John999 quote!
You could be rated for depression as secondary to the back injury. You can't get rated for "anger" or "alcoholism". You were seen by a shrink in the army. What do your SMR's say about your psychiatric care in the service? Did you get a DX of depression?
I was seen by a shrink but never really DX for depression. I read my file the other day and though I remember telling her how much I hated the military and hated my assignment and I thought I was in trouble all the time because there was nothing to do but sit in the dorms and drink, she put that I missed my family! That was about the extent of her observations.
I was not ever checked for a TBI. In my motor vehicle accident, I was ejected and unconcious. I woke up in a ditch face down and dilirious. Even though I couldn't feel my legs or walk, I wanted to get back in the vehicle and go but bystanders assured me that wasn't going to happen. The local EMS transported me to the Army hospital they basically dressed my wounds, admitted me for 3 days then discharged me eventhough I couldn't walk. Was told to go back to my base and see sick call. It's been 16 yrs but that time frame really was the turning point in my life. Is it too late to be checked for a TBI? According to doctors, all my film look okay on my back but something is not right. I can't sit, stand, or hold any other position for more than a min or two. I think it's bs that because I can bendover and touch my toes, they say my injury isn't that debilitating. In any case, since then, I've been angry, depressed, a drinker, etc... I've seen all the MH professionals and taken drugs. I'm able to work but I have days, weeks and mos sometimes where I don't feel like doing anything and only do enough to get by!
I thought I read somewhere you could apply for disability for alchoholism as a secondary condition but I'm not sure what it meant.
I suppose I could file for PTSD for the assignment, TBI, depression, and see what happens in the next 2 yrs, huh? how should I approach this? Any suggestions?