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Thanks J... I would give every penny back if these Migraines stopped... but like I said, they are almost daily. Believe it or not, the Dallas VA Medical Center is truly working with me to get them under control. Recently got diagnosed with "Mild" TBI - - - Yes, could you put USAF... Thanks again!

God Speed Don!

Hello Everyone! It has been a long time since my last post/comment. Saturday (20 Sept 08) I received the "Envelope" from the Waco RO. My initial evaluation (beginning 15 Feb 06) consisted of 30% Migraines, 30% Skin Disorders, and 10% Depression (Claimed PTSD) with a total 60%. Since then, the headaches became worse, as did the PTSD. In June 2008, I requested a increase in benefits and they came back somewhat favorable. The VA bumped the Migraines to 50% (maximum allowed) and justified a 10% (no increase) for Depression: bringing my new SC to 70%. Which definitely qualifies for TDIU - which was filled out and mailed today. Started College again in July 2007 under Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation, which has been smooth sailing. Thank you to everyone who helped me out in late 2005 and 2006. Question - - - In our profile, how do I input/edit "Branch of Service" in my profile? Easy Question laugh.gif

Hello Everyone! It has been a long time since my last post/comment. Saturday (20 Sept 08) I received the "Envelope" from the Waco RO. My initial evaluation (beginning 15 Feb 06) consisted of 30% Migraines, 30% Skin Disorders, and 10% Depression (Claimed PTSD) with a total 60%. Since then, the headaches became worse, as did the PTSD. In June 2007, I requested a increase in benefits and they came back somewhat favorable. The VA bumped the Migraines to 50% (maximum allowed) and justified a 10% (no increase) for Depression: bringing my new SC to 70%. Which definitely qualifies for TDIU - which was filled out and mailed today. Started College again in July 2007 under Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation, which has been smooth sailing. Thank you to everyone who helped me out in late 2005 and 2006. Question - - - In our profile, how do I input/edit "Branch of Service" in my profile? Easy Question

Thanks Jim

Thanks Scotty... I received the Envelope today and read what it had to say about my Depression Claim... they based their decision "SOLEY" on the C&P Examiner's Opinion; which was TOTALLY opposite of what the 5 other Doctors evaluated with... Is this my warm welcome into the world of the VA?

Also... Should I appeal the Migraine & Skin Problems %%% or focus on the PTSD w/ Depression? If anyone has had success with this, please help!!!

I have not had a sleep study and do not use the machine... my wife (who is a RN, thank the Lord) started noticing problems I was experiencing while I slept... So I requested a sleep study through the VA to diagnosis this. I currently take Trazadone for my sleep problems.

I would like to thank Everyone for their help getting me through this "Initial" Compensation Claim. I seperated from the Air Force in May of 2005 and started this process in August 2005. I have a couple of questions for all of you "Veterans!" I filed for the following: Migraines, Skin Problems/Pscorasis, Alopecia Areata, Depression, and Sleep Disturbances/Sleep Apnea Here is my Decision - - - 30% Migraines 30% Alopecia Areata 10% Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder 0% Sleep Disturbances/Sleep Apnea *** I have a sleep study in August/VA *** Total - 60% SC 1 June 2005 I understand why I received 0% for the Sleep. Would they combine the Alopecia & Psorasis together since they are both Skin Disorders??? Also concerning the Major Depressive Disorder... the 10% USD is what the C%P Doc evaluated me with. There is a problem with this. I recently obtained my C&P Exam notes from the Doctor who evaluated me for Depression C&P... first let me say the Exam lasted less than 15 minutes! Secondly, there are statements in his report that I DID NOT SAY. My feeling after I left is that he based his evaluation/diagnosis on my appearance. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder my Military, Civilian and VA Doctors... WHAT SHOULD I DO??? Should I request a re-evaluation??? I have the same diagnosis from 4 Doctors (2 of them work in the Dallas Medical Center) stating I have PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. I continue in my current treatment at the Dallas VA Medical Center. The C&P Doctor totally says the opposite and he is the one that counts!!! The Disorder he says I have is... well type it in Google and see for yourself, I cant explain it and it only makes me upset to read what he says about me!!! Also... I started using drugs after returning home from Afghanistan... I was Command Directed to pee and tested positive. I honestly dont know why I used the drug (Crack Cocaine). I guess I was using it to escape... The drug use is coded on my DD FM 214 and I did receive a Honorable Discharge. Can I put the Drug use as a Secondary to the Depression/PTSD??? Any and ALL advice will be greatly appreciated - Thanks for letting me "vent!" That C&P Doctor who evaluated me for Depression really pissed me off God Bless you ALL!!! Jason

Hope this doesn't sound "stupid," but is there a rating chart for other symptoms? I.E. - Migraines, Skin Problems (Pscorasis & Alopecia), Depression. JUst wondering what they go by... Thanks

C - I had to see three different doctors for my C&P Physical... start to finish - 8 hours! What a day that was!

Back in October I attended my 8 hour C&P Physical; which covered depression, migraines, eyes and skin problems... After my last exam, which was the eye exam, they handed my file to me to bring back to C&P - I took a peek at what was in there and they had all my Military Service Records and all the Civilian records I had sent them... Also in there were my initial evaluations from the Mental Health Exam BEFORE my physical from C&P... in there the RN Nurse states I have Major Depressive Disorder & PTSD. So I thought that was good... As of today, I have been un-employed since seperating from the Air Force; 11 May 05. Currently applying for various positions, but I'm not going to take a min wage job (If you know what I mean). I'm just nervous about the decision the VA will make on my claim... I entered the service with none of these problems, and now, they consume my life... Terrible Migraines, skin problems which making wearing shorts uncomfortable, losing patches of hair all over the body... whoa is me :D

Thanks everyone for the input! Just want to clarify that my current claim is for Major Depressive Disorder (March 2004 diagnosis), Migraine Headaches (1999 and well documented through CIV and MIL doctors), Alopecia (Hair Loss 2002 due to stress from the up-coming Court Martial), Pscorasis/Ezcema (Oct 1998), Sleep Disturbances (I have a SLeep Clinic Study at the Dallas VA in OCt 2006 :) ) and night vision problems from PRK Eye Surgery the AIR FORCE performed in 2002. Does anyone know if the VA compensates from voluntary PRK Eye Surgery? Still looking for work and being clean from Alcohol & Drugs has been AWESOME :D If anyone has the same symptoms and receive compensation from the VA, please Email or share with me. Thanks

DAN- What did you mean by this reply? In the post you made here you are skirting the issues because you don't want to face up to them (yet).

PETE - THanks for the INFO... started my claim in August of this year... went to the rating board in Waco on 2 Dec...

All I can is :D right now!!! I served a Loyal 10 years in the Air Force with Security Forces. I joined to get Law Enforcement experience and to serve my country... God Bless the USA and our troops! I was at Khobar Towers in 96 when we were attacked... combat in 97 and 04. I entered the Air Force with NONE of the current problems I have now, and I'm only 32. I am :) ing because I have a place (The Forum @ hadit) where I can share my experiences with Veterans out there and to know I AM NOT ALONE!!! Thanks to all

Hello Everyone... Where should I begin... new to the FORUM & here it goes! IN 2003 I went through a General Court Martial for 3 Offenses and was found not guilty! THe depression/PTSD started during the Investigation and continues to this day...the charges were Rape, Aggravated Assault & Drug Use. I am a combat vet who recently returned from Afghanistan. Upon my return, I began using drugs and alcohol to drown out some of my experiences I encountered in combat. I was Command Directed to provide a urinalysis and my sample was positive. I admitted to Drug use and believe it or not, received a HONORABLE discharge. THe 214 is coded for Drug Use and Misconduct. Don't ask me how I received an honorable, I just admitted I had a serious problem. I have been clean for almost 6 Months now (May 05 discharge date). Does anyone have any experience with something Like this? I was recently diagnosed with PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder by the DAllas VA, but can I make a claim with the Drug Addiction & Alocholism as a secondary? DOes the COurt Martial warrant part of my PTSD.... My claim went to the review board on the 2nd of Dec 05 in Waco, Thanks All

Have you received a rating from the Waco Regional Office? If so, when did it reavh the rating board and when did you receive your decision? My claim reached the rating board on the 2nd of Dec 2005.

How long was your appeal process? Everytime I had a migraine I went to the doctor or civ Emergency room for heavy medication and missed a lot of work due to migraines...

THis is my first time to post... I currently and have suffered from severe migraine attacks since 99. I recently seperated and now going through the Compensation process. My question is, I suffer 2-4 Migraines a week... Everytime I had a "serious" migraine, I went to the Emergency room and properly documented all attacks. Is there anyone out there that can give me an Idea of what % the VA usually gives for "their" migraine claim. I also have a claim in for Alopecia, Psoriasis, Depression, Eye Surgery (PRK) and Sleep Disturbances... I'm about to submit for Hemroids, PTSD and an Ear problem... Just trying to get an idea from other personal experiences.