Question about C&P EXAM

[Kelley13F]

I recently took a c&p exam for ptsd. In the diagnosis part of the exam, it states that i did not meet the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of ptsd, but I do meet the criteria for depression.

I did not file a claim for depression. does this mean my claim will be denied?

[TinCanMan]

If you were looking to the C&P to provide a diagnosis for PTSD your claim for PTSD will fail. If the examiner made a diagnosis for depression instead, the RO should evaluate for depression but I'm not quite sure the examiners remarks qualify as a diagnosis nor am I sure if there is a connection for depression in your records. Does the examiners remarks state your depression is caused by your service?

[Kelley13F]

Originally Posted by TinCanMan

If you were looking to the C&P to provide a diagnosis for PTSD your claim for PTSD will fail. If the examiner made a diagnosis for depression instead, the RO should evaluate for depression but I'm not quite sure the examiners remarks qualify as a diagnosis nor am I sure if there is a connection for depression in your records. Does the examiners remarks state your depression is caused by your service?

The examiners exact remarks are "Vetran does not meet the criteria for PTSD, however does meet the criteria for depression and keep him feeling depressed most of the time along with guilt, poor concentration, energy, intrest, having nightmares, problem initiating and maintaing sleep and drinking ETOH to self medicate. The ETOH and sleep disturbance seem to be secondary to depression precipitated by war experience and has contributed to significant social and occupational impairment.

[TinCanMan]

As far as a diagnosis for depression goes, I'm not sure. Sounds a bit wishy-washy but it might fly. I'd wait for the decision to come back before I proceed.