john6012

Welcome back to the world. Glad you made it back and sorry you're having trouble. Don't dispair, when they prescribe medications, it's sometimes a series of trial and error until they hit on the right medication. Some work, some don't. What ever you do, get help. You have the right to receive medical care at your local VA hospital. If the doctor doesn't help or is unsympathetic, ask for another MD, I've done it before and they switch doctors without question and the doctor you have an issue with doesn't even know you've left his/her care. God bless you and all that are serving!

Thank you for your kind reply. I'm in the process and am waiting for the RO to assign percentages, so I guess I won't out guess them and wait for them to respond. God bless! John 3:16

I even tried the excell download and couldn't get it to work due to my ignorance. So if I have 10% X 7 and 20% X 2 =110% according to my teachers but is it 80 or 90% according to the VA? Thanks!

Tbird, I just tried the disability calculator and put in my percentages and clicked submit and it doesn't work. Anyone else have this problem?

I guess it settled, I just rec'd a letter fromt he VA and they are going to reevaluate me on all my SC conditions. Since they've gotten worse over the past 15-20 years I'm not really worried. Thanks for your inputs, John

He who has the gold makes the rules. The people who make the laws pass bills hat are favorable to them (Congress). They are filthy rich and become wealthier as they "serve." Often it is at our expense, paid for by the lives of our young, healthy service members while they invest in companies that make millions if not billions off of the blood of our finest. And they are too busy fighting amongst themselves to really attack the problems this nation faces. If they can't come to an aggreement among themselves how can they relate to favorable relations with foreign countries? Shame on them!

I opened my c-file regarding C&P for depression and I just re'd a call from RO aand they are scheduling me an appointment for hearing and tinnitus. I have had 10% for bilateral tinnutis and 0% for hearing since '85 so I've met the 20 year rule so i don't understand why? I did have a hearing exam the other day totally unrelated at the VA and they said I have to wear hearing aids in both ears but my hearing isn't real bad in 500, 1000, 2000,etc frequencies. High frequentcy is up to 55-70 db loss. I don't know why they want me to be evaluated, I can't believe they are wanting to help....

I have 10% on my back and 10% for each shoulder and 10% for the ankle. All are bothering me but I have a case pending for depression. I'm doing ok with the pain and recently I've had muscle spasms and they gave me Flexeril and a TENS unit and I am waking up with shoulder pains (I can't lay on either side nor on my stomach for very long without having considerable pain that prevents me from sleeping. Moreover, my ankle is worse that it ever has been. Should I let it rest and wait until the other claim is decided or get with an SO and reopen my c-file? Thanks

Thanks Berta for answering. No, I haven't had anything from the VA. All I did was write them a letter asking that they open my claim file. I was told to take the C&P exam form to the psychologist and that he was to fill it out but he didn't know what a C-file was and neither did I. I plan on taking my 214 to him but I was confused as to who would fill out the form. Thanks again, John

I'm going to see my psychologist tomorrow for a PTSD evaluation and I've printed out the VA Compensation and Pension Examination (Initial Eval for PTSD) and the papers state, Sources of information: Records revied (C-file, DD-214, medical records, orhter documentation. How in the world can I my C-file and VA medical records for the pyschologists review? I have the 214 and copies of pertinent data in my military medical records. Does this psy guy fill out the form as much as he can and then the remainder is left to a VA examiner?? I don't think so. Can you help?????? Thanks

Thanks Chief! I am not s/c for depression but in my heart I believe I will be within a year....? I will post progess or lack of for you folks to oversee.

How does one go about applying for TDIU? I'm already on SS, I can't do a thing yet until the psy guy finishes with me. That may be in about a month, maybe more. But if you'll tell me, I'll do whatever I have to prepare. Thank you for your positive comment! John

Berta and all, I don't like to admit it but I am a retired E-8 USAF and not working. I am 70& sc at present -arthritis and don't know what TDIU (but I will check on this site to find out) I'm sure if it's more money I wouldn't qualifiy anyway due to my retirement income. The reason I don't like to admit being retired AF is that many people are envious and I tell them they had the same opportunity so I just don't tell many people. That's it in a nutshell. I was never tgreated in the military for this condition although it existed and have three letters as I've previously mentioned (one from an MD) and two from NCO's all with contact information (phone and SSAN) I doubt that the depression is secondary to arthritis pain although it could remotely be possible. I was stationed at Phan Rand AB and Vung Tau in Vietnam "66-67and Korat and Non com (sp) Phanom in Thailand "65 AFSC 62250-sort of like services sqadron today. Thanks again, John

I was in the USAF and have the VN medal with campaign stars but that's it. It doesn't mean anything as yoiu well know. I do not have a service officer, I went to the OKC VAMC and the DAV rep position was vacant and they told me that a rep comes down from Tulsa on (I think) 1st and 3rd Thursday, So, I fired off a letter to RO and they sent me a letter and I checked "more info to follow" and sent it back. They then sent me a letter stating that they were deciding my case but due to the workload...etc.etc. I've been keeping copies of all data and will in fact obtain a copy of my diagnosis from the psychologist. I don't know if I should go to the VA and ask for counselling at the same time I'm receiving counselling from the civilian psy??? One reason i sought civilian counselling is that the VA psychiatrist did not offer counselling (and of course, I didn't ask) so I am on VA meds and then I see a another MD who offered counselling and reduced my meds that the VA gave me so that if I do go back to the VA they'll mad as h-e double hockey stick more than likely. I sent the ltr to RO on 22 Jan 07 requesting that my files be reopened to include depression. I've sent letter to the RO authorizing them to request copies of my MR's. I am the jerk that never sought tx while in the AF and now I have to prove my condition. I have a letter from an MD I knew in the AF and two letters from NCO's that confirm that I had a mental problem. So I am hoping I have the resonable doubt in my favor. Main thing is to get well. This depression/PTSD is not a laughing matter and I feel sorry for those that have the problem. Thanks for your info and recommendations. This is where I stand at the moment and if you have any suggestions, please send them on. My brother wanted to drive a jeep (I found out on the web) and the guy he replaced put an entry on the virtual wall that "he didn't have to do it, and that he was supposed to be the driver-it wasn't worth his life" I din't weep/cry then and then my wife died and then my mother died and I never wept. I can't for some reson. I told this to the psy guy.....

There is a form I need to take to the psychologist, do any of you know the VA fom number? Mountain Tyme sent me a "form" but I can't type all of it without repeated mistakes. If you could tell me the form number, I'll go to the VA MHC and ask for the form--that is if they'll give it to me. Thanks

Tbanks to both of you! I am going to forge ahead and hopefully win this one. I'm not trying to scam or commit fraud, only let the truth prevail. I'll take your advice and run! I have all that Berta said. God Bless!

I just came home from seeing my psychologist. I gave him the PTSD info someone suggested along with copies of letters from people I knew in the militaryI took in on my first visit. He reviewed it and said, it will entail an 8 hour testing procedure and in his experience, only 5-10% of cases were approved at the VA for compensation. I am trying to be positive about this but he didn't sound positive although he said my depression was from moderate to severe. He said I might check out some VA groups such as DAV or go to some PTSD groups at the VA. I wonder if: (1) I should go ahead with him and take the tests at his office or (2) Find out from him what kind of tests I need and ask for them from the MHC at the VA or, (3) Just go to the VA MHC Clinic and ask for counselling and appropriate testing?

I spent time in Viet Nam and am concerned about Agent Orange effects. How does one obtain an AO exam? Do I ask the RO to set me up or should I ask the local VA ospital? Thanks, John

I was on 40mg as prescribed by a MD at the VA who barely mumbles english. Before he put me on Celexa, he had me on other meds and when I'd call him and say they weren't working he say, "take two." I tried his method and frankly don't have much faith in this psychiatrist not because he is of mideastern decent but because he treats "over the phone." I know I needed help, not so much with medication butin addition to other therapy. He didn't offer other therapy so I went to a civilian MD who reduced the Celexa to 20mg and said, he usually starts his patients off with a lower dosage. He also referred my to a psychologist and I am looking forward to that! Sorry this is so long but yes, your dosage of Celexa seems to be a bit excessive. I don't know your specific condition but perhaps you should obtain a second opinion or at least if it's a VA doc change doctors. Some of them are good only for a signature and wouldn't be at the VA if they were really comptent. Others say they work there because they don't have to pay malpractice insurance. Ya can't sue the docs that work at the VA....go figure. I wouldn't want a mechanic working on my car if he/she wasn't competent. So far I haven't had any problems with the Celexa but it is of low dosage and really hasn't helped my problem. I have had liver failure due to the incompetance of a VA PA and attempted to file a claim but it was denied since the liver regenerated itself. I'm sorry this is so lone but I don't get many chances to off-load.

I was reviewing my original rating exam from '85 and they had a left ankle injury listed as Jul 22, 1985 (NSC) rather than the correct date of Aug 22, 1977. Is this significant? Evidently they got mixed up and failed to review accurately. I guess now I can reopen the ankle trauma more easily as sc?? I separated from the military in "85 and the trauma did not occur in '85 IT WAS '77! I guess the GS-4's were asleep at the switch.....

I know hyperthyroidism causes insomnia/depression and vice versa. Hypothyroidism does cause a decrease in metabolism which in turn can cause obesity which leads to heart disease, htn, arthitis certain body parts due to carrying excess weight etc. However, if medicated properly, this lack of metabolism can be contained. Reserarch hypothyroidism on webmd.com and youy'll find valuable information from a elgitimate source.

1968 vv, I'm not really caught up into religion and I know what you mean. Some prople go overboard but I don't, it's the others choice what they want to follow. I just don't like the new age stuff or scientology etc. In all respect, I guess we shouldn't even speak of religion or Hillary on this board. Your comments were right on target.

Thanks to all of you who have replied. Originally I was wanting compensation but now, all I want is to get well. I never knew that depression could make one so miserable. I am in the process of seeing a christian psychologist even though I could have chosen a psychiatrist. According to my insurance if I don't feel right about a counseller, I can walk and seek out another counseler. Thanks again, John

Yes, both treatments are in the SMR. Only one visit each but on the elbow they changed my arthritis medication to another drug so maybe the drug worked because I didn't RTC? Thanks for the reply. I will press on.

I thought I'd posted this before but can't find it on the forum. I was treated in '81 for a sprained wrist and in '85 for a painful elbow. One visit each. On my original rating exam after I left the military they stated both were NSC. Now the elbow gets really painful. I was ignorant on the 1st exam and many years later realize I should have contested it. Is it difficult at this point (over 20 years later) to raise this issue with my beloved VA?