Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Be Careful What You Wish For

Well folks, we have been wishing that Dr. M would complete his notes for the NARSUM so the MEB could progress to the PEB phase.  Today, our wish came true.  The notes are done and doctors' signatures are being collected.  By Thursday we will have the final draft to forward to Lawyers for Warriors for their review.  This is good news!

Can you sense the "BUT" coming?

The neuro psychological report from Dr. M conflicts with the testing completed by Dr. H at the Black Hills VA last April.  Although both doctors found evidence of chronic PTSD, anxiety, and depression, they have differing opinions of Sean's character.  While Dr. H found Sean to be sincere and putting forth his best effort, Dr. M cannot rule out malingering and lack of effort, in fact, he states he is unable to accurately rate the testing due to Sean's exaggeration of his symptoms and their severity.  (In case you're wondering, I do have Sean's permission to include this).

Are you kidding me?? 

First, Sean has had two neuro psych evaluations done by the VA since 2008 and both are closely aligned.  It is puzzling that the third battery of tests conducted by a military provider would come out differently.

Second, anyone who knows Sean knows this is a load of crap!  Sean is the most decent, honest, morally upstanding person I know.  He does what is right because that is just what should be done.  Although there have been many issues due to his PTSD, they are symptoms and not what is at his core. 

Third, Sean LOVED being a soldier.  He used to say they would have to kick him out of the Army at age 60.  He would have gladly deployed 10 more times and done his duty to his country.

Fourth, Sean LOVED the fire department and his career there.  He was developing the Hazardous Materials Team and working to improve the department in every way.  He would not willingly give that up in order to "fake" an illness and obtain benefits from the government.

I could go on and on, but you get the picture.

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