Big Country

Thanks VYNC,
This is most helpful.

Hey Big Country,
Well, actually it could be either way. That is up to your doctor to confirm. You would start with the issue that is currently service connected and the additional condition would be deemed secondary to that, along with medical rationale.
I'm not a doctor, but it would go something like this: "The veteran has a long history of treatment for his service connected lumbar spine condition. This condition causes chronic and acute pain and he is unable to dress himself, drive, or attend to household chores, which results in chronic depression. His chronic depression is more likely than not due to the lumbar spine condition." Look up nexus letter or IMO examples here on Hadit for better statements.
Please keep in mind that when it comes to mental health ratings, you could be diagnosed with several conditions, but you will only receive a single rating due to the pyramiding rule. It is possible to be service connected for multiple types of mental health diagnosis, but in the end your actual rating percentage would be based on the symptoms of how it impacts your life and ability to function, per the table below:
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5;node=38:1.0.1.1.5#se38.1.4_1130
I hope this helps!
 

The VA LOVES to confuse Veterans. A confused Veteran often gives up, or does not even apply for benefits. Your decision is no different.

The VA often uses "codes" as to whether or not you are P and T, and does not come right out and say it, in order to confuse you.

If the letter says you are eligible for DEA Chapter 35, this means you are P and T.
If the VA says no reexams are scheduled, this means you are P and T.
If you AB8 letter on ebenefits says you are P and T then you are P and T.

However, the VA does not always come out and say you are P and T.

Sure.  The website is https://www.disabilitydischarge.com/home/
All I did was fill out the application on this site and then mailed it, plus my letter from E-Benefits indicating 100% to the address provided.  It took about 6 weeks for me to get approved. I'm still waiting on all of the loans to reflect this, but I received written notification from Nelnet today indicating approval.  It was a painless process applying and getting approved.

Thank Pete 992!  Great information....spot on.  You and vync provided great clarity.  I now understand that 100% P&T Trumps TDIU due to the fact that under TDIU benefits can be reduced.  

Vync thanks a million the information has provided me clarification.  Roll Tide!