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Some additional information. I was diagnosised with the major depression before the Fibro, so which came first. Fibro was not well understood by medically staff when I was first diagnosed. Also, of note I did not have any additional C & P exams done until a follow up in 2004. So during the time from first VA exam (8/1999) my symptoms of depression increased significantly. What is also interesting is that I was receiving care the entire time by the VA. Currently, I am rated 70% for depression, migraines 50%, fibro 40%, back 20%, tinnutis 10%, which totals 90%. I am currently working, just barely struggling with a desk job, so I was not considered unemployable. My employer has been very kind to me, so I am thankful for that. I really apprecitate everyone's take on my situation. Thanks!!

Here is what I gleaned from the paperwork. I will also try to answer the questions in the posts. The orginal diagnosis of Major Depression in the initial claim (11/1/1999) "Service connection has been establised as directily related to military service". The DRO appeal dated 06/23/2003 decision "Service connection for major depression is severed and your depressive symptoms are contemplated within the evaluation assisgned for your service connected fibromyalgia". 10/13/1998: Discharged from active duty for "Major Depression associated with Fibromyalgia". 08/17/1999: VA exam at Denver Decision: "Service connection for Fibromyalgia denied. "Service connection for major depression is granted with 10% effective 11/1/1998. 06/23/2003: Appealed with the following decision: "Service connection for fibromyalgia with major depression, sleep disorder, and fatigue' Is granted with an evaluation of 40% with effective date of 10/14/1998. "Service connection for major depression is severed and your depressive symptom are contemplated within the evaluation assigned for your service connected fibromyalgia. Per notes in decision: "We cannot establish separate evaluations for your major depression and service connected fibromyalgia as this may be pyramiding." 12/28/2011: Applied for PTSD due to military sexual trauma, was diagnosed by the VA in 2010. While on active duty was sexual harassed by supervisor, filed a complaint that was substantiated by outside investigation, EEO and was then subjected to continued harassment and threats by supervisor. Finally, discussed with a VA MH staff and was diagnosed by them for PTSD. Decision: PTSD denied due to "Service connection for PTSD is denied because the evidence of record does not show a confirmed diagnosis." "We have assigned a 70% evaluation for major depression, previously, your major depression was contemplated within the evaluation for fibromyalgia. You are now receiving separate evaluations for your major depressive disorder as secondary to the fibromyalgia because it is more advantageous to you." I do not know if anyone in the forum can offer any advice, if they can it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Hi, Thanks for the input. I am currently working. I will review information when I get home and will scan and post what I can find. It sounds like my ignorance of the system caused me to screw myself. The only reason that I applied for an increase was that started working at the VA and realized that I should have rated differently. The VSO's that I have dealt with are not very knowledgeable, so it is very frustrating. Thanks for the assistance.

I just recently found this website and would like to share my story and see if anyone has suggestions about it. I was active duty AF and was medically retired in 1998 due to Depression & fibromylgia, I applied for disability with the VA (right after discharge) and it was denied, I appealed and was given a 40% rating for the fibro and nothing for the depression, the letter I received stated that the VA considered it part of the fibro (it was retro from my date of seperation from the AF). In 2011, I applied for an increase and new claim for migraines. I was rated at 70% for the depression and 50% for the migraines and the fibro was continued at the 40%. My question is should it not have been retroactive from the date of the orginal claim, I was not even aware that I could have appealed the date until I read posts on this forum. It is definitely past the one year mark. My question is their anything I can do about it now? I appreciate any suggestions and thank everyone for their time.