Good morning everyone. I have recently received my NARSUM and they advised that my PTSD diagnoses meets retention standards. Not sure how I can be found to have "reduced reliability and productivity" and still be found fit for duty. The psychiatrist on Fort Hood diagnosed me with Adjustment Disorder but my counselor and the VA C&P Examiner advised it was PTSD. I felt rushed and like I was just a number with the psychiatrist on Fort Hood and didn't care to elaborate about my condition because it was perceived that she honestly didn't care about what I had to say. That's why she diagnosed me with Adjustment Disorder instead of PTSD. My commander and WTU team suggests that I have no issues forming relationships and I'm basically fine. It's frustrating because they don't have a clue of all the stuff I struggle with. They see me for one week at a time every 3 months or so. It's been nearly 6 months since the last time I even saw them in person. I am part of the CCU so I'm remote and stay at home throughout my recovery. They have none of my notes from my civilian provider and strictly taking everything from the military command and medical team that doesn't even know me into consideration. Should I file a rebuttal to the MEB on my PTSD meeting retention standards? I'm trying to hit the 30% DOD threshold for medical retirement and won't get there with this statement on my NARSUM. This is directly from my NARSUM:
"Adjustment disorder with mixed symptoms (VA dx: PTSD) – For the claims of Adjustment disorder and Insomnia, VA C&P indicates that the SM meets the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD, noting stressor #1 as a head-on motor vehicle accident. On occupational and social impairment, DBQ examiner stated “reduced reliability and productivity.” SM’s AHLTA record indicates SM sought therapy for a few sessions using EDMR after his May 2018 MVA before being released. In January 2019, psychiatry noted “SM reported he had not been truthful, stating he had not wanted to pay for further therapy out of his settlement balance. SM has some occasional anxiety, although ruminating a great deal about his accident, he is capable of driving safely without problems.” Psychiatry noted a self-reported PCL score of 58 did not correlate with exam, noting poor coping skills and a concern for possible secondary gain. SM was conferred with a diagnosis of adjustment disorder with mixed symptoms, prescribed a trial of trazodone to help with sleep as needed, and determined to be fit from a psychiatric perspective. SM was recently prescribed prazosin and Prozac by his psychiatric provider, and continues to take Trazodone as needed for sleep. The SM has not had any psychiatric hospitalizations. DBQ examination noted that SM was able to drive from Booneville, Arkansas to his appointment at Fort Smith alone, a trip of approximately 38 miles. SM has no driving restrictions. DA 7652 notes that despite SM’s medical limitations, he strongly recommends retention, noting “this Soldier would easily form healthy working relationships within other military units, and has demonstrated responsibility, initiative and potential for leadership.” Commander does not indicate any impairment in duty due to any behavioral health conditions, or any symptoms that interfere with occupational functioning. Review of eProfile indicates no behavioral health limitations. Permanent duty restrictions are not warranted at this time. Although the SM has been diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder by DoD and with PTSD by a DBQ examiner, the SM does not have: a persistence or recurrence of symptoms sufficient to require extended or recurrent hospitalization; or persistence or recurrence of symptoms that interfere with duty performance and necessitate limitations of duty or duty in a protected environment. Therefore, the SM meets retention criteria IAW Army Directive 2013-12 and AR 40-501, Ch. 3-33a, b, and c."
"Adjustment disorder with mixed symptoms (VA dx: PTSD) – For the claims of Adjustment disorder and Insomnia, VA C&P indicates that the SM meets the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD, noting stressor #1 as a head-on motor vehicle accident. On occupational and social impairment, DBQ examiner stated “reduced reliability and productivity.” SM’s AHLTA record indicates SM sought therapy for a few sessions using EDMR after his May 2018 MVA before being released. In January 2019, psychiatry noted “SM reported he had not been truthful, stating he had not wanted to pay for further therapy out of his settlement balance. SM has some occasional anxiety, although ruminating a great deal about his accident, he is capable of driving safely without problems.” Psychiatry noted a self-reported PCL score of 58 did not correlate with exam, noting poor coping skills and a concern for possible secondary gain. SM was conferred with a diagnosis of adjustment disorder with mixed symptoms, prescribed a trial of trazodone to help with sleep as needed, and determined to be fit from a psychiatric perspective. SM was recently prescribed prazosin and Prozac by his psychiatric provider, and continues to take Trazodone as needed for sleep. The SM has not had any psychiatric hospitalizations. DBQ examination noted that SM was able to drive from Booneville, Arkansas to his appointment at Fort Smith alone, a trip of approximately 38 miles. SM has no driving restrictions. DA 7652 notes that despite SM’s medical limitations, he strongly recommends retention, noting “this Soldier would easily form healthy working relationships within other military units, and has demonstrated responsibility, initiative and potential for leadership.” Commander does not indicate any impairment in duty due to any behavioral health conditions, or any symptoms that interfere with occupational functioning. Review of eProfile indicates no behavioral health limitations. Permanent duty restrictions are not warranted at this time. Although the SM has been diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder by DoD and with PTSD by a DBQ examiner, the SM does not have: a persistence or recurrence of symptoms sufficient to require extended or recurrent hospitalization; or persistence or recurrence of symptoms that interfere with duty performance and necessitate limitations of duty or duty in a protected environment. Therefore, the SM meets retention criteria IAW Army Directive 2013-12 and AR 40-501, Ch. 3-33a, b, and c."
