Depression By Another Name?

[cowgirl]

Found CFile data that I was seen for dysthymia persistent insomnia GAF 55, a few years prior to depression diagnosis. Both at VA. Ideas anyone? Similar. Same or time? Depression rating recieved a few months ago.cg

[cowgirl]

Kenny, I have SC MDD, but recently found Dysthimia tenatively diagnosed at C&P and recent diagnosis from VA few years before MDD. My recent rating 30% is for MDD diagnosis and care. Bless you @70%, do you work or have TDIU? cg

I was diagnosed with Dysthimia last December and was given a 70% rating after filing for depression.

[Pete53]

Kenny if you are not working you should have TDIU and Social Security. If you have not filed please do it right now.

[luvHIM]

cowgirl,

I hope you come back to your thread. I just have a question. I have a claim in for several physical conditions. Never filed, or even considered filing for depression.

SMR's and VAMR's are laced with a diagnosis of "chronic depression." Well, first off, I have never stated that I was depressed. Never really been engaged by any of my VA docs into a conversation about it. I have been asked if I was depressed but that's about it.

So, the question, do you have any knowledge as to whether or not the VARO raters pluck those type of things from the vets record and pursue a "claim" so-to-speak on their own? I mean, have you ever heard of someone on this forum being awarded SC for chronic depression without even submitting a claim for it but merely based on the medical evidence of record? I hope I didn't confuse the question. Thanks!

[cowgirl]

Hellooo there; I do recall somewhere in discussion with another veteran that being submitted for a rating on behalf of the VA has occured, on rare occasion. Not sure if I heard it here or there. Now in regards to my MDD/depression, I believe having major individual life experiences packaged into a diagnosis works, it simply a summary word. Fought it with self for while, then said, why not? For me, after a odd C&P and a trial fit, I now have a insightful VA psych/counselor. I learned that I have several issues that cause chronic depression. Ok, its taken a while to get used to the depression diagnosis, but had to accept it on my own terms and its okay with me now. Finally getting the rating helps family income and some other nice benefits,not something to sneeze at. Gives me a bit of confidence I guess.

So, not sure if I answered your question. Is it possible that you highlighted some mental health issue when you submitted your claim? Like, this injury or illness has saddened you or causes you to lose sleep? So, if you want to file for depression, its your choice. If ya want, you can treat yourself to benefit of the doubt and try, why not? Or if you dont want it considered, again, your choice.

By the way, I recognize a few faces in the behavioral health waiting area and I just smile mischievously. Do remember the importance of EED, compensation award and ongoing care for yourself. best to ya! cg

cowgirl,

I hope you come back to your thread. I just have a question. I have a claim in for several physical conditions. Never filed, or even considered filing for depression.

SMR's and VAMR's are laced with a diagnosis of "chronic depression." Well, first off, I have never stated that I was depressed. Never really been engaged by any of my VA docs into a conversation about it. I have been asked if I was depressed but that's about it.

So, the question, do you have any knowledge as to whether or not the VARO raters pluck those type of things from the vets record and pursue a "claim" so-to-speak on their own? I mean, have you ever heard of someone on this forum being awarded SC for chronic depression without even submitting a claim for it but merely based on the medical evidence of record? I hope I didn't confuse the question. Thanks!

Edited November 2, 2007 by cowgirl

[luvHIM]

Thank you. While I was in service I was treated pretty regularly (according to my SMR's) for anxiety disorder and "major" depression. But I had not remembered that. I recently got my personnel records from NPRC and I even have letters from 1SGT, Commanders and other fellow SM's that were in the file attesting to my "mental state and hardships." I laughed because I did not remember those days and what all I had endured.

Now, fast forward to today. VA docs believe that I am depressed because of my chronic pain issues but state "...denies any depression." I use to be in denial about a lot of things, including the chronic PAIN. I guess I had been treated so badly by doctors in the past, I allowed myself to believe the pain was all in my head. I tried to convince myself if I just got still or in a quiet place (time out...smile) the pain would subside. Sometimes, it actually did. At any rate, I reached my pain limit and had to seek medical care. I had worked, after service, for over 20 years and it just seem to all come to halt in a matter of minutes. I guess I don't hide the depression as well as I thought.

Again, thanks for your quick response.

[cowgirl]

luvHim, I wish you well on your claim efforts and hope we here at Hadit can continue to support one another as needed. When and if you are ready to put in your claim, we are here for ya.

Now to tell you honestly, sometimes I goof off and try to do something else (a hobby) or 'it' gets to me. 'It' being the claim work, learning the language, seperating fact from fiction regards what the VA needs and what I feel I deserve to compensate for my health issues. I can relate to your statement of things coming to a halt, changes have occured in my life that seem to fit that marching term. However. with the grace of God and angels here on earth, I just try to 'two step' a bit and find ways to "cope" with my challenges. Hope you can get where you want to go to too!

I too sometimes laugh, then grimace at the notes my MPRs and SMRs placed there during those tough times. As much I am irritated by them, I do hope those pesky, grr, irritating, handwritten notes in my records will help me support my valid claims! Then as time goes on (20 years from now?) these blister notes will be more vague and less important as things I need to reread. But, Hey for fun, I can plan for a rainy day enjoy a mountain dew, run them through my shredder and watch the good ole cartoons so I can really laugh!

Keep up yer spirits and keep in contact,cg

Thank you. While I was in service I was treated pretty regularly (according to my SMR's) for anxiety disorder and "major" depression. But I had not remembered that. I recently got my personnel records from NPRC and I even have letters from 1SGT, Commanders and other fellow SM's that were in the file attesting to my "mental state and hardships." I laughed because I did not remember those days and what all I had endured.

Now, fast forward to today. VA docs believe that I am depressed because of my chronic pain issues but state "...denies any depression." I use to be in denial about a lot of things, including the chronic PAIN. I guess I had been treated so badly by doctors in the past, I allowed myself to believe the pain was all in my head. I tried to convince myself if I just got still or in a quiet place (time out...smile) the pain would subside. Sometimes, it actually did. At any rate, I reached my pain limit and had to seek medical care. I had worked, after service, for over 20 years and it just seem to all come to halt in a matter of minutes. I guess I don't hide the depression as well as I thought.

Again, thanks for your quick response.

Edited November 3, 2007 by cowgirl