AFMedic09

I'm not an expert, so someone else will chime in I am sure. I just want to offer you support and encouragement. You can't beat yourself up. None of us are perfect, except Jesus, and you're not Him. ;) When I blow up like that I just try to remember "He's still workin' on me". This is one reason I am going back to therapy - I just rage sometimes and God help who ever is in my path. I have 3 children (2,6, 10) and sometimes when I rage I see their faces - and it terrifies me. It's nothing they should have to deal with. I hope you will find some one to talk to as well, and also realize that you're not perfect. (If you were you wouldn't be 100% disabled vet, right? and you could walk on water.) ;) Good luck to you, and know you have much support here.

Carlie- My SMR list PTSD and Depression under chronic illnesses. This was my diagnosis while active duty. My letter from VA states under reason for denial of PTSD/Depression: Denial Reason: The evidence does not show a current diagnosed disability. Expanation: We received your medical evidence from ********** **********, ********** ******, and *********** VA Medical Center, which discusses the symptoms of your medical condition. The examiner stated that you currently do not have a diagnosis of any mental disorders. There is no objective evidence of functional impairment found socially, occupational, or with activity of daily living due to a mental disorder. I am not being treated currently, but I DO have symptoms. I have missed days of work and so much so that I was repremanded for it. (I told the C&P examiner this!!!) My SC'd conditions according to my letter are as follows: 1) Migraines: 30% 2)TVT Sling: 20% 3)Mild dry eyes:0% 4) Allergic rhinitis:0% 5) Anemia:0% 6) Scar:0% 7) Restless leg syndrome bilaterally:0% Your overalll or combined rating is 40%. We do not add the individual percentages of each condition to determine youru combined rating. We use a combined rating table that considers the effect from the most serious to the least serious conditions. Now there are no more sc'd conditions. It goes right into what was deferred for further C&P's. (Prolapsed bladder, cyctocele, rectocele) However, In the second part of the packet it states: REASON FOR DECISION. Lists all of the above 7 SC'd conditions and why they rated as they did. THEN there is #8 SERVICE CONNECTION FOR ADJUSTMENT DISORDER WITH DEPRESED MOOD FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY TO TREATMENT It goes on to read: Service connection for adjustment disorder with depressed mood for the purpose of establishing eligibility to treatment. A determination of service connection under 38 U.S.C. 1702 is for the purpose of providing eligibility for hospital and medical treatments f... as I posted in 'Success" forum. This is why I am confused. It is not even listed under SC'd conditions in the break down. Not even listing it for 0%. However, in this part of the packet it is listed. So all I gather is they will treat me for it because I was diagnosed in the military (which should SC me as far as I know..at LEAST to 0% - right?) "Service connection for the purpose of establishing eligibility to treatment is established" -- isn't that what 0% means? If so, why isn't this listed on the break down page under "Medical Description, Percent Assigned, Effective Date" ? The VA I am located near has a 700 person waiting list. I was told "good luck", and they recommended I drive 2 hrs to the other VA which might have a shorter waiting list. I am going to start seeing a private psych. and get on some meds. As for my migraines, I am not unhappy with my rating. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't simply rated for ocular migraines because I have classic migraine headaches and ocular migraines which are completely debilitating. However, like you said - I am sc'd properly, and I don't complain about that. None of the things I was "denied" for state they found no evidence to support them, just that they denied because I am not being treated currently. Like I said - not currently being treated for restless leg either, but they gave me 0% for that. Thank you for your time. I hope I explained my confusion a little better....

I was diagnosed with PTSD and depression in the military. Was on Prozac and went through years of therapy sessions. Since separating I have had to work full time, and over time as the economy is terrible & my ex doesn't pay child support so it's all on me. I am goint to start therapy again. Having more frequent bad days. I told the C&P dr. that I can't sit with my back to the door, I have had panic attacks due to boxes on side of road (WHO DOES THAT?!?!?!?!!!) etc. The letter says they see where I was diagnosed with PTSD in the military, but that basically since I'm not being treated currently they wont SC. Not even 0%? But they sc'd for purposes of treatment. I don't know. I am going to start seeing a psych. and start complaining instead of carrying all of this around in me..my family will appreciate it. and then I will NOD. I just don't know why they didn't give me 0%. THey gave me 0% for restless leg syndrome, and I'm not being treated for that currently. (makes no sense what they sc'd and what they didn't) I was in therapy for YEARS. I have a combat ribbon. My diagnosis throughout treatment was PTSD & depression.

You can find the exact verbage under the "Success" forum. However, my question is this: I was denied for PTSD/depression due to no evidence of current disability. Not sc, no 0% under what they decided on. BUT on another page it says I am sc'd for adjustment disorder with depressed mood for purposes of treatment as I was diagnosed with PTSD/depression in 2001. (joined in 1999) I have never seen any diagnosis of adjustment d/o in my medical records so this must be something the c&p dr said. However, what does this mean? I have not even a 0% rating in my paperwork for this - but I can be seen for it? They gave it to me based on my C&P but denied my claim? Can anyone shine light on what their thinking is and what this means? Should I NOD? I haven't been seen except once since separating, just trying to handle life on my own. I know I need medication- this process is proof of that. I just don't understand what it means? Thanks for any help you can offer.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is amazing news!!! So happy for you and your wife! Now it's time to enjoy life. :) Good on ya!!!!!

Reddit- They didn't do any labs for me at either of my C&P's. I told them I take iron daily, and b-12 weekly injections. I sent them lab work from my doctor, but like you pointed out - those are medicated and still defficient in b-12. (severely) My biggest question is the PTSD/depression. I wasn't diagnosed with adjustment d/o in service so I don't understand why this is an assignment given for sc treatment purposes? I am seeing my doctor for unrelated health issue I have going on, and I will bring up my depression with her. I have seen a psych. once since separation from military. I liked her, and I should go back. You're right. I need something for this anxiety. Thank you all for your time responding. I am thankful for the 40% - at least I am somewhere in the process & have some answers. It's very selfish of me to rant, and I apologize.

I guess I don't understand how they can deny my PTSD/Depression which I was diagnosed with while in service- and yet SC me for adjustment d/o and depressed mood for purposes of treatment citing my diagnosis of PTSD/depression in 2001?!?!? In denial reason for PTSD/Depression it states: The evidence does not show a current diagnosed disability. So...should I start telling my PCM about my nightmares/compulsive behavior/anxiety issues? Should I start going to the shrink again? I did YEARS of therapy in service. I do pretty well coping, but a couple days a month I am house bound and crying for no good reason. I have no motivation. My anemia I treat with iron, and weekly b-12 inections. I am fatigued all the time even when I should be "rested" I could sleep endlessly. (just not without waking frequently.) Any insight.

I do journal. I will send that and ask for a reconsideration. Will that delay my deferred issues? I guess I am wating on new C&P's for those. Not sure why since at my last C&P April 2011 the dr said she saw the prolapse, and my urethra was "kinked". Hopefully they send me to a Uro/GYN who knows what the hell they are looking for and how to do the exam.... Thank you Cav for the congrats. :)

That is true. Really we are helpless to their time and attention. I hope you will get some movement soon. From what I have been through with this it is more stressful as you get to the end. Stitting in an endless waiting pattern gets you numb - as soon as a light appears at the end of the tunnel it's a bunch of pins and needles all the time. I have lost over 10 pounds in a week over this. Sick to my stomach and just stressing out. Got my white envelope, and still clueless. lol I hope you will get some resolution so you can take the steps you need for a fair rating.

So, here is the break down:Migraines(ocular)-30%, TVT Sling-20%, Mild dry eyes BOTH-0%, Allergic Rhinitis- 0%, Anemia- 0%, Scar-0%, Restless Leg-0% My migraines are completely prostrating, and not just ocular. Not sure if that was how I was rated, but they are completely debilitating. I have a migraine 2-3 times a month, and tension headaches 3-4 times a week.) I take Topimax 100mg daily, and percocet as needed. Deferred:Prolapsed Bladder/cyctocele (pending VA exam), Rectocele (pending VA exam), Entitlement to non service connected pension: pending additional development Denied because no current diagnosis:hypertension, PTSD/depression (WHICH I HAVE QUESTION ABOUT and will explain below),Left?Right hip bursitis trochanteric (They still hurt me!!! I just treat with motrin and move on. I have a family to take care of.), L/R Knee condition. (Just had surgery on my L knee for torn meniscus), hair loss ( was seen for this when it first started in 2001 and now I am almost bald on top - not cute on a 32 yr old female I can assure you & no one else in my family has thinning much less balding.), R thumb tenosynovitis de quervain's (I am wearing a thumb spica for this now. I was a medic for pete's sake I know vitamin M and a thumb spica is all the Dr will order for me, so I bought it myself from CVS. This was the treatment given on Active Duty as well) I have an over all rating of 40%.Under reasons for decision they listed all my service connected disabilities...one of them(#8) is: Service connectsion for adjustment disorder with depressed mood for the purpose of establishing eligibility to treatment. A determination of service connection under 38 U.S.C. 1702 is for the purpose of providing eligibility for hospital and medical treatments for veterans of WWII, Korean Conflict, or Vietnam era: or for Gulf War veterans who develop an active psychosis or any active mental illness during or within two years from the daate of separation from such service or within two years of the end of the war period, whichever is earlier. The veteran was discharged on November 16, 2009. A psychosis/mental illness was first diagnosed on March 6, 2001 while you were on active uty. Entitlement to treatment is established because a psychosis/mental illness was diagnosed within the required period of time. Service connection for the purpose of establishing eligibility to treatment is established. What does that mean? I told them I have missed consecutive days of work due to depression and crying, and that I have had suicidal ideations. I don't go to a therapist, because it's unheard of in my family to do that. I feel like I should be able to manage on my own...and that goes for every illness I have. I have sucked it up. I'm not asking for 100% - but they act like I went in there and told that lady I had no problems and the world was roses. I don't have my c-file, and since i have issues still to be decided I don't know if I should request it at this point to see what she wrote. I was just telling my sister yesterday I need something for anxiety. I have lost 10 pounds the last 2 weeks stressing over all of this. I don't know what to do from this point. Any advice is much appreciated. I can accept and am happy with 40%, but I have hip pain and my thumb hurts to grasp anything when it is inflammed. 0% just to connect would at least give me a leg to stand on if I need surgery in the future with the VA. THanks for reading. I know this is long...

Congratulations!! :) Amaxing news for you and your family. Good luck with your future fight.

Cav - Is there anything you can do about it? Is this an initial claim, or are you appealing? I have read appeals take longer than initial claims. (Not sure how taht is possible, but they make a way...) I hope you will get some good news soon! I am waiting for that envelope so I know what I need to continue to fight for, or what they might need an IMO for. One thing is for sure, anyone who gets what they deserve from the VA has worked their a$# off in the military and this process to get it.

Thank you! :-) Where are you in the process Cav?

It certainly does! :-) My children are still young, so it is $30.00/child at this point. I do not besmirch that at ALL. I am thankful for the rating I have received thus far. Will await my envelope to see what if anything was deferred (causing my claim to be in gathering evidence instead of closed right now...) and if I should NOD any decisions they have made. I have a couple difficult issues, that I feel I should be rated for (fairly). If not, I will NOD and fight 'til the end. I will update when I get my packet. :-) Thank you for the encouragement!!

Ok, so this morning I checked ebene. and the AB8 letter was there along with a few others. 40%. Claim status shows: Gathering of Evidence. I called "Peggy", but she didn't have any insight. I will have to wait on the letter from the VA, which "Peggy" said hasn't been finalized yet. *sigh* I think I need anxiety meds.......

Thanks for the info! I just got my A8 today for 40% on ebene. So the timeframe helps me. My claim went back to Gathering of Evidence. (this is my initial claim) Did yours state this as well, or did it say Complete? (I am out of St. Pete as well) Congratulations on the $$ and the win! :)

I have read where people see "Appeal Possible" on their AB8. I have no such verbage. Also, "Peggy" told me she couldn't tell me what my letter said, but that it looks like there are still issues they are working out, and that my letter has not been finalized at this point. I am confused. I think it would be a good thing if there are still contentions they are considering for rating, but I don't know if that is the case. And why is there no verbage stating that the rating is appealable? (if that is a word) lol

This is my initial claim. (First rating) Peggy had no insight for me....I put this claim together on my own. I had 14 contentions including migraines, PTSD/Depression, and bladder sling for prolapsed bladder, etc. I don't know if this means some of my claims are deffered? Denied? I guess I have to wait for snail mail to figure it out?

I filed on Jan 24th 2011. Also, my status says "Gathering Evidence" not "Complete" - what does that mean? This is what it says... The current benefit paid is as follows: Gross Benefit Amount $727.00 Net Amount Paid $727.00 Effective Date December 1, 2011 Combined Evaluation 40 percent

Congratulations to you and you husband. Seems a dull thing to say, when he is having to deal with medical issues as a consequence, but at least the VA was fair with him. Hopefully this will allow you two some peace of mind. Good luck and God Bless.

What AWESOME ideas!!! I can't wait to share this with my hubby! You are so right. I need to just set a %, which I would LIKE to be at least 25% or my retro. Such great ideas. We have been under such financial stress as my ex-husband hasn't paid child support in almost 3 years, and my hubby was a full time substitute this year, but did not get paid for any of the weeks or days off. Next year he has a teaching offer! (God is GOOD!) The ex is still a deadbeat, but this VA award softens that blow. :) I just want to be able to pay for car repairs or an emergency, and that is what I'd like to have savings for. Thank you so much for the suggestions, and I will DEFFINITELY use them. :)

Carlie, You're right. It is totally running me at this point. I have vowed not to check today, and so far so good. (Ok, it's not a BIG step since it's Sunday, and probably nothing would show up today anyway, but it's a step.) ;) I am going to make out a top priority list tonight. My biggest goal is to have savings when this is all said and done. I look forward to updating next week with some good news. :)

Did it just update today? (Sunday) If so, maybe they are not in the office to upload the letter? I wouldn't get disheartened yet.

I have skipped a couple of steps in my process. Not that my claim has been speedy, but that once they finally updated ebene. I had already completed a couple of steps. I was a year in Gathering Evidence and then moved right to Pending Decision Approval. Good luck to you! You should be seeing something in your letter generator. I have been at Pending Notification since the 24th so I am waiting for a letter to pop up as I have been told this can happen without your claim moving to "Complete". (Guess some updates are harder than others?) GOOD LUCK!!

Ok, today is 4 days later and nothing yet. I don't expect anything will update on the weekend. I will just have to keep my mind on other matters until Monday, and start the madness of checking the letter generater again. lol I just know if anyone at the VA checked my account activity they would feel embarrassed for me with the frequency I have checked that letter generator. LMBO. Well, I hope anyone else on this waiting game with me will have a great weekend and that we hear good news soon!!!