jmack

Yeah, I've tried it. After about a week I had the perfect plan and desire to kill myself. It really had me feeling good about putting my 9mm in my mouth and pulling the trigger. The drug made me feel that that was the answer to all my pain, fatigue, diabetes, depression, etc. etc. It was prescribed to me for depression. I was fortunate that I fell asleep during this "perfect plan" otherwise I would not be here today. Thank goodness that I had an appt with all the shrinkeroos the following day and was discontinued from the cymbalta. But everyone reacts differently. Hope this helps. jmack

Sorry to hear about your son, my condolences. I would think that the first thing you may consider if not already is a referral for a endocrinologist. Search for one, especially if you have additional medical insurance. Sometimes these primary care providers try to be "one doc fits all" so see if you can get an endocrinologist involved, they are the experts in that area. Good luck, Jmack

Just this morning, they called my wife for more info, she was a honest as could be and the DDS lady said that she would mail her something to sign. So that seems encouraging. So keep praying. jmack

Thanks all for your replies. I will start to search for an attorney, but hope that I won't need one. Jmack

Chuck, I didn't realize that I could go to the SSA and they would give me the details. But what is your opinion of the decision? jmack

Ok everyone, I spoke with the SSA DDS about 2 weeks ago and they said that a decision had been reached. They said that they couldn't tell me over the phone but it would be "mailed out tomorrow, or next week". That was 2 weeks ago and I still have not heard anything. Is this good, bad, or a call back again a see if they will give me an answer. What do you brothers and sisters think? This is driving me up the walls. jmack

Berta, You bring to the table a very interesting point regarding an appeal and a CUE claim. How beneficial is it if you WIN a CUE claim? Perhaps you could explain it to me? If it means that I am/was entitled to more money, then let me mentioned that after reviewing my C-file there appears to be several mistakes regarding other claims that I feel wasn't rated appropriately. What do you think, or any other members have any insight? Sure could use the money. jmack

Hey, give me 12.5 mg of Ambien CR and about 30 minutes of watching the tube, along with my cpap, and I sleep good for about 5 hours. jmack

Good job!!! hopefully he will get it ALL and be able to enjoy it. jmack

Thanks Berta, They kind of short-changed me anyhow from the beginning by rating both knees at only 10%. And you are the second person that has told me that after 12 months that it is automatically rated at 30%. So I stand to gain in both areas: 1. no more pain in the knee 2. an increase of 20%, I'm I correct? jmack

No, I am already rated 100% P & T schedular. I guess my question should be if there is SMC for the total knee replacement while it is individually rated at 100% temporary for 12 months. Maybe some other compensation that I am entitled to. jmack

No,

Hadit: Will someone tell me how much is the SMC for a total knee replacement? The knee is SC and I am currently 100% P&T. I can't understand that doggone SMC chart. I am married with children under 12. jmack

Great news, congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!! jmack

Pete: Sorry about the denial, and may you only be discouraged only a little while. Hang in there, you know we are all pulling for you. Good luck on the appeal. jmack ;)

Always good to hear good stories like that. Continue to allow GOD to move you to do good works. Good job!! Jmack

Just to piggy-back off Don and Pete, with the support and understanding from my wife, I don't owe none of them an explanation. Until they can walk in our shoes, those of us with mental illness, they can continue on their ignorant ways. The way I feel is that it's taken me a long time and lots of therapy to accept the fact that I have a mental disability. There are alot more that's not man or woman enough to admit their problem. Like I said earlier, I tried to work, but eventually I couldn't do it. Yes, there was this part of me that was still in denial of being disabled. 40 something and disabled? Major Depressive Disorder and medicated? No way!!! Yes way, got it and got the T-shirt. 100% P&T. Heck,Iam underpayed by the Government and they know it. Give me back ALL my good health and my good job and you can have this stigmatic label. Or give me and the rest of my fellow veterans the benefits we deserve without penalty whether we work or not, IU or P&T. "All paid some, Some paid ALL". It belongs to "US" anyhow!! There I go again, any suggestions on how I can remember these DARN meds, and take them on time? jmack

Great topic with great ending results for the veteran. It kind of makes one say to himself is there more that could be done me. So, as ideas come to me I think that on my good days that I have, I may just check with some of the homeless vets and see how I can help them get started, if they haven't already submitted a claim for benefits. Thanks Pete for starting this topic. jmack

I am SC'd for MDD at 50%. It is extremely hard to maintain employment on a level that once was considered a "breeze". Being 100% P/T, not IU, I was able to work. But let me tell you that it did'nt last long, and I hated that because not only was it almost six figures that I was earning, it helped me cope with my mental issues. However, the Psy was right when she rated me in saying, "veteran will not be able to MAINTAIN gainful employment". I was out to prove her wrong because I wanted to WORK. Now I sit here because It eventually took its toll on me and I had to quit working because of my mental incapacity. And as I am typing I have forgot what it is I am commenting on, go figure. Let me regroup and see why I was mad when I began typing this. Oh, probably time for my meds. Darnit. LOL, anyway I am with cowgirl, good luck!! jmack

Now you talkin, Go Get Em!!!!!! jmack

If you have relevant information regarding your upcoming C&P claim SUBMIT it, especially if it's gonna benefit your claim. If you have additional information submit it regardless of the fact that the VA has contracted doctors. I am rated 100% P/T and never took any records with me to an exam. The examiner was provided my medical records from the VA, so why would I need to take records from a VA doc? Any other records that you have should be provided to the VA by YOU. During my exams the Doc would make reference to any previous notes or visit that he had right there and I would confirm his observations. Yes, mention it to the C&P examiner about any other opinions by other doctors, but don't drive yourself "nuts" over that as long as the facts are there you will prevail. Perhaps you may consider, if you don't already have, getting a POA. Hope this helps and good luck. If anything I've said in error please forgive. jmack

Hey Flatbroke: The same thing happened to me once. I called to check on my claim and they said that, "your claim has been closed, AND filed away as being finished". The VA rep apologized for the mishap and luckily, put my claim ahead and continued the decision process. So it does happen and I am almost certain that this is the case with your claim. Some "bonehead" goofed. That goes to show that you can't take a break while pursuing VICTORY!!! Good luck. jmack

Tower Rat: Any idea of how one can find one. I am assuming this is for SSDI as well. jmack

Thanks Pete

Just getting ready to start a new medicine to keep me a little bit calmer, keep me from getting so angry and feeling full of "rage" sometimes , and for anxiety. Any opinions or comment from anyone who has taken it or currently taking this drug? I would be happy to hear your opinions. jmack