willie 74

Thanks for the replys. Yes the ssd was all service connected. I talked to them and they said based off of all my service records is how they made the determination.

I am currrently a voc rehab student. ( Online) I got SSD about 5 months ago so I applied for TDIU. Could I get TDIU based off of SSD? And could I still do the online schooling? And if not why not, just becuase I may not be able to physically work, my mind works, well somewhat anyway....

Are you saying file an increase for my depression and say I want to try to get TDIU as well?

The denial is dated Oct 2009, so I cant file? Thanks Willam

Do I just send a statement in support of claim document stating what I want to do? Do I need to obtain the doc notes from the SSD? Can that be done?

I was granted 80% back in june of 2009, broken down I have IVDS-40% Bladder-40% Tinnitus-10% Gerd-10% Cubital Tunnel-10% Sciatica-10% Major depression-50% I filed for IU and was denied. I did not fight it and I have passed the one year time peroid. I filed for depression in FEB 2010 and got 50% for Major Depressive Disorder. This brought my rating up to 90%. I filed for SSD and had it granted in DEC2010 and was reimbursed from Oct 09 which they found me disabled. My question is can I file for IU again with proof from SSD even after the year deadline?

Still here, I was told it takes an average of three months to hear a reply. Be patient my friend, the answer will come. Should be this month, fingers crossed for you..I have another two to wait,,

Yes I applied for the IU at my inital which was back in june 09. My C&P for the depression and panic attacks was just done about three weeks ago. I claimed it as secondary to. Yes both of these are service connected and says so on the C&P. Thank you

:excl: Got a copy of my C&P for depression, This is what the breakdown is. Just wanted to see what your thoughts are on it. Thank you all. I am currently rated 40-IVDS 40-BLADDER PROBLEMS 10-Tinnitus 10-Gerd 10-Cubital Tunnel 10-Sciatica For a VA total of 80% disabled Put another claim in for deppression, panic attacks Multi-Axial Diagnosis Axis I Major Depressive disorder, chronic, mild, panic disorder withoutagoraphobia. Axis II None Axis III See medical records Axis IV Primary stressors: chronic pain, bladder problems, recent demise of primary relationship Axis V Gaf=55 Impression: Mr.Willie 74 is a Coast Guard veteren who meets diagnostic criteria for depression and panic disorder. His inability to manage his panic attacks and his lack of motivation and productivity impact his work functioning. He will likely have diffleculties at this time in any regualr work environment where he feels significant stress. His social functioning is also low. He reported that his prior relationship of two years broke up with him becuase of his physical medical problems. This has increased his isolation and concerns about interacting with others. He does enjoy spending time with his brother. There is no indication the veteren is not competent to manage any award if granted. Mr. Willie 74 has undergone mental health treatment in the past with some benefits. He had only recently engaged with the ????? veterns affairs medical center. If he does continue to be engaged in mental health care, it is likely that his mood would improve. Based on the availiable information, it is more likely than not that his depression and panic attacks are cuased or exacerbated by his service connected medical problems.. I have been seeing a phyc for almost a year and then I decided to claim for depression and panic attacks. My past Gaf were 50 58 60 and the C&p gaf was 55. What do you all think? I have applied for IU after my intial disability claim and was denied.

:excl: Got a copy of my C&P for depression, This is what the breakdown is. Just wanted to see what your thoughts are on it. Thank you all. I am currently rated 40-IVDS 40-BLADDER PROBLEMS 10-Tinnitus 10-Gerd 10-Cubital Tunnel 10-Sciatica For a VA total of 80% disabled Put another claim in for deppression, panic attacks Multi-Axial Diagnosis Axis I Major Depressive disorder, chronic, mild, panic disorder withoutagoraphobia. Axis II None Axis III See medical records Axis IV Primary stressors: chronic pain, bladder problems, recent demise of primary relationship Axis V Gaf=55 Impression: Mr.Willie 74 is a Coast Guard veteren who meets diagnostic criteria for depression and panic disorder. His inability to manage his panic attacks and his lack of motivation and productivity impact his work functioning. He will likely have diffleculties at this time in any regualr work environment where he feels significant stress. His social functioning is also low. He reported that his prior relationship of two years broke up with him becuase of his physical medical problems. This has increased his isolation and concerns about interacting with others. He does enjoy spending time with his brother. There is no indication the veteren is not competent to manage any award if granted. Mr. Willie 74 has undergone mental health treatment in the past with some benefits. He had only recently engaged with the ????? veterns affairs medical center. If he does continue to be engaged in mental health care, it is likely that his mood would improve. Based on the availiable information, it is more likely than not that his depression and panic attacks are cuased or exacerbated by his service connected medical problems.. I have been seeing a phyc for almost a year and then I decided to claim for depression and panic attacks. My past Gaf were 50 58 60 and the C&p gaf was 55. What do you all think? I have applied for IU after my intial disability claim and was denied.

Expect nothing, but take from them everything.........

It is good to believe and never to give up. You have a good outlook, life can be good!!!

Sorry to hear that, take some time to unwind then plan your next move..I dont understand it:wacko:

Yes, thank you very much it was very useful.

Good evening all. I have recently attempted to file for SSDI. I was sent some forms to fill out , basic questions such as How do your illness, injuries, or conditions limit your ability to work? I just want to word things right. I am rated for 80 percent through the VA. had lumbar fushion and have chronic pain and limited ROM. I have bladder issues as well. Depression and panic attacks etc. Just have a hard time putting all this into words to sound professional. Any advice or where I could find this info would be greatly appreciated..

Will try t obtain Cand P copy. Thank you

Hello all. I thought I would share some of my expirience so far. I am service connected for IVDS and bladder issues as a result of a collasped disk. I had a fusion done in 08 and got out of the military in 09. I am rated at 80% at this current time. I recently had a C and P for depression secondary to my chronic pain and anxiety issues. I have read that I could claim depresion secondary to my chronic pain, thus claimed it. My C and P was about a week ago. It lasted maybe 20 to 30 minutes. The Doc basically wrote my answers to his questions on blank papers. I have been seen at the VA phyic for around 7 months now. My last gaf that I saw was a 50, dont know if that means much. My primary care doc has me on methadone for the pain, which makes me kinda out of it, I was on hydrocodone since after the surgery. Dont really have many questions as i have learned alot just by reading everyones posts. Thank you all, it is good to see us vets working together and taking care of one another. I was denied IU. I dont know how the VA expects me to have full time employment while on heavy narcotics. I have not worked since getting out. I am currently in Voc Rehab. Chronic pain is so bad and hard to deal with, I swear I cant stand or sit more than 40 mins without having terrible pain. Has anyone been rewarded anything for depression secondary to chronic pain?

I had the meeting with the specialist, they basically said my bladder problems where due to my back and the more pain I have the more the bladder will have issues.

I got out of active duty on the 15april09. I made a claim for my back, bladder and some other things. I recieved a decision and everything was rated at 80%. I had a fusion on 1 Jan 08. I am now expiriencing some depression and have been seeing a phyc for a couple months now through the VA. My doc from the VA say's and knows I also suffer from chronic pain. I am taking narcotics to help control that. My doc put me on depression meds about 6 months ago. Not being able to do the things I once did and having bladder issues have cuased my depression. I did not add that to my original claim becuase i did not have that much depression then but now do. So can I now claim depression and chronic pain? Chronic pain is not considered a specific disability so can that be claimed a different way? My phyc put me on anxiety meds and a higher dose of depression meds. The Va sent me the packet about they are working on my claim and want doc notes etc. Should I get these myself from the Va or just tell them on the form the dates and doc I am seeing as the ask on the form? Thanks to all who give advice.

I am recieving forty for one level disk fusion. Like everyone is saying, you take your chances and not every fusion works. Based off of range of motion etc. Your nerves will be effected regardless, with me it is my bladder and legs. I am 35 and walk like someone in their 70's no offense to my elders. I am now in chronic pain and have tried just about every type of pain relief. I dont want to send negative things about a fusion, i believe most do help people. But in my case it did not work. So now I am trying to concentrate on what happiness I have left and seeking help for my depression.

Did not get a C&P EXAM I dont get any SSA OR SSD

Berta, I receved the decision on 2OCT09. I did not NOD. My intial decision was given to me on 05JUNE09. I will write as much as possible about what they said. We denied entitlment to the 100% rate becuase it wasent shown that you are unable to work as a result of your serviced connected disabilitys. your claim for bladder dysfunction with polyuria was originally granted at 40 percent disabling in consideration of the use of a pad that needs changed 4 times a day for urinary incontinece, per VA exam. This was effecttive april 16, 2009 the day after your release from active duty. We recieved your request for an increase on July 13,2009. We reviewed and considered VAMC treatment records. you had a single visit for urination problems. you indicated in may 2009 that you get up every 1-2 hours at night and urinate about every 2 hours during the day. you have never had an urination accident. you have about 5 minutes to get to the restroom if you get the urge to go. you have no problems controlling your bowles. Exam reealed good sensation. the diagnosis was possible LUTS lower urinary tract syptoms neurogenic. you were told to do a urine diary before you start a trial of medication. VAMC records reveal no follow-up. There is no indication on VAMC treatment records that you currently use a pad. No other medical evidence was identified or recieved on your behalf. (I was out of town for some time and could noy make my appointmant) The evaluation of bladder dysfunction with polyuria, which is currently 40 percent disableing, is continued. Although recent evidence shows some improvement in the condition, sustained improvement has not been definitivly established. there is no indication that you currently use a pad and your urinary frequncey has improved from the VA exam in april 2009 per VAMC records. (I dont understand how they said it has somewhat improved becuase it has not) If sustained improvement is shown at a future date, should you reopen your claim, then at that time, if the evidence of recoed shows that your disability is still improved, then a reduction in your disability rating of 40 percent can be proposed. however, at this rating decision has continued your evalation with improvment noted, rather than propose to reduce your evaluation the benefit of the doubt is resolved in your favor and this disability is continued at its prevouis rating of 40 percent simply becuase sustained improvment has not been shown. Like I said I am not sure why they said I have some slight improvement when I did not go back to my next appointment. I recenently went back and the doc is putting me on some meds, first were for bladder spasms with no help as I told the doc, now he is putting me on meds to help with the flow of urine. Concerning my back issue they just said I do not qualify for an incress since I fall in the 40 percent catagory with no changes. It goes to indicate that I have not been found unable to secure or follow a suubstantially gainful employment. It also stated That I have not worked since my discharge and that I was not discharged becuase of my disability. It stated I have not tried to obtain gainful employment, I have been on Unemployment since my discharge.. It states that I indicate that my back limits me from standing or sitting in one location for more than 30-60 minutes at a time. However you submitted no medical documentation of any work restrictions. I went into this not knowing much and the only reason I applied for IU is becuase it was said I should. I have talked with my doctor about my chronic pain and she just gives me vicoden and flexeral, I just recieved a tens unit to assist in the pain as well. She said she would write in her notes about me not able to stand or sit in one area for more than an hour. I have yet got copies but i will asap. So I can apply for deppression secondary to my back and other injurys and chronic pain? Sorry I am still learning how all this works. I got scarred to lose my 80 percent when I recieved that letter. I made a call to a friend who works for the VA. I was told my next appointment for everything is in 2010, she said not to worry. I am back in town now and going to all of my appointments.

Will answer your questions, will take a bit since there will be alot of writing.. Thank you

It pretty much stated that there is no proof that I can not work. They did not change my rating at 80 percent. Since nothing has changed as far as my disablilitys. I have seen a nurse who asked me several questions about my depression , she wrote everything down and set up an appointment for me to speak with a phyc i think. I will get copies.... Thanks