PFDR

Then there's this option.
You think you have a MH issue, based on your symptoms, right. Your symptoms are the only thing the VA considers you to be an expert on, evidence wise. You need to determine exactly what type of MH issue you have. Seeking non VA MH assistance can cost $100+ per hr. if your private Ins covers it, ok.
You could opt for a VA Group MH program, usually lead by a MH Social Worker.
VMC MH procedures may have changed somewhat since 2010, back then your PCP administered a PTSD Q & A Screening, about 10 - 15 questions regarding your symptoms. Depending on your Score, you were referred to the VMC MH Dept, where a MH Nurse did another Q & A Screening. After which, based on your score, you could choose to see a Psychiatrist for treatment or attend Group Therapy (about 12 Vets). I opted for the Group and did about 21/2 years of weekly sessions. Never saw a VA Psychiatrist, except for the PTSD C & P which was held about 3 mos after I filed the claim, the day after I was assigned to the PTSD Group.
You don't need an Actual Psychiatrist's DX of your MH condition to file the claim.
Start a MH FDC on your E-Ben Site to establish a file date for Retro.
Secure Msg Your VMC PCP on your MHV Site, Secure Msg link. Discuss your need for a MH Evaluation, you can even reference the severity of your Symptoms. This Secure Msg will become part of your VMC Clinician Notes, think "Paper Trail."
Semper Fi

Is this for a PTSD claim?
If so, you will need the PTSD diagnosis from a VA MH professional ( 2010 PTSD regulations).
If the 10% you have now is for SC PTSD and you want to claim a higher rating,and need an IMO maybe one of these doctors in your area could help:
https://psychiatrists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=Houston&state=TX&spec=19
I googled PTSD Psychiatrists Houston Tx and a whole bunch of MH professionals  popped up.
 
 

This is an award for Sjogren's Syndrome from the BVA.:
http://www.index.va.gov/search/va/view.jsp?FV=http://www.va.gov/vetapp14/Files5/1441401.txt
The case contains a good nexus the veteran had:
“Regarding the second and third Hickson elements, in-service incurrence and evidence of a medical nexus, the Board acknowledges the Veteran's service treatment records are silent for a diagnosis of or treatment for Sjögren's syndrome.  However, an August 1985 service treatment record indicates the Veteran received care for arthralgia of her left foot, during a period of active duty service.  Additionally, in an April 2008 letter, Dr. J. W., the Veteran's treating rheumatologist, opined that the Veteran's Sjögren's syndrome initially manifested during her period of active service between 1984 and 1987.  In his rationale for the rendered opinion, Dr. J. W. explained that the symptoms in question were migratory symmetrical polyarthralgias, symptoms that are quite typical of early Sjögren's syndrome, and eventually became the swollen joints the Veteran now suffers from.  He further explained that the joints in question, hands and feet, were also typical of Sjögren's syndrome.  He also noted that the Veteran had a positive antinuclear antibody test which showed a slow progression of the initial illness, and had lymphadenopathy, which demonstrated that the Veteran's immune system was beginning to be overactive. 
 
Additionally, the September 2008 VA examiner opined that the Veteran's symptoms of inflammatory arthritis first manifested in August 1985, and that it was easy to deduce that those symptoms were related to the Veteran's current Sjögren's syndrome.
 
This BVA case reflects the diagnostic code and rating info for Sjogren’s Syndrome.
http://www.index.va.gov/search/va/view.jsp?FV=http://www.va.gov/vetapp14/Files6/1451816.txt
This syndrome can appear initially as polyarthralgia, as well as inflammatory arthritis per the above BVA case.
 

This BVA 2014 decision contains the ratings for Sjogrens:

ORDER

Entitlement to a 20 percent initial rating, but no higher, for Sjogren's syndrome with bilateral dry eye syndrome is granted, subject to the law and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.

Entitlement to a 60 percent initial rating, but no higher, for Hashimoto's thyroiditis is granted, subject to the law and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.

Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for sinusitis, claimed as headaches, is denied.

http://www.va.gov/vetapp14/Files6/1451816.txt


This is regarding a past lupus SC award but the decision involved a denial of CUE claim.

http://www.va.gov/vetapp00/files1/0004475.txt

This decision for Lupus states:

"ORDER

An effective date of December 19, 1969, for the award of
service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the
disbursement of VA compensation."

http://www.va.gov/vetapp04/files2/0418096.txt

This is another award for Lupus:
"ORDER

Service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus is granted.

Service connection for fibromyalgia is granted. "

http://www.va.gov/vetapp11/files3/1126304.txt

This case specifically awartds for discoid lupus

ORDER

Service connection for discoid lupus erythematosus is
granted.
http://www.va.gov/vetapp04/files4/0430666.txt



Lupus ratings can be found about halfway down the VA Schedule of Ratings, here at hadit.

Congratulations to both of you!   Like yourself, I was very suprised when I got my rating.  I think its because we are in denial.    Nobody wants to get old and disabled.  I was a hard worker, and did not think of my self as a disabled person.  I struggled with my disabilities for years...decades...before they got so bad I applied.  

Hello Inthewind....unfortunately you will not be able to obtain any copies from QTC or from VES (Veterans Evaluations Services) on your own. The only time you can obtain a copy READILY and EASILY is from a VAMC or VA clinic. The reason you cannot get a copy is because the Regional Office OWNS the report , because it was ordered by the Regional Office(RO). Just as Jbasser said.

However there is a way to get them but you will have to contact your Congressman and get them to send the report to them for you. I had to do that on my last QTC and it only took them one week to get me a copy from the QTC report. I am going to have to do it again for the VES exam last year.

The FOIA route is a waste of time. I still have not heard from them on my last one , from 4 years ago.

Yes,,,,if you can pull it off , you can try to go to your RO physically and show up and ask to see your cfile and get a copy , but each RO is different . Some ROs say you have to schedule a meeting and that will and does take time.

Lastly the only way I know how to get a copy of your exam ,,,,,, without Congressional help and I did this once and it paid off BIG TIME..........was to request another copy of your CFILE and pay the ROs copying fees.

Heres how they catch you on that one. You, the Veteran, are entitled to ask for a complete copy of your CFile. ONLY THE FIRST TIME. Free of charge. I had to pay nearly 300 dollars to get the updated Cfile to pay for copying at their rates, the second time . I had already used my once free copy no charge, but unfortunately it was before the QTC exam which was excellent in my favor. When I got it , I was lucky that the QTC report was there,,,,,,,,,though plastered with the "copy prohibited" clouds on the pages. Still it was better than nothing and I got my results. And it was GOLDEN as it was favorable to the point it opened the door to my first 40% cookie as Jbasser likes to call them.

Now when the Congressman gets involved and asks for the ROs to send your QTC or VES exams , rest assured they will not have the "copy prohibited" backplastered on the page. It will be a clean copy for you or who ever needs to use them.

So , you have 2 choices. Either ask for another Cfile and pay for it or go the Congressman route and get it free. The third choice I did not list because if you elect to go to your RO ,,,,and see if you can get it means a probable "NO" from your RO. Though it is a gamble on whether that will work.

Whatever way you choose , please remember that the Veteran remain diligent and above all to ......................NEVER GIVE UP...............C.C.