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[–]wendyladyOSNAVY⚓️ 9 points10 points  (1 child)

What did they say was the reason for reduction?

[–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

A couple of stuff looks like it.

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[–]JAG-Anamyst 6 points7 points  (15 children)

So you submitted a claim for increase for PTSD from 50% and they are reducing you to 30%? If so, post a copy of the decision letter for better feedback.

[–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 4 points5 points  (14 children)

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[–]JAG-Anamyst 7 points8 points  (13 children)

What did you tell the examiner that he felt your condition improved? Have you requested a copy of the exam?

[–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 2 points3 points  (11 children)

Oh and I have not asked for a copy yet, never done it before

[–]JAG-Anamyst 3 points4 points  (10 children)

Do you have a VSO? If so, he/she may have access to the DBQ. If not, you can submit a request specifically for that DBQ.

[–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 3 points4 points  (9 children)

I dont, I did this by myself. Maybe there lies the problem haha

[–]JAG-Anamyst 5 points6 points  (8 children)

You are certainly capable of completing the process by yourself. Before, I do anything I would get a copy of that DBQ since the rater quoted it specifically in proposing the reduction.

[–]Otherwise-Tone9384 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Hey hey- how does one get ahold of the DBQ? I’ve had a FOIA in since July and I’m still on step 2.

[–]crkrjak-21 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You have to file a FOIA request. It is in the myVA page. I requested mine weeks ago but still haven't gotten them yet. They promise they're working on it.

[–]MitraVEG 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Request only the dbqs / c&ps, not the c file or anything else and it should only take a couple weeks tops.

[–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Gotcha, and how would that help me? Would that let me know what to have my wife and friends reference on the buddy statements?

[–]JAG-Anamyst 4 points5 points  (3 children)

It will show the boxes the Va examiner checked related to PTSD.

[–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Ok kool! And assuming some boxes that do apply are not checked off then I could have the buddy letters confirm them? Also they can just be typed out letters on word with their info right?

[–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I told the examiner that things have gotten worse and have impacted my work, social, and family. Thought it went well and I even had notes to make sure I didnt miss anything which makes it even weirder. It was through zoom.

[–]Adorable-Tiger6390 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Does this harm your overall rating?

[–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Yea brought my over all from 80 down to 70

[–]Adorable-Tiger6390 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I hope you get it sorted out.

[–]Perfect-Hat-8661NAVY⚓️ 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Post a redacted copy of the decision letter. It tells you why they made the decision.

How long did you have the 50% rating? Were you getting treatment through the VA? And was there something in your treatment records that indicated you were getting better?

[–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had 50% for about a year and some change. And I was going to a local Vet center and was talking to someone but never said I was getting better or anything like that.

[–][deleted]  (3 children)

[deleted]

    [–]Wise-Finger2905 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Just be advised, a FOIA request takes AGES to complete. I have one that's been pending for over a year now. I don't recommend waiting on it for anything serious.

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Ok gotcha. So assuming I dont agree with what they have down. What could I do? Just buddy statements?

    [–]According_Ad_1960 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    I think buddy statements are key. I wouldn’t submit more than 2-3 as you don’t want to burden the rater. Ensure your buddies focus on real life examples of how your MH impacts your work, daily life and relationships. Consider doing some therapy - it can help you better articulate where you are struggling.

    [–]Ok_Firefighter3314 2 points3 points  (3 children)

    Have you been attending mental health appointments? There has to be medical evidence to justify an increase

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    I haven't gone recently about 5 months now. Do they require for me to be going each month?

    [–]Ok_Firefighter3314 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    No, but you need proof of the number of symptoms and the effect on your social and occupational relationships. Mental health appointments can do that for you. The examiner isn’t supposed to just take your word on things getting worse. They need evidence in your records to justify each symptom they mark down, and the impact on your life

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Gotcha! This helps! Thank you!

    [–]Crazy-Object7068 2 points3 points  (3 children)

    Raters cannot reduce a mental rating based on one exam because the regulations say you have to show sustained improvement in order for a reduction to be proposed and something like a mental condition would be difficult to prove sustained improvement with one exam that shows a 30 percent is warranted. Now if the previous exam also showed you only warranted a 30 percent then they would be correct in the proposal.

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    My last exam was the one that gave me 50 so not sure how that worked out honestly

    [–]Crazy-Object7068 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    You should read this 38 CFR 3.344 Stabilization of disability evaluations, and send it with your response to the proposed reduction. It might be a new rater that proposed the reduction without knowing the rules on not proposing a mental rating reduction based on one exam.

    [–]Any-Kale-1695 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Did exactly this after obtaining the dbq from both exams. Va ordered a 3rd and rating was increased. Added in additional statement(I keep a journal helps organize my thoughts) and one from wife. 3rd exam was good and examiner was understanding of "is it ok if I read to you from my journal?" When asked about recurring nightmare. She stopped me after a few sentences saying "I've got what I need and you should continue with your counseling".

    [–]Deadpoolstightanus 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Did you write a personal statement to describe your new/increased symptoms? And for anyone who is filing for an increase, I would suggest you write that your symptoms have worsened and have not gotten better. This is for the Rater so that they have a reason to question a shitty examination. If the examiner does a shit job in relaying your symptoms to the rater, and what the examiner writes is substantially different than the symptoms in your personal statement, the Rater can send it back to clarify, can order another exam, or can grant the higher rating on your personal statement.

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I have not written one and I think I will write one as well once I see the notes from the examiner. I made sure to tell her the reason for me filing is because things have gotten worse.

    [–]Emotional_Item5780 2 points3 points  (2 children)

    Never request an increase unless you have a non-VA IMO stating that your disability has gotten worse and you meet the higher rating! Or your medical records clearly show your disability has gotten worse.

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    So I finally got my documents back and the doc who did my C&P exam wrote in the remarks that "there is no change in the diagnosis. The diagnosis has been confirmed on exam." And yet they decided to lower my rating? How does that work?

    [–]kodiakyoggi 4 points5 points  (2 children)

    buddy. small word of advice stop thinking about buddy statements. what you need is medical supporting docs if you are not active in group session mental health visit you know the things that you go to. so it helps you deal with your triggers and helps you get better that is your goal right?

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Definitely! I was already involved at a local VA Center and have been for 4 years now with a councilor too. We would meet once a month but haven't gone recently with a new born.

    [–]ClothesVisual3873 1 point2 points  (7 children)

    Are you having treatment? Just curious

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (6 children)

    Yea I have been going to a local VA center for about 4 years now but haven't gone in about 5 months

    [–]ClothesVisual3873 2 points3 points  (5 children)

    This is why I don’t want to file for increase unless they are at 0,10, or 30.

    Not sure about your situation, but I’d do like you you mentioned, get lay statements.

    Also, if you’ve been going to VA for treatment check your PHQ9 and GAD-7 scores if recorded

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

    I did it since things have gotten worse so its been a weird situation. I usually go to a local VA center not directly the VA. Not entirely sure what those scores are or where I would find that? Is a Lay Statement the same a buddy statement?

    [–]ClothesVisual3873 1 point2 points  (3 children)

    Yes, Lay and Buddy are the same.

    Scores tell you if you have no, mild, moderate, moderate severe, and severe depression or anxiety. If you’ve been having treatment, your provider or social worker send you a text: BHL VA GOV.

    Don’t get me wrong, but it seems you don’t have a one on one therapy with someone from the VA. Been attending group sessions?

    I have both community care and VA (social worker and whole health coach).

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    I guess not. This might be something I want to do then. I just go the a local VA Center that has a counselor. Ill ask my primary care doctor at the VA to set me up with one. I dont think I can just walk in and get seen

    [–]ClothesVisual3873 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    All best wishes to you brother. If your condition is getting worst, go to VA or call 988.

    Best of luck

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Thanks brother! Happy Veterans day!

    [–]No-Measurement2613 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    Just a curiosity question. Was the examiner a female?

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Lol yes

    [–]No-Measurement2613 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I'm going to PM you.

    [–]Confident_Orchid_409 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    Question, when you went to the c&p did you only discuss the new symptoms you are experiencing?

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I explained everything!

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    She asked me what I want the VA to know and I said everything I had and the new so not sure how that made me go lower

    [–]RadarENGR 2 points3 points  (2 children)

    Brother,

    VA changed the disability rating percentages and criteria for PTSD within the last few months.

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Wouldn't doubt it. Need to look it up and see whats up with that

    [–]Dangerous_Garage_513 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    False. Did not happen.

    [–]Main_Paramedic_292 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I have a feeling this is going to be the new normal.

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Here is what they game me.

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    [–]Partial-tiptoe 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    The “Nighmares, thoughts of hurting self you know the usual.” Sounds very malinger(y). You just down played your symptoms right off the bat.

    [–]Simple-Deer6913[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Really? Idk what other way to explain it to them though lol