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I Had a VA Disability Mental Health Exam - My Experience

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  • Опубліковано 28 лис 2023
  • My C&P exam for mental health was pretty difficult. And it’s difficult for many other veterans as well. This video goes over my experience as well as some other advice on filing for mental health VA claims.
    (Free VA Benefits Coaching Consultation) - Contact: troypange@outlook.com
    #veteran #disability #va #airforce #army #coastguard #finance #financialeducation #marines #military #navy #spaceforce

КОМЕНТАРІ • 97

  • @marcochavanne
    @marcochavanne 2 місяці тому +7

    Man I feel for you. I went to my first MH exam and it was awful. I peeled the scab off of trauma that I’ve buried for 15 years. The examiner just so happened to be someone I work with, which I am sure you can imagine was a bizarre twist.
    They cut me off multiple times and said I can’t have PTSD because I was never in combat. For reference my fiancé was raped, command wouldn’t let me go see her, she committed suicide a few months later.
    Was diagnosed with all kinds of MH issues in my STRs before my discharge.
    He also ignored half of my symptoms on my DBQ and was dismissive when I described them.
    After my VSO looked at all of it he said I can appeal it and wait a few years. I called the Whitehouse hotline and explained the situation. They got me scheduled for a new exam within a week. Fingers crossed

  • @jefftrotter5802
    @jefftrotter5802 3 місяці тому +16

    The examiner asked me Hi how are you feeling? I said terrible. He said then we can't continue this exam. I said wait I waited 2 months for this exam. He said whats wrong then. I said everyday is bad ,I feel depressed, lack of sleep and headaches. He keep asking me the same questions over and over like a interrogation. He was very antagonistic. Still waiting for my results. I reported him to the V.A.?

    • @PrimeMoverFitness
      @PrimeMoverFitness 13 днів тому

      Ask for the notes. If not representative of what was asked or stated, then yes. They should follow the DBQ

  • @carloscamacho8729
    @carloscamacho8729 8 місяців тому +2

    Thank you very much for sharing your experience, I am currently waiting on my current mental C&P exam.

  • @stilawesome3586
    @stilawesome3586 8 місяців тому +12

    Glad to see you taking the steps to help yourself. Vets ask me about how i got 100% pt for ptsd in 45 days. All i can tell you is:
    My claims examiner said no ptsd. But my service record was extremely the opposite. I was a sleepwalker which was able to be proved on eeg. I also broke 7 bones sleepwalking. I was hit by a mortar blast and couldn't finish my contract because of ptsd and army doc put me up for 5-17 back in '06
    I had already been rated p/t for ptsd for 10 years were i got called in by the va for a re-evaluation. Every vet was like "they can't re-evaluate you at 100p/t. THEY CAN and they DID. Why? Because i had an overdose on meds that landed me in a coma for two days, and i broke my ankle twice in 18 months and couldn't explain my injuries because i dont remember what i do when i sleep walk. Ove never done drugs, never drank alcohol and never smoked. Humor is my coping mechanism so the evaluation was by a va doctor who had been doing evals for 30 years at the va. The doc told me in their 30 years the doc had been doing evals, i was the first and only one who was actually having flashbacks. Most people misidentify their symptoms. I told the doc "i dont know what to call it". The doc explained to me that waking up with that kind of injury and no memory of what happened is called a dissociative flashback reaction, meaning your brain shuts of ALL conscious awareness and when you come out of it your memory is affected and your trying to figure out why your ankle is broken. Doc told me they are asked to describe their symptoms so the doc can diagnose the vet. If vets go in saying they have a condition they diagnosed themselves with and symptoms they are misidentifying youre going to get looks by the evaluator. Why? Because unless you have a license to practice psychology or psychiatry, your not credible.
    I tell vets this: just do what i did
    Go in and tell them: "i don't know what is wrong with me, i just know its not good" and let the professionals decide if you have a mental condition. Let the doc identify your symptoms. Be open to what their imput is. Why? Because you might have something going on that you didn't even realize. Ive seen very, very sick people in the psych wards. If you come in gainfully employed and endorsing symptoms that only the most dyfunctional people have they become skeptical. Like in the case of Nikolas Cruz who endorsed symptoms that would have made him the wirst case of adhd in the world.
    Dont go in trying to set some precedent. I was the only vet to say "i don't have nightmares" to this 30+ year vs evaluator. That caught the doc's attention like "oh, this kid is actually telling the truth" i said im a sleepwalker and my bones break:
    + Persistent danger to self and others
    + Dissociation to time, place and memory
    + Can't recognize people (because sleep walkers have no facial recognition)
    + Hyper vigilance
    + Some other things that check whatever boxes
    To all the vets out there i was told by this doc: the DBQs online are bait for fraudsters. This doc told me the real DBQs are under lock and key and change every year. So if your reciting directly from a DBQ, dont be shocked when they can tell you took the bait.
    So her "looks" were for a reason.
    Let them ask questions. If you don't understand the question ask them to elaborate. I have trouble with communication (apparently another symptom) and i was not afraid to say "i don't know what your asking me" and humor is my coping mechanism so if i got a hard question we would crack jokes to bring me back mentally to a better place for the next question.
    Be yourself. If your having a good day its ok to say "i have chronic pain but luckily this is my good day" everyone has good days and it won't be held against you.
    Just like any doc if you go in with a stubbed toe and claim your pain level is 10, you're going to be treated like a drama king/queen. Why? Because i got hit by a mortar and my pain level in typically 3-4. 2 on a good day.
    If you have trouble managing stress (i have a LOT of trouble managing stress) let them know. My muscles get tense and it aggravates my shoulder injury and makes me think about my injury and how i hate having it
    +Thinking about it when you dont want to
    +Physiological reaction to reminders of event
    So just be honest. Dont "prepare" outside of knowing you might be triggered and arranging a ride home in case you get triggered bad.
    Edit: the reason for my re-evaluation was because the needed to determine if I should be moved into an inpatient setting because I was having issues and they wanted to make sure I was really ok. They also look into all drug overdoses to make sure I'm not using my VA check to buy drugs and the VA investigates all suicide attempts so that's the reason why. The no future exams is a guideline not a rule

  • @titanpolus5088
    @titanpolus5088 28 днів тому

    I'm so glad you talked about writing stuff down, I've started to do a diary who knows how long that'll last, but I'm super worried that I'll have a good day when I go for my exam, and then my coping mechanism is just to avoid and forget. Treat it like it never happened and don't ever think about it again. So if I'm being asked questions pointed questions, the likelihood that on a good day I'll just forget everything that happened and not feel like remember anything is about 95% certain.
    I also recognize that writing stuff down and coming in with prepared answers makes it look like you're trying to lie and just have horrible memory more so than you have horrible memory because your scared and have terrible coping techniques.
    But I'll have to do it anyways, because otherwise they'll ask me a hard question and then I'll have a panic in my mind and also can't remember and then I'll shut down, and they'll just get a deer in the headlights look and then a "it's fine" answer.

  • @TroyPange1
    @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому +2

    I’m here to help veterans cause you all have helped me out so much through wisdom and other types of advice. I wish more people shared their experiences and so this is what I’m trying to do. Hopefully it helps. Thanks -Troy

    • @exxonsuarez7663
      @exxonsuarez7663 8 місяців тому

      Hey Troy thanks for the video. Did you go to this exam after getting a diagnosis from a doctor? Im in the process and want to make my c&p exam as painless as possible. Thanks

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому +1

      Hi,
      Yes I had about two prior appointments with a psychologist the year prior but that was about it. That was while I was active duty. If you are seeing VA medical rn for mental health treatment than you should have some good backing for your claim. An outside doctor isn’t necessary but it’ll surely help if you need a nexus letter to show service connection. It’s hard to get nexus letters from VA doctors but you can try. This is in case you never saw a doc for this issue before getting out of the military.
      Hope this helps a bit. Thanks!

    • @KennedySkater21
      @KennedySkater21 8 місяців тому +1

      my exam gor turned into an ace exam so i have no idea what to expect

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому

      @KennedySkater21 ACE exams can usually mean 1 of two things but it’s a shot in the dark dependent on the examiner and rater. It’s either they didn’t think the evidence was sufficient enough to warrant an actually examination or they have great evidence that actually makes an in person examination unnecessary. I know plenty of folks who had scar claims for example and it was all service connected. The evidence showed they had surgical procedures in which caused the scars and stuff. In that case the VA may decide whether or not an in person exam is necessary.

    • @KennedySkater21
      @KennedySkater21 8 місяців тому

      @@TroyPange1 ill follow up with you on insta to talk more about what happened with the claim

  • @eddiesgourmetkitchen
    @eddiesgourmetkitchen 6 місяців тому +2

    The same thing happened to me during my PTSD C&P exam...I ended up really upset and crying a few hours after. Between recalling events and the exam itself, it was too much

  • @russell311000
    @russell311000 6 місяців тому +3

    I filed for depression as a secondary. My cnp examiner looked at me and said I'm going to say you have depression because pain leads to depression. I was like your going to add my symptoms according to the CFR.

  • @marklinan8293
    @marklinan8293 Місяць тому +1

    I felt completely unprepared for mine, My examiner was nice enough and listened to me. I could tell she was writing down everything I said, almost word for word. The problem I had was that I felt like I should have presented my issues like a lawyer would at a negotiating table. That was hard to do since we have so many emotions tied to our problems. It becomes a pseudo counselling session but the doc doesn't want ot hear sob stories, just facts and figures.

  • @aaronblack3308
    @aaronblack3308 8 місяців тому +1

    Thank you sir for your podcast. Very interesting...Merry Christmas

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому

      Merry Christmas to you too! Thanks for the support.

  • @Franklin-j2024
    @Franklin-j2024 8 місяців тому +9

    Troy, I suffer PTSD Iraq 2003-2004, 2005, 2006, Afghanastan and also battles alcoholisim my entire carrere plus I have MDD and axiety. They are seeing if they can activate your stressor. For me that lady looking at me like that would have ending up rating 100% and calling the cops. We cannot fake how fucked up we are.

    • @jaybrown2348
      @jaybrown2348 8 місяців тому

      I have ptsd service connected I was in when you where in thanks for your service.

    • @Darkside_co
      @Darkside_co 6 місяців тому

      Exactly

  • @monteandmichelehadleyinteg4653
    @monteandmichelehadleyinteg4653 5 місяців тому +1

    My husband's C&P exams were a joke. We are taking small steps to get further.

  • @vincentjackson-balado9753
    @vincentjackson-balado9753 8 місяців тому +2

    Some C&P examinations are good or bad depending on the examiners, they either could have a bad day from the morning, tired themselves and may not feel like being in a professional mood, or otherwise be concerning, one thing the VA is paying them for them, we are just the outcome of approval or denial

  • @michaelshock6381
    @michaelshock6381 6 місяців тому +2

    They asked me pre-military and post military. Didn't want to know anything about my in service. Which is I filed

  • @flyworldwide8961
    @flyworldwide8961 8 місяців тому +1

    Please share your experience with other C&P exams. Your video was very helpful. Thank you.

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому

      Thanks! Video will be up tomorrow!

  • @rickmccarroll9993
    @rickmccarroll9993 8 місяців тому +5

    You need to get you a lawyer. It took me 7 years. My Lawyer got me from 10% until now 80% and still got two more C&P to go yet

    • @bigboots6114
      @bigboots6114 8 місяців тому +1

      i did it with my county VSO so why pay a lawyer

    • @rickmccarroll9993
      @rickmccarroll9993 8 місяців тому

      @@bigboots6114 the VSO I had. Was the one that messed all my paperwork up. And he keep telling me was you are not going to get anything. That was in 2017. I kept appellate.and finally sent up to the VA Board. That was in 2019. Was on the docket waited 4 years. Finally I got a lawyer and damn two months later had a date in front of the judge. I when from 10% to 80 % in 4 months. And still got one more C&P to go. So that why I got lawyer. Everyone of them I talk to. Want to tell you about there problems. So that the reason why. My brother

  • @coribanks4847
    @coribanks4847 10 днів тому

    When yall have bad C&P examiners, can yall start adding location and name for vets who may have exams scheduled with that examiner also? Or is that a problem?

  • @ChadPrime69
    @ChadPrime69 8 місяців тому +8

    Only speculation, but I think part of their behavior might have been because of your greeting to them and being too polite. Idk your symptoms, but don’t act like your having a good day at a C&P.

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому +2

      This is a really good point! I was a bit polite for sure but just out of natural tendency. I didn’t want to be rude. Thanks for the tip!

  • @Keemgothits
    @Keemgothits 8 місяців тому +2

    The VA C&P examiner for mental health are horrible and always seek to underrate Veterans. I had experienced what you went through. I even had my private doctor do a DBQ and Nexus and they didn’t even use his information

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому

      That’s horrible. I believe you can write a letter or call the contractor that did your exam to make a complaint and they can redo your exam. Hope you get what you deserve! Thanks for the support

  • @kevinstevens6985
    @kevinstevens6985 6 місяців тому +1

    I had the same type of experience in my exam a couple of days ago. It felt very weird, I was asked a couple of questions but nothing really about my mental health. It seemed as if she didn't believe anything I was saying. The following day I emailed my Lawyer and told them my experience. We'll see how it goes...

  • @RedHorsePoker
    @RedHorsePoker 8 місяців тому +2

    First question they ask you is if you’ve got any tours and combat action ribbon. It helps a lot

    • @kayp4601
      @kayp4601 8 місяців тому

      For PTSD

    • @Brian-yt8fu
      @Brian-yt8fu 8 місяців тому +1

      I not only have a CBR but also have evidence my official letters from the Navy and newspaper article about the attack.

    • @kayp4601
      @kayp4601 8 місяців тому +1

      @@Brian-yt8fu turn all that evidence in

  • @layneewilson
    @layneewilson 8 місяців тому

    I have been through a lot of the same battles as you. My first claim was in 2014 for COPD secondary to Anthrax and it was denied. This past year I started at 40%, then 60%, and now 80% and there are still claims pending. My Chronic cough still does not have a rating so last August I filed under the Pact Act. Things are progressing but it is still a slow process. All my combined ailments should add up to about 170%. Currently, I'm rated at 10% for Tinittus, 30% for PTSD, and 50% for chronic migraines with a combined rating of 80%. I have two more claims pending. All we can do is keep plugging away. Best to use a VSO when submitting the claims. I muddied the water pretty bad when I had about 3 claims pending.

  • @CH-ce5jv
    @CH-ce5jv 8 місяців тому +1

    I had a mental health exam done about 2 years after i got out and i had the same exact experience but with a mental health professional at the VA. After he made coments and insinuating im not being honest and that feeling of being honest then told its a lie sent me into a panic attack in front of him and refused to acknowledge anything was wrong till the end. Found out this year he is no longer employed because of multiple sessions with other vets was reported of similar situations.

    • @mikahundin
      @mikahundin 6 місяців тому

      I can deeply relate to what you went through, CH. I had a strikingly similar encounter not too long ago with a VA health professional. Throughout the session, there was a noticeable skepticism from the doctor's end. Instead of engaging in a meaningful dialogue, it felt like he was more focused on ticking boxes off a PTSD questionnaire. My background is in intel, where skepticism is part of the job, and portraying a covert persona becomes second nature. This background makes it exceptionally hard to lower my guard, especially when I'm picking up negative vibes from the person supposed to help me.
      To make matters worse, he was outright dismissive of my service dog, which didn't help the situation. In the end, I was told I don't have PTSD-a conclusion I find hard to reconcile with my feelings and experiences. Honestly, the label doesn't matter much to me; what I'm seeking is genuine support and understanding for what I believe to be severe depression. It's disheartening when the very place you look for help adds to the stress rather than alleviating it. I hope we both find the understanding and assistance we're searching for.

  • @monteandmichelehadleyinteg4653
    @monteandmichelehadleyinteg4653 5 місяців тому +1

    I think the examiners see something "better" than what's going on inside. Sometimes they aren't trained or schooled. My hubby presents very well on the daily. BUT, what's going on inside is a shit show!

  • @kessler003
    @kessler003 4 місяці тому +1

    I was expecting a bunch of questions about my stressors while deployed.
    Doctor only asked about my childhood, school, dates of deployment, work pre and post sercive and then told me we were finished.
    I was like 😳😳😳 "Doc, arent we gonna talk about my experiences during deployments?"
    Doctor said: "I dont ask anything, I write what you say"
    😳😳😳 I got a bit angry inside and just told him, ok, ill tell you then... I fell for the "venting about stuff that happened", forgot to mention stuff about my lack of social life and how I go out very late at night to avoid ppl.
    I expected the doc to get me started with questions, its hard for me to express stuff out of the blue with out a direct question first.
    I felt super disappointed about my C&P. 😕
    Now waiting for a decision. See how long it takes. At this point, im hoping for at least a "service connected" not expecting high % at all.

    • @coribanks4847
      @coribanks4847 10 днів тому

      Your examiner was actually doing you justice by asking questions about per-post military life. How your condition affects your life socially and occupationally is what they base your rating on, your rating is not based on your story or how bad your stressors were. When doing a C&P exam focus on proving your condition is service connected and that the condition has a negative effect on your life. For example an inability to build or maintaining relationships socially and at work directly due to your condition

    • @kessler003
      @kessler003 10 днів тому

      @@coribanks4847 I told him him how I was unemployed and havent had a woman since getting out. How bad I sleep, nightmares, meds for nightmares(from the VA). Went into detail about the guys who died, the scary helo trips, the rocket attacks)
      On the C&P notes... "No link to my service." 🙄

  • @frankiebpr
    @frankiebpr 8 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for sharing!!!
    What was the outcome of your final rating decision?

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому +1

      30 percent at first but I filed a supplemental. Results TBD. Thanks for the support!

  • @jim3078
    @jim3078 8 місяців тому +2

    Well ill call bs on most of these claims.if you review the 100,70, and 50 percent ratings criteria one is mostly unable to cope socially, in employment and in familial settings. Speech, hygiene, etc all are indicators of a problem. This guy is well groomed, well spoken, able to use media devices.... so if anything maybe 30% ... sorry bro

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому +1

      Tell that to Combat Craig who has a 70% rating for depression. Seems to be well groomed, well spoken, and using media devices as you mentioned about me. This logic is incorrect sir. If you read the eCFR you’d know there are way more factors that goes into those ratings.

    • @mikahundin
      @mikahundin 6 місяців тому

      @@TroyPange1 Evaluating @jim3078's post involves considering several factors, including the understanding of PTSD and its manifestations, the criteria for disability ratings, and the recognition of individual differences in symptom presentation.
      1. **Misunderstanding of PTSD Manifestations**: PTSD and related conditions can manifest in a wide variety of ways, and individuals can present differently based on a multitude of factors, including coping mechanisms, the severity of symptoms at any given time, and the context in which they're being observed. The ability to appear well-groomed, well-spoken, and capable of using media devices does not necessarily negate the presence of significant psychological distress or impairment. Symptoms of PTSD and their impact on functioning can vary greatly from day to day and situation to situation.
      2. **Variability in Disability Ratings Criteria**: The criteria for disability ratings by institutions like the VA are based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual's ability to function socially, occupationally, and in familial settings. These assessments consider more than just superficial appearances or abilities. They look at the overall impact of the condition on the person's life. For example, someone could be well-groomed and articulate during an assessment but still struggle significantly with social interactions, maintaining employment, or managing family relationships due to PTSD.
      3. **Oversimplification and Generalization**: @jim3078's comment may oversimplify the complex nature of PTSD and its impact on an individual's life. It's a generalization to assume that certain observable behaviors (like grooming and communication skills) directly correlate with the severity of PTSD or the appropriate disability rating. PTSD can deeply affect individuals in ways that are not always immediately visible or observable in a brief interaction.
      4. **Lack of Empathy and Understanding**: The comment reflects a lack of empathy and understanding of the struggles faced by individuals with PTSD. Dismissing someone's experience based on a superficial assessment can contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health and discourage individuals from seeking the help and support they need.
      In conclusion, @jim3078's post demonstrates a common misconception about mental health conditions like PTSD: that their impact can be easily judged by external appearances. It's important to remember that mental health conditions affect everyone differently, and disability ratings are determined through thorough evaluations that consider the full scope of an individual's ability to function.

    • @criticalthinker7822
      @criticalthinker7822 4 місяці тому

      ​@@TroyPange1 This is true. If you saw me in person I look clean and well kept. You probably would let me babysit your kids. You wouldnt know about the suicide attempts, domestic fights, threats to coworkers getting fired. Thefts and sexual things I cant mention on YT. But Im probably one of the kindest guys youll meet until I get socially irritated. When your threatening your own mom, fist fighting your stepdad and pointing steel "hole punchers" at addicts, I dont care how good you look on the outside. It took my girlfriend and mother pleading for me to get help. Now Im on meds. I have my exam on Monday. I wish you luck and peace.

  • @mikahundin
    @mikahundin 6 місяців тому

    The presenter's account of the mental health C&P exam for VA disability claims highlights several negative and difficult experiences that made the process particularly challenging:
    1. **Feeling of Pressure:** The presenter describes feeling a significant amount of pressure during the exam. This pressure made it hard to accurately convey his mental health issues, impacting his ability to communicate effectively about how his condition affects his daily life.
    2. **Examiner's Skepticism:** The presenter had a "weird" experience with the mental health examiner, who seemed skeptical and possibly inclined to weed out dishonest claims. This skepticism contributed to an uncomfortable atmosphere, making the exam more difficult for the presenter. He felt as though the examiner was waiting for him to say something that could be perceived as dishonest or inconsistent.
    3. **Difficulty Proving Mental Health Conditions:** The inherent challenge of proving mental health conditions was exacerbated by the examiner's approach. Mental health is intrinsically difficult to quantify and validate through examination, and the presenter felt that the examiner's attitude made this process even more challenging.
    4. **Negative Interaction with the Examiner:** The interaction with the examiner was marked by a lack of empathy or understanding, as indicated by the presenter's description of the examiner's demeanor. The presenter sensed a critical and almost accusatory attitude from the examiner, which added to the stress of the situation.
    These aspects of the presenter's experience highlight the emotional and psychological challenges faced by veterans undergoing mental health C&P exams. The skepticism and pressure from the examination process can significantly impact a veteran's ability to present their case, contributing to the overall difficulty of navigating the VA disability claims process for mental health conditions.

    • @mikahundin
      @mikahundin 6 місяців тому

      The video "I Had a VA Disability Mental Health Exam - My Experience" by the channel TroyPange details the personal experience of undergoing a mental health C&P (Compensation and Pension) exam for VA disability claims. The presenter shares insights into the challenging nature of this exam, aiming to assist other veterans who may be undergoing similar processes or contemplating filing mental health claims with the VA. Here's a detailed description organized into sections for clarity:
      ### Introduction
      - The presenter begins by acknowledging the difficulty of the VA disability process, especially the mental health examination, which he identifies as the hardest among the exams he underwent.
      - He expresses his intention to share his comprehensive experience, from scheduling the exam to the aftermath, to support other veterans facing or hesitant about undergoing similar evaluations.
      ### Initial Steps
      - After submitting his documentation for VA disability claims (as detailed in a previous video), the presenter recounts the timeline leading up to his mental health exam. He submitted his paperwork in April and was notified about his C&P exam scheduling in early July, marking a three-month wait.
      - He received a notification via text from the VA, indicating that a contractor, QTC in his case, would contact him to schedule the exam. Instead of waiting for the callback, he proactively contacted them to schedule his appointments.
      ### Scheduling the Exam
      - Upon contacting QTC, he was informed that the VA had submitted a request for examinations related to all his claims. He was then offered several scheduling options based on the examiner's availability.
      - The presenter emphasizes the importance of flexibility in scheduling and highlights that the examiners are licensed doctors who conduct these assessments.
      ### Experience of the Exam
      - Although the video snippet does not delve into specific details about the mental health exam itself, the presenter sets the stage for discussing the challenges and emotional difficulties associated with undergoing such a thorough and personal evaluation.
      ### Advice for Veterans
      - The presenter encourages veterans not to hesitate in filing mental health claims, including for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. He underscores the permanent impact military service can have on mental health and urges veterans to seek the benefits they deserve.
      - He advocates for seeking treatment and help, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues and navigating the VA claims process to secure deserved compensation.
      ### Conclusion and Outreach
      - While offering a glimpse into his experience, the presenter also offers a free VA benefits coaching consultation, extending a helping hand to fellow veterans navigating their disability claims.
      - He concludes by reinforcing the message of support and advocacy for veterans' mental health and the rightful pursuit of VA benefits.
      This detailed account provides valuable insights into the VA disability mental health examination process from a veteran's perspective, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical advice for others in similar situations.

  • @comodice905
    @comodice905 5 місяців тому +1

    Did they deny you

  • @TVK830
    @TVK830 8 місяців тому +2

    I have BDD claim in for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol dependence. I was formally diagnosed with all 3, but was recently diagnosed with anxiety and insomnia by my sleep apnea doctor. Is it worth adding claims for these 2? I know MH is odd because they are all rated as one and based on symptoms

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому +1

      I believe they will rate you on one of the mental health conditions but not all three mental disorders. Although I believe they lump alcohol dependence into the mental disorder(depression, anxiety, ptsd.) (I think you have a better shot claiming PTSD or depression and stacking it. But you can claim however you wish. An as you mentioned, mental health is weird cause they usually won't rate each individually. The VA does not rate each condition separately under its General Rating Formula. Instead, veterans with multiple mental health conditions will likely be assigned one combined rating. Similarly, veterans do not need to submit a separate claim for each mental health condition, although they are free to do so if they wish. Veterans can only be rated for a symptom’s functional limitations once. For example, veterans who suffer from PTSD might also have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. If VA has conceded that both of those conditions are attributed to the veteran’s service, the veteran is not going to receive a 50 percent rating for PTSD and a separate 30 percent rating for major depressive disorder. Rather, the veteran may receive a combined 70 percent rating under the diagnostic code for one condition.
      Hope this helps!

    • @TVK830
      @TVK830 8 місяців тому +1

      @@TroyPange1 so it doesn't sound like it's worth slowing down my BDD claim to add those 2 after the fact...thsts kinda what I was leaning towards

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому +1

      @TVK830 yes, I wouldn’t add it to the current. But if you want to claim it later than I think it’s fine but I don’t think there will be a reason. Also depending on what the rating you get because you might just not need to add more claims if you have a 90+% rating

    • @TVK830
      @TVK830 8 місяців тому

      @@TroyPange1 my is 95% 😆

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому

      @TVK830 oh man if you already have 100 try and get P&T if possible. But I wouldn’t claim more things cause that can open you up for reduction. No point in claiming more things cause you can’t get above 100. There’s other things you can do but that’s difficult.

  • @Joethemailman
    @Joethemailman 9 днів тому

    Just had mine. Did not formally introduce himself gave us hard time I brought my wife with me was not going to let her attend I was adamant as she assists me. I still don’t know this examiner was he a medical dr. Was he a lt.col. Rangers infantry he had all ailments I mentioned he was negative negative negative. So I am reading this guys job is to discount my case not help and assist. Let’s see when I get results from v.a. I will not stop.

  • @Brian-yt8fu
    @Brian-yt8fu 8 місяців тому

    Im prepared after having worked in construction dept of AT&T i had some rough managers. I dont think it can be any worse.

  • @Franklin-j2024
    @Franklin-j2024 8 місяців тому +1

    Troy, also please ask for VOC Rehab after too. So, you can move up in life.

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  8 місяців тому

      Thanks for the tip. I don’t have experience in this but know a few veterans who have gone through this. I’ll try and do a video on this soon.

  • @gloriawilson3241
    @gloriawilson3241 8 місяців тому +1

    I had a mental health exam and 100% for Parkinson's. The VA listed me on the National crime computer (NCIC) as not being able to own a firearm.

    • @bigboots6114
      @bigboots6114 8 місяців тому +1

      you need to fight it

    • @-Fluxor
      @-Fluxor 7 місяців тому

      ​@@bigboots6114 It depends on why, if it was just because of 100% then yes it should be fought all the way.

    • @bigboots6114
      @bigboots6114 7 місяців тому

      @@-Fluxor you need to fight the VA on the NCIC if you have not been convicted of a crime

    • @-Fluxor
      @-Fluxor 7 місяців тому

      @@bigboots6114 A crime is only one of a few qualifiers that I can name off the top of my head as to why the VA would, legally, add you to the NICS database.

    • @bigboots6114
      @bigboots6114 7 місяців тому

      @@-Fluxorthe VA can not put you on there. so like i said, i would fight this and find out who put you on the NCIC if it happened

  • @seancurtis5307
    @seancurtis5307 2 місяці тому

    Think of it this way the money we get compensation for gets put back into the economy 😊

  • @phototec
    @phototec 8 місяців тому +1

    Very good video, important info to help other vets. What other claims than Mental Health did you file for that were denied?
    So you received a 30% rating for your Mental Health claim?
    You also said you use to be at 30%, what is your current rating?

  • @datboiddcool485
    @datboiddcool485 8 місяців тому +1

    My experience was somewhat like yours until she started asking questions and I started sweating and the examiner knew I was easily agitated. When she seen that she got really nice with me. You can't fake these exams because we have certain stressors and answers there looking for. I was given 70% for PTSD because I wasn't Grossly Groomed!! What kind of bullshit is that. That's some stereotypical bs. Anyways keep charging on brotha!!

    • @nalaamour
      @nalaamour 7 місяців тому

      That's crazy!!! Smh grossly groomed is so OBJECTIVE!!! that's straight garbage and everyone's view or perception will vary based on the individual. These exams are a waste of time bc these people do not know you or your situation, and their "opinion" influences your raters decision.

    • @mikahundin
      @mikahundin 6 місяців тому

      It's intriguing to hear about your experience, datboiddcool485. The idea of examiners intentionally triggering stress responses during evaluations makes me wonder about the accuracy of such methods. How reliable can this be, considering some of us may have a high tolerance to being triggered in such artificial settings? Your story, especially the part about your PTSD rating, really highlights some of the complexities and potential oversimplifications in these assessments.

  • @aaronblack3308
    @aaronblack3308 8 місяців тому +3

    P.s. im a MST Survivor

  • @munkandbear2818
    @munkandbear2818 4 місяці тому

    The woman for what she is doing isin't very smart. When you're dealing with people that have mental health issues you don't act foolishly because any one of them very easily could be her last appointment forever.

    • @KetoCaNa
      @KetoCaNa Місяць тому

      That happened at ft bliss after a veteran was denied a job because of his mental health rating. Waited for her in the parking lot.

  • @jaybrown2348
    @jaybrown2348 8 місяців тому +1

    I have ptsd if you want to talk I like to talk thank you

  • @rickmccarroll9993
    @rickmccarroll9993 8 місяців тому

    I got that Law firm after the 7 years he got it done in 7 months

  • @osoeazy
    @osoeazy 6 місяців тому

    I have mine on Saturday morning lol it’s a video conference

  • @wallys7016
    @wallys7016 7 місяців тому +2

    Should I bring my spouse? Heard you can.

    • @TroyPange1
      @TroyPange1  6 місяців тому +2

      Good question. Yes you can! Some recommend that you do because they can remind you of things you forget to mention or vouch for you and reinforce what you’re saying. Good luck

    • @mikahundin
      @mikahundin 6 місяців тому +2

      Absolutely, bringing your spouse to your C&P (Compensation and Pension) exam can be beneficial in several ways. First, your spouse can provide additional insights and perspectives on how your condition affects you, details you might overlook or understate. They can also help recall specific incidents or the severity of symptoms, offering a fuller picture of your situation to the examiner. Moreover, having your spouse present can be a source of emotional support during what can be a stressful process. If you decide to bring your spouse, it might be good to inform the VA in advance to ensure they accommodate your request. Remember, the goal of the C&P exam is to get an accurate assessment of your condition, and anything that contributes to that goal can be helpful.

    • @dr.x4566
      @dr.x4566 3 місяці тому +1

      Yes and make sure that you and your wife are on the same page.

  • @Sheesh121
    @Sheesh121 Місяць тому

    Does anyone know how long it takes for the VA to make a decision on your claim once you have a c&p exam?

    • @cidcampeador7922
      @cidcampeador7922 Місяць тому

      Three months give or take. Depends on their backlog.