I am still waiting on the decision to be mailed. I know I won the MDD claim but I am so damn curious about how they rated it and their explanation as to service connection. The funny part now is that they "ACCIDENTALLY" removed my attorneys access to the my records. So he is blind sort of speaking. However, before losing access he saw the proposed decision in the works. I know they service connected all the issues on my claim. A 50% for one and zero's for the others. What I want and need is the decision. Also the DRO must have decided against my appeal because now Ebennies states that an SOC was mailed. Anyways off point.
With any mental condition or set of mental conditions if they cannot be separated then they are rated with the most predominant illness, however, that doesn't mean that suddenly the others don't exist or go away. PTSD and depression and anxiety are closely related. In itself PTSD in an anxious state due to a traumatic event or series of events. JMO but I would like to meet an individual that suffers from PTSD and does not have anxiety or depression issues. I am not sure that would be possible. JMO but I believe those go hand in hand.
Per the regs if they can't separate them, then it is combined and the most prominent condition becomes the basis for service connection and ratting. Again this is just from my experience and reading of the regulations that relate to this.
If anyone else has a take on this please chime in. Because I am getting ready to dig in and fight this before I even get the hardcopy decision back. I already started on my NOD and looking over how to file the form 9 and waiver of review. I am not doing a DRO review again.
AskNod is right on point with the DRO review. It is a waste of time IMO as well. Try it once and don't go back to it again. Head straight to BVA if your evidence and case is strong. Save back at least one peace of evidence or strong IME/IMO. I believe that is the strongest attack.
Anyways of point again. With mental conditions that are intertwined like this. I still believe you have to approach treating the conditions from a multi faceted attack plan. Bite my tongue, the VA does have some excellent resources, and once you get the Doctors on board, you can get quality treatment. For those that are tech savvy the PTSD app is a good resource. Meditation and breathing exercises help me quite a bit. Also get a hobby, the distraction, even if brief, does so much. Most importantly have a support structure, whether it be a spouse or significant other. My last point talk or chat with people that have gone and are going through what your facing. It makes me closer to being normal when I do some of these things. JMO