Barbamatt

I have a couple of questions about C-files. 1. How long are they kept? 2. Are they always kept at a local office? 3. What happens when you move? The last time I filed a claim I lived in Atlanta area...and all previous claims were handled by the Atlanta VARO. Since then I have moved to Tennessee. My closest VARO is in Nashville. When I left Atlanta I left a change of address. Now that I have SSDI I want to submit to the VA that I am receiving it. Which VARO has my records? Who would I notify? and how can I request a copy of my C-file. Will Nashville VARO be able to get it if it is in Atlanta? It is impractical for me to go to Atlanta as I don't have the means to get there and back. I want the file to see what is in there because I plan on filing for TDIU based on the fact that I can not work due to my SC disability and use SSDI as proof.

I can see many problems with this. I am not sure how it would work...but it seems to me to put a bigger burden on the veteran. I know how TriCare has a lot of problems with providers accepting care from them....the VA card would be worse than that.

Congratulations! Glad to hear that you are getting the benefits that you have earned.

I've had two C&P exams for my depression...the first one the psychiatrist was friendly (too friendly) but he got me off topic. He wanted to talk about current events.He asked me questions about some things that were on the news at the time and what I thought about it. I was being polite and discussed what he wanted to talk about. I think he was trying to throw me off, and it worked. I wasn't sure about it at the time but realized later it went horrible because we didn't really discuss me and my illness. Don't let them get off topic..and be prepared to bring it back to you and your symptoms. After this one I was rated 0% The second time I went I had made a list of my symptoms to help me remember what to say. The Dr. was more professional and stayed focused. It was a lot different the second time. The Dr. literally read a script from her computer. She asked questions right off her screen and typed in my answers as she went. It was tense. I do remember there was a loud veteran in the next room. He was acting out and it was very distracting...I was very distracted by the noise in the next exam room...and the fact that she was so robotic about the exam. Needless to say I was uncomfortable. I told her that I was getting uncomfortable and that I felt nervous. It was true...I think it helped me in the long run....but it was longer exam than the first one...she was a lot more thorough....Now that it is over I am glad that the other guy inadvertently helped my case prove that I get distracted and anxious. After this one I was rated 50% My most important advice is to bring a list of symptoms with you. You will be allowed to read it or even hand it to the doctor. If you become uncomfortable at anytime during the exam let them know that you are. It is not the time to be polite or be strong. If you feel like crying then cry, as long as you aren't faking it...be real.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), was the manual that doctors use to diagnose mental illness. It has been recently updated to DSM V and they have changed some of the terminology and the way disorders are diagnosed. It is technical gobbley-goop for the medical profession. In the old DSM IV, PTSD didn't have the "acquired" added to it. DSM 5 now classifies mental disorders as either life long or an acquired disorder. The theory is that you "acquire it" later in life due to some sort of traumatic event. It doesn't really mean much other than how they label it. They have to label the disorders in order to get insurance to pay for it...that is all the labeling is about...and they need to define it for you to get your C&P. As long as it is still able to be SC I wouldn't worry too much about it. Basically it is the same thing they just used more words to describe it.

You did right to ask for another provider. You need to have a good relationship with psychiatrist/psychologist in order for the treatment to work. If you didn't get a warm fuzzy from her then find someone who will at least treat you with respect. I have to see a new VA Psychiatrist next week and I am anxious about it. I guess here in Nashville we get resident docs from the University of Vanderbilt. I am not all that excited to start all over again, but it looks like I will change docs every 6 months. I guess that could be better than being stuck with someone who isn't doing the job. You should never stay with a doctor ether psych or medical that you can't work with especially if they are rude or not treating you right. As far as VA groups, I've only been to groups for depression, and they helped me a lot. I liked the groups that I went to in Atlanta, but now that I am in Nashville I haven't went to group. They can take a lot of time up depending on how often they meet...but if transportation is not a problem I would recommend trying one out. Hang in there it gets better...you just have to stay on it.

I hope the new VA Secretary does well. I will try to remain optimistic...there is a lot of improvement needed and we need someone who is up to the challange. Maybe this guy is the one who will rise up and do it.

Mine stayed at "Gathering Evidence" for a long time...then I got my results in the mail before it updated on eBenefits. It is still a waiting game so hang in there. BTW, I like your profile pic....I'm a former Corpsman too.

Congratulations. Glad to hear it.

I plan on taking a copy of my SSDI award letter to my VARO here in Nashville... I was given SSDI for my depression/anxiety. I am not sure if it is listed as depression or depression/anxiety since I have both, but I am only rated for the depression. The way I understand it is that you can only be rated for one MH disorder anyway...which is another topic. I was awarded SSDI after my VA disability rating so when I filed for my initial claim it wasn't a factor, and I filed a rate increase at the same time I filed for SSDI, and got the rate increase from 30% to 50% before I got SSDI. Now it is a factor for UI or another rate increase. I am curious to know if my records/files will be here in Nashville, since my original claim was filed in Atlanta when I lived there. My nearest VARO is in Nashville where I live now. I would think that they can get them from one VARO to another. I hope so anyway. All of this paper work is tough. I am not always sure that I am going about it the best way...and when I used the VSO they weren't a lot of help in telling me what way to go or telling me what I was entitled to. I am not knocking VSOs because I am sure that there are some good ones out there, but the one I used just handed me the paper work to fill out and I didn't know much better that there were other benefits to be aware of. I have learned a lot about it from forums such as Hadit, and reading on my own. It seems to be a forever process to get the benefits that I have earned and deserve.

Sorry to hear that. I just want to offer support for you. You might want to call ahead and confirm you next appointment to be sure that they aren't changing things on you again. It really sucks to hear that and I wish I had better advice for you.

I would definitely submit the SSDI information along with any medical evidence used in you SSDI case to support your claim. I was just awarded SSDI and plan on using that to apply for TDIU and or a rate increase. You should be able to do the same. I don't know why your VSO told you not to submit it...seems that he/she doesn't know what he/she is saying. It's too bad too. I've been out since 2006 and have had to work hard to get what I have earned and deserve. I still don't think that I have a high enough rating, but I am constantly working on getting it. Don't give up the fight because they will make you prove everything. SSDI is good evidence.

I've tried a plethora of SSRI psych meds. I've also tried anti-psychotics Seroquil and Ridperidone. None of those seemed to work alone or in combinations....some had different side effects most are unpleasant. Now I'm on Effexor (SSNRI), Abilify and Trazadone. This combination seems to have the least side effects on me, although I have gained a significant amount of weight...but at least I'm not as miserable on them. You have to work with you DR and keep trying new ones until you find what works. I've been there and been through it....I can't go off my meds because I become super depressed and suicidal if I don't take them. I take some of my medication at night and it allows me to sleep so the fog and drowsiness isn't a problem. You might try that. Hang in there... It is hard to find the right medicine and or combination that works. Make sure to go to all of your appointments and let your DR know what is and what isn't working and keep trying. You might ask at your next appointment to have them closer together while you are working this out. See if you can go monthly instead of every 3 months. Call the clinic and see if anyone has canceled and if you can be worked in sooner.

I just went through the SSA process. I was finally awarded SSDI...it is a long process. I remember having to go through the exam that SSA sent me to. It was a good thing because that exam was a key piece of evidence that helped me get my award. You can go to to the VA Medical Center and go to the Release Of Information office and request a copy of your medical treatment. I got mine for to have as a personal copy. I am also treated for mental health. I had to wait a little longer to get the mental health records because they have to get permission from your treating psychiatrist and or psychologist to release them to you. Luckily they released mine to me with out a lot of trouble. Be prepared to have to go to court to get SSDI. I had to. If you have to it is best to get a lawyer. They have an easier time getting medial records especially mental health records. They also help prepare the case. If you have a good lawyer they do a lot of the work for you. The best thing is you don't have to pay a lawyer unless you win your case. There is a limit to how much they can take too. Lawyers coast 25% of back pay or $6000 max. Once you win you will get a lot of money in back pay usually over $20,000. So it is worth the investment. Blue button is nice...but I would got to the ROI office and get the copies too. You might get more information. I don't think everything goes into the blue button. but that is my own opinion.

I am willing to put myself out there and say that I personally have used the crisis line and they have really helped me. I have problems with Major Depressive Disorder and sometimes need someone to talk to. They help when I want to talk about the stress that I am going through. You don't have to be suicidal to call...you can just be having a bad day...and they listen and help. A lot of the time they do ask if you want to give them your name so they can have someone at the VA contact you with a follow up. It is up to you if you want to tell them or remain anonymous. If you do tell them your info they will contact you. It can also help you get a mental health appointment sooner if you need one.

I've been doing some research about TDIU. I don't meet the rating requirements for TDIU, but I have a SC disability that prevents me from working. I have read that there is such a thing as extra-schedular TDIU if you can prove that your condition prevents you from working. My disabilities are: Major Depressive Disorder 50% migraines 10% IBS 10% I have also reticently received SSDI. Does it carry any weight in proving unemployability?

Not to be discouraging, but you may be denied a second time and have to have a hearing to get approved. I just went though the process and had to have a hearing to be approved. I even saw a SS doctor who said that I was unable to work with my symptoms. I started my claim in GA (Marietta office). I went through two denials and got a lawyer. My hearing ended up being in Nashville because during the process my home was foreclosed and I had to move in with family. The lawyer came all the way from ATL to meet me at my hearing and we won. It is said but most people win SSDI/SSI at a hearing. If you have any medical documents from VA or other providers have all of it...even for other medical conditions. They will look at everything wrong with you, unlike the VA who only looks at SC. With the SSA you can use any and all medical treatments because it all will work in your favor.

Who would I inform at the VA that I am getting SSDI? I still need the official decision letter. I am sure that I got it because the judge said that he approved me and it went on the tape. It would certainly help a lot if I got 100%. I could use the money and dental care. I would prefer it if I could work...but I get sever symptoms of depression and anxiety that make it hard for me to keep it together enough to hold down a decent job...even when I take a crappy job I still have troubles. I am speaking to my lawyer to see if I can get help filling a claim. I want to go that way this time. I have always applied by myself and haven't done so well. The last time I used a VSO but I might as well have done it alone for all the help he was. I still had to do most if not all of the work. He just gave me the forms to fill out. I guess this time if I have a lawyer the VA will know that I am serious...and besides they already have a file from my SSDI claim.

I started in Atlanta, now I move to Nashville area. I would have to use the VA in Tennessee. I haven't used the RO here and don't know anything about it....as far as if they are good or bad. I am going to wait on my ssdi approval letter to apply...all of my ssdi is based on my sc condition. I used a lawyer for that. I am wondering if I should try to get the lawyer to do the VA too. But he is an Atlanta lawyer....since I started the claim in Atlanta. I don't know if he will be able to take on the VA for me now. He is a SSDI lawyer and don't know if they do VA claims too. I guess I could ask. Maybe I can find a VA lawyer to help me put my case together to file. I get frustrated by doing it alone. I haven't really looked into it very far yet. I will though. Right now I just need a break...The paper work and red tape is a lot on a person with a mental disorder....I realize it is also tough on people with physical disorders too...but when it is mental they don't take you as serious and don't tend to believe you as much.

I went to my ALJ hearing for SSDI on Wed June 18, 2014. The judge said that he was going to find me fully favorable right there on the spot. I was surprised. I didn't even have to testify much...he only asked me one question about the date I became disabled. It was a long fought battle, now all I have to do is wait on an official determination letter...it is based on my SC disorder of MDD/Anxiety. I also get VA compensation at a total of 60% MDD 50% Migraines 10% IBS 10% I would try for a rate increase, but am afraid that they will lower it instead. I started at 0% on MDD...then went up to 30% and now I'm at 50% It took a lot out of me to get this much....but I am hanging in there. The SSDI is a big victory for me...and I am happy about that. Well, as happy as a depressed person can get.

Congrats! I too was given a fully favorable hearing last week. The ALJ said on record that I would be awarded SSDI. I haven't got the official notification yet as it was only a week ago (june 18, 2014).

I thought that you had to have at least one sc condition rated at 70% to get TDIU...but if I qualify for it then it is certainly something to look into. I have to wait on my actual decision letter confirming that I have it. Maybe it would help my case that SS found me disabled and said that I can't do any job with my limitations. I have to look into it while I am waiting. I am afraid to re-open my claim that I will get it reduced....at least right now I can survive on what I am getting, and will be doing better when I finally get SSDI money.

New update. I just had my ALJ hearing for Social Security. I think that it went really well. The whole hearing was less than 15 min...and the judge hardly asked me anything other than what the date my disability started. He had a question about the last time I worked....the VE stated that there was no jobs that I could do...and then he said some legal stuff with my lawyer...next he said that if I agreed to amend my disability date to two months later that he would find me fully favorable...He and my lawyer discussed the date for about a minute and my lawyer had me sign the paper. My lawyer seemed to think that I won. As best I have researched though it still isn't over until I get it in writing. That comes as no surprise as to anything the govt. does it has to be in writing or it don't count. I was told it can take up to 90 days to get the written decision...and it can take another 90 days to get paid...but I pray it will go fast. I have been waiting and waiting. I am getting the idea that it is all nothing but a waiting game. I had to go through so much to get to this side...I waited on the VA and now I'm waiting on Social Security. At least I have an idea that it will go good. Not all judges tell you at the hearing how they will rule...it surprised my lawyer...but he seemed to think that I got it. My VA rating is 50% Depression, 10% migraines, and 10% IBS

I haven't posted in a while. I wanted to give an update! I got a rate increase Oct of last year (2013). I am now rated 50% for depression. I also get 10% IBS and 10% migraines for a total of 60%. I was hoping to get at least 70 for the depression, but maybe if it doesn't get better I'll apply again later on. I don't know if it is worth it to re open it. I am afraid of having it knocked back down. Right now I am applying for SSDI. I haven't been able to work in over 2 years. I am in the process of waiting for a ALJ hearing which is to be expected any time now. My lawyer said that it was in the system (I forget the exact word she used) but a date hasn't been set yet...but it is pending. I am so worried about it. I've been through a lot this past year. In the process of all my disability claims I lost my house to foreclosure. I had to move in with family out of state, so now I live in TN. I had to change VAMC and get a new provider. Now he says my depression is moderate, where as my last dr. said it was severe. I see him again on the 15th of Mar. which is about 2 weeks. I need to discuss a few things with him. He has been adjusting my medications...now I have been feeling more depressed and anxious. I just hope it all goes well with SSDI.

I'm in Atlanta, and the VA here is OK but it has a lot of issues and they don't have the best customer service at all. The quality of care is fine, but they have long wait times and nobody ever answers phones. You have to wait about 2-3 months for appointments. Some clinics are downright rude at times. My family is in Tennessee. I might be losing my house and my aunt offered me somewhere to stay if/when it happens and she is in Tennessee. It is near Nashville. I used to live in Nashville before I joined the military, and it was my home of record for a long time. I'm not from Georgia nor do I have any real ties to keep me here. I am originally from Michigan, but don't have anyone back there either. I was told that Nashville VAMC was closing mental health services. I've tried to look it up on the internet, but haven't found anything that supports that. That is why I asked about Murfreesboro. I really don't want to end up in the deep country sticks. I prefer a more urban area with the benefits of city life. I'm not a country girl.