Dave - I have been diagnosed with PTSD by both the VA psychiatrist and VA psychologist and am undergoing therapy and drug treatment. Will I also be required to get a C&P exam from a non-VA contractor physician before my claim is adjudicated?

Good question. Bad answer from me. We never know anymore. Our VAMC still does many, but many are contracted out, with great distances to travel. VARO's started using the contractor method a few years ago. I do not like the system, as my experience with non VA physicians, psychiatirists and psychologists is they are not in tune with veteran issues as are VA providers.

James B. Peake who was the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2007 to 2009. In 2004, who retired from a 42-year United States Army career, became involved in contracting VA C&P exams. Many veterans have complained on these boards in regard to the quality of contract exams.

It will be up to your VARO who does the exam.

I had two (2) VA-directed examinations for PTSD:

1) VA C&P Psychiatrist

2) VA Contractor (private Psychiatrist)

Both said the same thing, with diagnosis and NEXUS to my military service.

I also was extensively tested by a private Clinical Psychologist (PhD). Also, I was treated by a private Psychiatrist. Again, they both said the same thing; diagnosis and NEXUS of PTSD, Chronic, to my military service. The private Psychiatrist went further to explain that I cannot work and that there is no chance of improvement in the future.

I was awarded 50% for PTSD and Individual Unemployability (IU), Permanent and Total, and being compensated at the 100% rating level.

I was a combat Vet, 1968 Vietnam, with a Purple Heart.

I'm in the same boat as RVN1968, a combat Vet with a purple heart. I also did a private VA contractor, evaluation in the 70's then another, in the 80's. One said, I was OK while the other said, I was not. LOL Later, I spent nearly three months at a VA shrink ward. Some shrinks were "combat" vets turned, shrink. They knew what PTSD is and how brutal this disorder is, unlike non combat ones.

In my opinion, evaluations have become too subjective.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ohana10,

I have had evaluations a number of times over the last 10 years. My last one earlier this year was very different. The doctor had a new template he had to complete, and it reduced a lot of the free style evaluation from the process.