed description of PTSDs effect on your life at-the-ready. Depending on the VA Regional Office, Veterans normally receive a rating decision within 2-3 weeks. 0000006885 00000 n If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! A FOIA request is typically a much slower process. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. You might also like my post on How to Prove Your PTSD Non Combat Stressors. You must meet all of the criteria to be validly diagnosed. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. The only way to view the results of your C&P exam by a Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. Know whats in your medical records! http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/family/helping-family-member.asp. If youre reading this, you have either already scheduled and pass C&P exam for ptsd benefits or you are considering filing a claim, and youre probably wondering what you can expect during the VA medical exam. 0000011402 00000 n They may show you pictures and ask you to describe what you see in them, first telling you that people with PTSD often cannot see what is in the pictures. Veterans also need to be able to explain how their condition complicates their everyday life and provide examples of the occupational and social impairments that a mental health condition is presenting, for example. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Get over $7,500 worth of bonuses and start now for FREE: Were Veterans helping Veterans Worldwide, and since 2016 weve helped 10,000+ Veterans just like you INCREASE their VA disability rating! The more you disclose to the examiner, the better your chances of getting a higher rating. Before we jump in, we also aggregated some of our BEST posts related to C&P exams below be sure to check them out! This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. To develop PTSD, you must have gone through a traumatic experience, or trauma. 0000003953 00000 n Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. - a physical or sexual assault or Your notes are all going to be subjective in nature, and for the most part not relevant to what they are doing. Created by National Center for PTSD staff, the CAPS is one of the most widely used PTSD interviews. The examiner will ask you questions related to your stressors, symptoms, history with the condition, and your service-connection to it. CP stands for Compensation and Pension. Be straightforward and honest with your answers to questions. What will they ask me at a C&P exam for depression or PTSD? 0000001837 00000 n 0000001321 00000 n disability rating from the VA. We can also help you with the medical evidence Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Accessed Dec. 13, 2016. Results, Tip #5: Questions to Ask Yourself Before Your Compensation Mapping the objectives of the exam, Results of a C&P exam for tinnitus, PTSD or another service-related condition, Additional Bonus Resources: Video Collection on C&P Exams for Tinnitus [and more!]. Therefore, avoid saying things like, Im doing alright. While this is a natural part of small talk, dont give the VA the change to misinterpret what you mean. 0000004494 00000 n PTSD, Tip #4: How to Get Your PTSD C&P Exam All of these are things to consider when explaining your condition during your appointments and for your medical Nexus letter. A bad C&P exam for tinnitus, for example, can be a huge setback in getting the benefits Veterans deserve by law. Rating schedules are what will guide the evaluator. Veterans need to keep the VAs goals in mind. The information gathered by the VA examiner will be passed on to the official VA raters who decide the fate of your claim. Please reach out to us at VA Claims Insider, and well get This exam is your time to spill all the ugly details about your condition and its effect on your life. Its important that you dont downplay what you are experiencing. Once you file a claim for PTSD, the VA will schedule a CP exam for VA benefits for you to undergo. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, For Veterans struggling with depression, describing the hopeless feeling they can have in polite terms will not yield positive results. records. VA Claims Insider Elite and have our medical team get started on your VA All Rights Reserved. If you have any additional questions about the PTSD C&P exam or your claim, call Tucker Disability Law at (866) 282-5260, or review our videos and media library for more information. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. In exams that determine range of motion, Veterans should ensure the examiner uses a goniometer. How soon do you expect my symptoms to improve? National Institute of Mental Health. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. A 2021 study examined suicide rates in the U.S. military, and the results were staggering. startxref Several types of medications can help improve symptoms of PTSD: You and your doctor can work together to figure out the best medication, with the fewest side effects, for your symptoms and situation. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. First, a Veterans C&P exam for tinnitus or whatever conditions are bothering them should not be rushed. If your provider does not specialize in PTSD, you can ask for a referral to someone who does. The PCL-5 is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses Sometimes its just social niceties, but oftentimes its the old, suck it up, solider! attitude rearing its head. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! trailer at the appropriate level in support of your VA disability claim or appeal? The information and tips below can also give you insight as you look back on your experience. WebF. This content does not have an Arabic version. Your screen results are consistent with minimal symptoms of PTSD. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd. For example: - a serious accident or fire. Its possible to be rated for PTSD anywhere from 0% (where the VA recognizes the diagnosis but no benefits are awarded) to 100% (the VA recognizes the condition is completely disabling and awards the highest amount of benefits). Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. xref Being vulnerable with an examiner may feel uncomfortable, but it is necessary. Make a list of common PTSD related issues (isolation, panic attacks, OCD like symptoms, short term/long term memory loss) 2. Y}4W;PjL #4:24H(|+- * !Q]@@,v2/y.2m)q!EQnC8Y&xB}#v8\lXd+3fa`W d(20@d ` EK There are two ways in which the VA xb```b``d`e``_ |@1VZUD%B&,k`QxzMIbv J%e6cS1kC7G 1"I You can do this by writing a Statement in Support of a Claim for PTSD on the VA Form 21-4138. I also recommend you get at least one Buddy Letter from a first-hand witness who can speak to how they know you, what they witnessed, and how your PTSD is limiting or affecting your life. C&P exams might focus on different conditions. Don't diminish the stressful experience you had and don't make it seem even more severe than it was. 0 Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Clinician's guide to medications for PTSD. Once you file a claim for PTSD, the VA will schedule a CP exam for VA benefits for you to undergo.
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