USAFSP

Trying to find medical articles/evidence supporting the fact that depression worsens Essential Tremors. Thanks.

I understand mental health ratings are calculated at 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%. And the VA regs list the criteria considered in order to determine a specific rating. My question is this. Do they consider how these criteria impact the veteran when he is ON VA issued meds or how they affect him WITHOUT being on the meds?

I tried the blue button on myHealthevet. But my c&p notes weren't on there. I'll take another look.

The following statement was from my most recent visit: "Reports that his mood has been helped with his antidepressant medication but he still has residual depression which sounds to be exacerbated by chronic pain from his back." I'm going to go ahead file my claim and see how it goes. On another note, what does it take to get a copy of my most recent c&p exam? I sent a request to regional office with the date of exam, physician, and location of the exam. VA sent me back a cd-rom with 832 pages of records. It even includes the request form I submitted. But no c&p record. My decision was in August 2014.

georgiapapa... did you use a paper copy DBQ and send it in with your claim or did the provider complete it online?

georgiapapa... did you use a paper copy DBQ and send it in with your claim or did the provider complete it online?

Thanks for the input guys. My mental health provider hasn't really documented a "path" between the two. They just diagnosed the anxiety and depression with no real explanation. They note work stress and pain but only briefly. But I've been taking two VA prescription meds for this for @ 4 years. For my back I take meloxicam, got trigger point injections, use a custom non-rigid back brace. Used gabapentin until the high dosage caused too much drowsiness. Now use Cymbalta(?) also for nerve pain in my legs. For my past claims I highlighted the issues in my records, wrote a letter explaining my issues and their effect on me, and prayed. I have an appt tomorrow and am tempted to explain that I have mentioned in the past that I feel the anxiety/depression is from the chronic back and leg pain yet it has not been addressed in my record.

I intend to file a claim for depression secondary to my SC IVDS and Sciatica. My depression stems from my diminished quality of life and limited activity due to the chronic pain. I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression NOS by my VA mental health. However, will the VA require the statement of a mental health professional to the effect of "veteran's depression is caused by chronic pain related to his service connected condition"? I'm hesitant to dictate to the doctor what to annotate. But I know VA doctors are hesitant to enter much info that would substantiate a claim. Anyone had experience in this area that can offer some advice?