Diminished earning capacity for ptsd

Ppclicaper wrote:Same also , CM ( who is absolutely fantastic) guided me through every step of every application process I needed to do and she also was contacting my PO on my progress. She sent the forms to my psychologist.  Psychologist filled them out and sent them back. The process was very easy. Compared to the anxiety I caused myself to the whole process.

That is the most frustrating part about VAC, before facebook, and sites like this, injured veterans suffered alone. They tried to weave through the VAC maze but had nothing to compare their experience to, so at the end of the day if all went badly, they were left to shrug their shoulders and just assume that`s the way it is for all vets. But now with many vets linked by social media we get to hear
the good and bad stories of dealing with VAC, and its never always good, and it`s never always horrible, however you would think VAC would deal with all similar cases the same..but they do not. In my case, I applied for DEC under my PTSD disability, my CM set me up with an Employment and Education testing company and asked for an updated assessment from my psychiatrist. So in my situation, despite my injury being mental I was subjected to a bunch of physical tests that had no bearing on my ability to re-enter the workplace, it all seems to come down to whether a veteran`s CM wants to put you through the paces or not?

Same also , CM ( who is absolutely fantastic) guided me through every step of every application process I needed to do and she also was contacting my PO on my progress. She sent the forms to my psychologist. Psychologist filled them out and sent them back. The process was very easy. Compared to the anxiety I caused myself to the whole process.

I was required to submit DEC forms from my psychologist, psychiatrist, and family doctor. I attended appointments for years, prior to being deemed DEC. My case manager handled the rest for me. It caused a lot less anxiety than i thought it would. They take the doctors reports and they are reviewed by a medical team of doctors and nurses, who then decide if you are DEC or not. They would like your condition to be stable, i.e. doctors do not feel your condition will improve. they then will move forward with the DEC. As with everything VAC related, medical evidence from doctors and mental health professions is what is needed. Along, with you showing you are following your rehab plan, in regards to showing up for appointments, and taking your prescriptions on a regular basis. I, was not sent anywhere to do any tests or anything like that. That might be the case if you do not have a medical history with mental health professionals. I doubt youd get DEC without a history, anyway.

Hi Boogie,

I received my DEC based on my PTSD diagnoses. My experience was very easy and simple. My CM sent a Medical Questionnaire: Employment Capacity application to my psychologist to fill out and send back. I was not required to see an occupational therapist in order to receive an approveal for DEC because I currently do not have any physical limitations.

Cheers,
By the Bay

I was deemed DEC also but prior to April 1. My story is a very bad one . I was released 2005 after a stay in the ptsd clinic at homewood like a trial group of military members much before the OasI clinics became the place to go . Diagnosed severe PTSD and social phobia . Upon my release I was found to be 0 sum from sisip due to my PA pension . Since than I was alone. No further help or benefits from SISIP or VAC for 13 years I will skip ahead now to 2018 ( viewer protection, things got extremely bad in my life ). After my last court appearance which was my most severe act of violence. I only recieved probation and heavy fines and ordered to pay restitution. I did not have the money . By this time I had lost everything and wife was gone. My probation officer contacted VA ... that is when everything changed .. I was looking for help paying my fines. They said sisip would help .. than they realized I recieved nothing for 13 years except 2 years from sisip from the clawback courtcase. I had to answer to a lot of people to how I ended up no help .. I have seen and forced to see so many doctors and the mandatory 72 hours in hospital I just gave up.. I will not discuss much more of the events in my life. In short and not to end up where I did . Educate yourself on every vac application process and benefits . Since court in 2018 I was redlined my applications were pushed fast. IRB, cia ,VIP and they are now reviewing my cia due to DEC designated and my original PA pension as things got much worse. And application for CIAS. All I can say these sites and the people are fantastic advice. Apply for everything , educate yourself and use all the tools they offer to get help .DEC disignation for me was with my psychologist maybe answering questions. My psychologist was court ordered so two birds 1 stone really nothing to stress about compared to anything were been through. Good luck my friend.

SatchBoogie wrote:Hi all,

I am new here.  First post.  Been dealing with veterans affairs for years along with all the ups and downs that go with it.  I am in the rehab program right now for ptsd and low back pain, both recognized disabilities though vac.  For those of you given a DEC designation, I am curious what the procedure was like.  My CM mentioned it to me recently and said I should do some research on it as he thinks my ptsd may affect future employability.

Have any of you been given a DEC for ptsd?  If so, what is your experience?   I have a huge phobia from all my years doing this with vac of assessments and sitting in rooms with "specialists".  It would take away a ton of my anxiety if some of you could help give me an idea of what I may expect and what your experience with it was.  

Thank you for any and all posts.

SB

hi , I am new here as well but I will tell you what I know. To be declared DEC for PTSD alone, ( if that is your only injury?).If you are stable enough to take part your CM may require you to take part in a 2 day battery of tests conducted by occupational therapists. If you have additional injuries for which you are not yet granted a disability then these specialists cannot include those limitations in their report. The tests will be both mental and physical and your cm will take the findings before an inter disciplinary team of medical professionals who will assess everything and decide whether or not you are fit for the workforce.

Boogie, I'm sure someone will be able to answer your question, but it may take a few days, because traffic on the site has been a little slow, for the last week or so. So do not get discouraged.

Hi all,

I am new here. First post. Been dealing with veterans affairs for years along with all the ups and downs that go with it. I am in the rehab program right now for ptsd and low back pain, both recognized disabilities though vac. For those of you given a DEC designation, I am curious what the procedure was like. My CM mentioned it to me recently and said I should do some research on it as he thinks my ptsd may affect future employability.

Have any of you been given a DEC for ptsd? If so, what is your experience? I have a huge phobia from all my years doing this with vac of assessments and sitting in rooms with "specialists". It would take away a ton of my anxiety if some of you could help give me an idea of what I may expect and what your experience with it was.

Thank you for any and all posts.

SB