DocGotQuestions

Hi everyone, I just registered here after having some major anxiety about what steps I need to take to request an increase from my 20%/0% service-connection for a shoulder injury and headaches from the USN. I received my compensation back in 2007 or so, and just recently received a letter relating to the Physical Disability Review Board. When I left the Navy, I was pretty upset at the idea and didn't do my due diligence when it came to appealing, or even complaining about what I was rated. Bad idea, because since then I have been plagued with depression, more shoulder pain, and stonger headaches. I haven't really held employment since leaving the Navy and that hasn't helped. Usually once the employer finds out that I can't really do any sort of heavy lifting, I'm given the boot. I've been living off of my $250 a month and that doesn't help with the depression I've had since being found unfit for my Navy. To this point, I neglected to request a higher percentage from the VA for my shoulder, or even request an evaluation for my depression because I'm scared of the drawbacks that could happen. This is where the PDBR comes in, where a reduction isn't possible. Could I be be increased through the PDBR, even though both the USN and VA rated me at 20%? The part about current treatment worries me because since seperating, I refused treatment options from my VA physican. I was given Oxy while active duty and lets just say it was a slippery slope, and something I have avoided since. I never told my Doctor's that I had became addicted to it, and I'm scared to for obvious reasons. As such, I just go about my days trying to baby my shoulder and avoid the "treatment" plans for it. I do feel like I should be raised to at least 30% for the problems I have incured, but I'm not sure how big my cause could be seeing as I don't stay doped up on narc's all day. Does anyone have any insight? It would be a great help. Thanks in advance!