Any recommendations for an AME in the Newport News, Richmond, Norfolk area…maybe even up to DC?

I’ll be retiring from the military in 2022 and, in the event I get a PTSD rating, I would like an AME who can navigate that efficiently.

Thanks!

There are only two AME’s in the Richmond area. I don’t know Dr. Schwartz, as you need to book with him months in advance and that doesn’t work for me. I use Dr. Simpson in Mechanicsville, but he is mostly retired now and only works 2 half days each week. I have had no issues with Dr. Simpson and have seen him 3 or 4 times now. Getting in with him is not a big deal if you call a week or two in advance.
I can’t speak to the other locations you mention.

Thanks for the scoop. Anyone else have any recommendations?

But, there is an AME decision guide (in PDF) from the FAA to help the AME decide about awarding or deferring.
From my read of it, you'll get deferred. An internet search of "FAA medical and PTSD" brought it up.
I would encourage you to join AOPA and talk to them about what will be needed by the FAA. If you can document those requirements before your AME meeting, you MIGHT be able to get it sent in to the FAA the same day and get it looked at.

My experience with deferrals has been that it won't go smooth and both deferrals took at least 3 months. Each AME handed my a pre-addressed envelope and told me to mail in what the FAA requests. If you wait for the FAA to tell you what they need, it will likely be a month before you get it from them.

Thank! We’re still in the realm of hypotheticals, but a lot of my friends are coming out with at least 0% placeholders for PTSD. If that happens in my case, I want to be in front of it. I appreciate the advice.