jdman

I am 100% P&T. Just approved for Housebound. Denied for SMC K. Below is the denial. I see a private psychiatrist for meds and treatment. I discussed my SMC K claim with her and she told me one of my medications is causing the issue. The medication is Pristiq. The only problem is she refuses to write a nexus letter linking it to this medication. I feel like the only other option I have is to go to the Ellis Clinic here in OKC and have him write it for $500. I'm seeing a new PCP at the VA the end of the month but I'm not confident in them doing anything for this because in my records they have been giving me sildenafil which doesn't work. Will the VA do any "workup" as they say for the condition? Any advice? 3. Service connection for erectile dysfunction smc k as secondary to the service-connected disability of diabetes mellitus type II. Service connection may be granted for a disease or injury which resulted from a service- connected disability or was aggravated thereby. The evidence does not show that erectile dysfuncation smc k is related to the service-connected condition of diabetes mellitus type II, nor is there any evidence of this disability during military service. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304, 38 Service connection may be granted for a disability which began in military service or was caused by some event or experience in service. (38 CFR 3.303) Service connection for erectile dysfuncation smc k is denied since this condition neither occurred in nor was caused by service. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304) We did not find a link between your medical condition and military service. (38 CFR 3.303) Your service treatment records do not contain complaints, treatment, or diagnosis for this condition. The evidence does not show an event, disease or injury in service. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304) The VA medical opinion found no link between your diagnosed medical condition and military service. The examiner opined that the vet has not undergone a sufficient medical work up to explore and explain the underlying etiology of his ED. Attributing the ED to hypothyroidism to include muscular weakness and weight gain, diabetes mellitus type II, sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, recurrent is completely speculative. We considered whether your condition resulted from a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) in service. (38 U.S.C. 1168, 38 U.S.C. 1710(e)(4)) The evidence of record shows participation in a TERA. We requested an examination with medical opinion based on toxic exposure risk activity (TERA). Although the evidence of record shows participation in a TERA, the medical opinion provided by the examiner does not show an association between your claimed disability and in- service TERA. (38 U.S.C. 1168, 38 CFR 3.303) Favorable Findings identified in this decision: You have been diagnosed with a disability. VA exam conducted August 25, 2023 diagnosed erectile dysfunction.

I talked to my doctor's office this morning for my psychiatrist and sent over the documentation needed(VA Medical Records). One of my medications I have been taking since 2014(Seroquel) per the NAMI website can be causing ED. I sent over what you said so they are gonna do a letter for me. My DAV rep said I wouldn't have to appeal just refile. He said that would be quicker. Thanks for all your help.

I was denied for Erectile Dysfunction and SMC K even though I am service connected for Diabetes II and take lots of medications for my Depression which can cause this condition. Does anyone have any guidance? Would a nexus letter from my Endocrinologist help in an appeal? 3. Service connection for erectile dysfunction smc k as secondary to the service-connected disability of diabetes mellitus type II. Service connection may be granted for a disease or injury which resulted from a service- connected disability or was aggravated thereby. The evidence does not show that erectile dysfuncation smc k is related to the service-connected condition of diabetes mellitus type II, nor is there any evidence of this disability during military service. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304, 38 CFR 3.310) Service connection may be granted for a disability which began in military service or was caused by some event or experience in service. (38 CFR 3.303) Service connection for erectile dysfuncation smc k is denied since this condition neither occurred in nor was caused by service. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304) We did not find a link between your medical condition and military service. (38 CFR 3.303) Your service treatment records do not contain complaints, treatment, or diagnosis for this condition. The evidence does not show an event, disease or injury in service. (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.304) The VA medical opinion found no link between your diagnosed medical condition and military service. The examiner opined that the vet has not undergone a sufficient medical work up to explore and explain the underlying etiology of his ED. Attributing the ED to hypothyroidism to include muscular weakness and weight gain, diabetes mellitus type II, sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, recurrent is completely speculative. We considered whether your condition resulted from a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) in service. (38 U.S.C. 1168, 38 U.S.C. 1710(e)(4)) The evidence of record shows participation in a TERA. We requested an examination with medical opinion based on toxic exposure risk activity (TERA). Although the evidence of record shows participation in a TERA, the medical opinion provided by the examiner does not show an association between your claimed disability and in- service TERA. (38 U.S.C. 1168, 38 CFR 3.303) Favorable Findings identified in this decision: You have been diagnosed with a disability. VA exam conducted August 25, 2023 diagnosed erectile dysfunction.

I was told by my DAV Rep that my claim for Major Depression increased to 100% and I qualify for SMC S Homebound status. When is the effective date of this? When the claim was filed or when the condition worsened to award me 100%.

My wife was denied last year for the Caregiver program. I was recently awarded an increase in my Depression from 70 to 100%. I was approved for Housebound. I was awarded to increase in my Depression due to my suicidal thoughts daily and due to this my wife cannot work. She basically is just trying to keep me alive. Is it worth it to re apply for the Caregiver Program due to this or it wont matter?

I filed my claim for SMC K secondary to ED on August 7, 2023. I filed a claim for Major Depression increase from 70% to 100% on November 20, 2023. They closed the Major Depression increase claim on November 30, 2023. I looked at the original claim and it looks like they combined the claims. Will I have to wait for the Major Depression portion of the claim to be completed before the original claim will be completed since they combined the claims together? Will the time start over?

BroncoVet, I went thru my VA medical records in regards to my SMC K claim for ED. I see in my medical records all the way back in 2014 I had a test result for low testosterone and was prescribed testosterone cream. Over the next few years it shows testosterone replacement. Also in my records it does show ED notes in June 2018 that says this Pt has had scrotal pain for six months; recent dx of benign testicular cysts. He complains of ED x year, no tx. My outside of the VA PCP put it on the problem list of Erectile Dysfuncation caused by Type 2 Diabetes in June 2018 also. Also in 2014 my VA medical records show orgamisc "issues" due to one of the meds I was taking. I am still waiting on my claim to complete. I want to be prepared when my claim is completed. When should the backdate effective date should be? The 2014 date showing low testosterone or the 2018 dates by the VA/Outside PCP? Thanks again for all of your help. You are a wealth of knowledge

I am 100% P&T since 2014. I appied for ED for SMC K. I am diagnosed with ED in my VA medical records. I am also service connected for Thyroid condition which caused me to gain over 100 lbs, Diabetes and Sleep Apnea along with Depression which the medication can cause this issue as well. The ED could be ruled secondary to any of these conditions.

I sent them in my VA Records from Blue Button which shows I am diagnosed it by a VA Dr. They told me I had a C&P Exam. I waited for the exam and no one called. I called QTC and was informed that the Dr didn't need any information from me.

is there a way to determine how long a claim will take? I have one going on 2 months and have been stuck in evidence for over a month.

I had a C&P exam for ED for SMC K. I was notified of it. Was told it was 6am a week ago on Friday. I got up early for the appointment but no one ever called. I called QTC about 7 am and was told that they didn't need any information from me. I had submitted my medical records as documentation showing that I was diagnosed with this condition by my VA doctor and am being treated for it. Is this common to where they don't do a C&P exam on you? Is it a good sign that I will get SC for this? I am 100% P & T already since 2014.

Is it worth it applying for SMC K? I am service connected for Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Depression, and Sleep Apnea. I am on multiple medications for all of these conditions. I also am obese due to the Thyroid issue and Diabetes. I am also diagnosed for PTSD and Anxiety but they are not service connected. I have talked to my VA PCP and he has prescribed me Sildenafil. I have been on this for years and it does nothing for me for ED. I have very little sexual urges and it has affected my relationship. Just wondering if it is hard to get SMC K?

JR, I am in the process of filing for OPM DR. I am likely to stay on OWCP though. It pays a lot more.

I am a 100% P&T Vet. I dont have a job anymore and I am only reimbursed by OWCP due to my PTSD. I am not asking to go to school b/c I know I cannot handle that. Just wanted an interest to pass the time.

I am trying to get ILP. Do they take into consideration other non-service connected disabilities? I have MDD from my military service and PTSD and Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia as a DOD Civilian. I lost my government job due to them separating me but I am still receiving OWCP due to my PTSD. I am just trying to get on ILP to allow me to get a camera to get out of the house at times. I just dont want to hear the BS of "You are on OWCP so we can't help you". I will probably be on OWCP for a long while. I have tried to go to school and freaked out so that is out. Hard to focus and concentrate at times. Just trying to get something that would help me pass the time. I dont even know what I would able to receive. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thank you Berta. I will look it all over.

I just reached 100% P&T. My friend who is 100% told me that his child can get college paid for. I can only find in Chapter 35 a stipend monthly. Can anyone give me more info on this or what he told me not the truth.

Congratulations!!!

I started my claim I think in 2011. I filed for a few things. was denied. I was given 0% for a broken hand to start. I then filed for Major Depressive Disorder. My wife didn't want me to file for it. She saw it as airing dirty laundry(I tried to commit suicide on AD that is why she felt that way). Anyway was given 30% for the MDD. I appealed it because they lowballed me. They never considered my suicide on AD because when i read the records they used the treatment records for my in patient were not included. I got the records and submitted them for an appeal. I then went thru my STRs with a fine tooth comb. I filed for GERD, Hypothyroidism, and Chronic Fatigue along with Sleep Apnea. in October 2013 I went from 30% to 90%. They gave me 30% for GERD/IBS, 10% for Hypothyroidism and 60% for Chronic Fatigue. My appeal was also granted and they gave me an increase for MDD to 70%. Immediately after the award I began researching my Hypothyroidism. I had a lot of weight gain since being diagnosed in 1995 and gained over 100lbs since discharge. In 2009 I was diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2 and in 2011 I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. I was denied prior for Sleep Apnea because it was not diagnosed in service. I filed a claim in November 2013 for Hypothyroidism increase, Diabetes secondary to Hypothyroidism due to Weight Gain, Sleep Apnea secondary to Hypothyroidism due to Weight Gain. I also filed for IU just in case I was not awarded. Well Sept 11 my claim was closed. I found out today I was awarded 50% for Sleep Apnea and 20% for Diabetes. Nothing else was increased. This put me to 100% and they awarded me P&T. My advice to anyone fighting the VA is NEVER GIVE UP!!! When I first started trying to get compensation I consulted with a Pro Bono Attorney. She told me she would not help me because I did not have a shot at any compensation. This motivated me! I read the CFR. I researched my conditions. When the VA tells you NO don't give up... On my first claim I applied for Mononucleosis(had it 5 times over a period of 4-5 years). Was denied... Told no residuals. I didn't give up. I researched Mono and learned that after 6 months mono turns into CFS. I then filed for CFS presumptive to GWI. I had the medical documentation and they gave me 60%. Thanks for the well wishes everyone. I am so relieved that I dont have to do anymore but in a way the VA claims kept me motivated. It was not easy but it is WELL worth it in the long run. My goal was never about the money.. I have an autistic son and the CHAMPVA benefits will allow him more help.

Checked E-Benefits this morning and found out that my claim was closed and I was awarded 100% P&T. Went from 90 to 100%. So relieved now!!!

I am 90% SC(93 technically). I am SC for GERD/IBS at 30%. I filed a claim for ES secondary to GERD back in 11/2013. Does having your Esophagus dialated constitute a diagnosis of ES? Part of my claim for GERD was dysphagia. I have also read that GERD causes ES. Just wanted to get thoughts on getting SC for ES.

John, I cant get a schedule award. They consider the brain an injury not eligible for schedule award. I filed for IU but I did file for a few secondary conditions as well and an increase in my hypothyroidism. I am at 93% currently so my hope is that I will either get a secondary condition or an increase and that would put me at 100%. The IU was a backup to get to 100% in case the others were not granted.

John Thanks for all the info... I guess filing for OPM DR for me kind of makes it a finality that I won't be going back to work and that is why I havent done it yet. I want to stay on OWCP as long as I can b/c of the difference in pay... for me I would lose a lot of money since some of my OWCP money is post diff/hazard pay which has increased my OWCP monthly amount. I am curious as to what SSDI says... they are supposed to make a decision fairly soon. I liked my job just my PTSD and anxiety cause me havoc. I have panic attacks 2-3 times a day and stay at home b/c I can't handle going out in public sometimes.

John, It is hard to deal with. Mine wasnt so much about tactics as survival. I just CYA'd myself as I went along. I made sure I keep every psych exam and scan it in to my computer along with VA notes, etc. I just recently filed for SSDI and still pending. I hope I will be approved. I have 3 conditions currently(MDD, PTSD and Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia).so I hope that would be enough evidence for approval. I have filed for OPM DR yet. Haven't done the paperwork on it yet. To be honest it kind of overwhelms me. I don't want to be disabled. I would be surprised if I get declined for SSDI b/c I am only 40. They haven't separated me from service yet but I need to do my OPM DR paperwork soon b/c I have 1 yr from separation to do it. I need to dot I's and cross T's. It sucks having multiple mental health conditions. I just try to deal with it day by day.

John I just went to the VA on Monday for a C&P for my Depression since I filed for IU... This is what the psychologist said in the report. 1. Diagnosis ------------ a. Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a mental disorder(s)? [X] Yes[ ] No If the Veteran currently has one or more mental disorders that conform to DSM-5 criteria, provide all diagnoses: Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Severe without Psychotic Features Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Comments, if any: As diagnosed by Dr. C. Repanshek on 1/18/13. The stressor causing his PTSD occurred outside of his military service, as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan in 2010, and is unrelated to his diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. a. Which of the following best summarizes the Veteran's level of occupational and social impairment with regards to all mental diagnoses? (Check only one) [X] Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or mood b. For the indicated level of occupational and social impairment, is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by each mental disorder? [X] Yes[ ] No[ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed If yes, list which portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis: The Veteran's social and occupational impairment is primarily caused by his diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Severe without Psychotic Features. As a result of his problems with low energy, diminished interest, and decreased motivation, the Veteran began to miss work, calling out sick. This also placed a strain on his family, and his ability to help care for himself, and assist his wife in caring for their children. The following exam uses the DSM-5 format, as the referral was seen and evaluated after the department's conversion to the DSM-5 and the associated DBQs. The following conclusions would not be different if the DSM-IV criteria had been used. The Veteran continues to meet the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Severe without Psychotic Features. The Veteran described having the following ongoing problems: poor sleep; depressed mood, with ruminative thoughts and worries about his family; low energy and motivation; loss of interest in most activities; feelings of worthlessness; and reduced ability to concentrate. These symptoms were first observed and briefly treated during his military service in 1997. Additionally, the Veteran meets the criteria for the diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as a result of his civilian service in Afghanistan in 2010. He reportedly experienced several stressful events where he feared for his life. He continues to re-experience these events through intrusive thoughts and memories. He stated he attempts to avoids reminders of these experiences by isolating himself at home and avoiding crowds. When he cannot avoid thinking about it, he described being upset and needing to get away from others for a period of time. He characterizes himself as increasingly irritable and watchful since his return from deployment. These symptoms developed in 2010, and represent a new and separate condition from his Major Depressive Disorder, and are part of a separate etiology.