[Ptsd Claim]

Yes, I first put in a claim for depression, secondary due to my disabilities. But after seeing the VA Psych. Doc. He asked questions about everything and said I had Major Depression and PTSD. I have requested my Medical Records to find out exactly where I stand but haven't received them yet. I have learned via this forum, that you can only get a rating for 1 mental disability. Therefore, I did not want my upcoming C&P for depression, saying it's NOT depression it's PTSD. So I quickly made an amendment and added PTSD to my claim that I have pending. Hopefully, I have done the right thing. I figure now they can sort out by brain and tell me which is worst, Major Depression or PTSD.

RWAY

[Ptsd Claim]

Thanks for the information. The more I read in this Forum, the more everything makes sense. I am still learning what the initials are, such as (SMR) meaning Service Medical Records. What does IMO mean? I also, can see how I lost my first claim. When I had my exams, I said yes and no to everything, without expanding or explaining anything. That definitely hurt my case. I am ready to speak up now, thanks to everyones input. Gotta love ya all.

RWAY

[Ptsd Claim]

I am confused on what date is correct. I have been diagnosed with ptsd by VA doctors and am confident that it will be service connected do to 2 stressors (one in 1985 and another in 1991). My question is, my doctors have asked me when (what date) did these stressor start affecting me. The answer I have been giving them is, from those dates on (1985, 1991). I am just finally able to talk about them. Is the date that I am diagnosed going to be the date that the C&P docs go by? Because I have the C&P coming up and do not want to mess up anything. Or should I state that the date is 2005, since I have not been able to work since then do to my PTSD problems?

Thanks RWAY

[Questions On Back Strain (5295) & Tinnitus]

I stated that I am bedridden an average of 9 days a month and on those days and whenI tried to walk or stand, I would have drop down to my knees. I have even had to crawl to the bathroom.

Not sure why they gave %10 Tinnitus also. I thought maybe, because I had Tinnitus in my records a few years before I had all the other symptoms of Menieres. But, I am not sure.

rway

[Questions On Back Strain (5295) & Tinnitus]

I was awarded 30% SC on my previous Menieres claim and I am pursuiting an increase at this time. I was also awarded 10% for Tinnitus. I was surprised that it was found service connected. In my service medical records I had complained only about my ears ringing, feeling full and loss of hearing when seen by the ENT. I did complain to the GP doctor about getting dizzy and having migraines every now. My GP was looking only at my blood pressure. When I got out of the Service I filed a claim for Migraines, I was sent also to C&P ENT for a examination. I never even filed a claim for Tinnitus. The C&P ENT doctor just asked me the right questions and put it all together. Then he sent me for more testing to see if he was right. The end results, Menieres 30%, Tinnitus 10%, Migraines 10%. I was lucky because I never complained about dizziness before to the ENT's. The Menieres award does say "Meniere's disease with hearing impairment, vertigo, and tinnitus. And I still was awarded and additional 10% for Tinnitus. At this time I can only find the first page from my award. When I find the rest of the package, I could probably tell you more. I do know that it stated if I have cerebellar gait problems, I would be considered for the next higher rating.

Hope this info helps.

rway

[Questions On Back Strain (5295) & Tinnitus]

Thank you both (Rickb54 & Vike17)

I have my Mental Health Appt. Wed. and probably would have never mentioned to him that I was there for a secondary claim to my disabilities. I do not like to talk about any of my problems, I generally listen to everyone elses. Hopefully, I will be able to open up. What can I expect when I go there? Is there going to be a oral or written test?

I asked my VA doctor if she would write a short letter stating her opion on my conditions and she said no, that she writes everything in the medical records and that should be sufficient. I looked through my copies of all my records and found nothing on my back or knee conditons for the past 3 years. Throughout the three years I have only been complaining about my migraines and Menieres. I have only been taking Meds that are dual purpose, such as Gabapentin and Ibuprofen for my Back and Knee pain which I also take both for Migraines. I guess I am worried because she never mentions my back or knee. I have never been reexamined for them. I was awarded both disabilities back in 1998. In fact I have never been reexamined for anything (Migraines, Menieres, Tinnitus, Knee Condition, Arthritis, Back Strain, or Rosacea) They all were awarded in 1998 except Menieres in 2001. Do you think the 5/10 year thing-a-mi-jig will play a factor?

Thanks again, RWAY

[Questions On Back Strain (5295) & Tinnitus]

Thank you. Yes, you have answered all my questions and have been quite helpful.

This forum is great. I wished it was here back when I retired. I can tell it is helping a lot of Vets. Keep up the great work.

[Questions On Back Strain (5295) & Tinnitus]

I have recently went to DAV help putting in for an increase on my disabilities (Meniere's and Migraines). The DAV personnel saw that I was really depressed and told me that I need to check the possibility of having depression add to my claim as Secondary do to all my disabilities. I went to my primary VA doctor and she agreed and put me on the drug Lamictal and made an appointment with Mental Health. The DAV then filled out my paperwork for an increase in all disabilities with Secondary Depression do to these disabilities. My Questions are.....

Am I going to have a C&P for all of my disabilities? I mainly wanted my Menieres and Migraine ratings increased.

What if they believe my other ratings should be decreased? I have a knee conditon (5257) that was rated 30% which is the max that it can be rated, and I do not want to mess that up.

I also have 10% for a Back Strain (5295) and I have not been able to find the code in the rating schedule of musculoskeletal. Can anyone help me locate the ratings for (5295)?

I have also read in the Hadit forum of Bilateral Tinnitus. In the rating schedule, I can only find a 10% rating for Tinnitus (6260). Is there such a rating of Bilateral Tinnitus?

Thanks for any help!