ptsd Depression Service Connection Vs. Ptsd Possible Triggers

[MikeR]

Well I am waiting on the results of my foot after my second C&P, I have been sending in evidence constantly in support of the PTSD claim. The records center sent back a vague acknowledgement of one stressor, and informs for me the vet to provide more in formation on the second set of stressors. I did, as much as possible. The person in charge of the MACOM HR basically told me that they have the most vague non-detail records for old members of the organization. I have provided all I can, letters, write-ups, awards, buddies, etc... The VA psych provided service connection, and a diagnosis for Severe PTSD (Which is my claim). My other diagnosis is Severe Depression, for which the VA notes I was treated for on Active Duty. I have yet to claim it. Assuming they deny my PTSD claim, will they offer the Depression, or do I have to claim it on a new claim?

Edited June 3, 2009 by Tbird
POSSIBLE TRIGGER Added to Topic Title

[Testvet]

It has been my experience that if you did not claim the issue, then they will NOT infer it from your claim. I would file a seperate claim for depression since it is in your medical records from service it is actually easier to confirm than PTSD depression is depression it also depends how long you have been off active duty and if you have been off active duty for a long time do you have records from private shrinks showing a medical record since you left the service if you were treated 30-40 years ago for depression and nothing in between they will deny the claim the VARO has never used my medical records to volunteer to SC any issue it has been my experience that you have to ask for everything...

[MikeR]

I have an 11 year-old claim pending with the AMC remanded in 2005 by the BVA for PTSD. I was wondering if it would be better to wait to see if they deny it, before filing the Depression claim, for which the VA says I have?

[Testvet]

If you file for depression today the VARO will probably jump at the chance to SC you for depression effctive today and then they will claim your PTSD claim is moot, do you think you have a chance of getting the PTSD claim awarded? The VA has done this many times to veterans in the past to avoid large retro payments.....tough choice

but if you were treated for depression in service and have been continually ttreated for it since leaving service you would probably have an easier time getting it SC on the other hand if you have a span of time with no treatment between service and renewed treatment they will probably still deny the claim, they still look at continuity of treatment....

[MikeR]

I have been treated, and am currently medicated. It would be a significant retro. I guess in that event I am better off waiting to see if they deny me. I mean I have come this far and this long right?

[Testvet]

I refused to start a new claim for hypertension like the DAV SO wanted to do in 2006, my claim for heart problems had been on appeal only 4 years at that point and I refused to "start over" why throw away a 100% claim for a 10% award for high blood pressure to me it made no sense and the BVA Judge vindicated me on April 7 2009

sometimes you do just have to wait them out

[CRYPTOTECH]

I won't hold up your PTSD claim to go ahead and file for depression. Appeals supercede so go ahead. It looks at though you have a better shot at depression. You don't have to show a stressor for depression unless the VA determines it's from the PTSD. If you have constant treatment for depression since discharge that will definetely help. If not, you still have a chance if you have been diagnosed depression and have some continuity of treatment. It's just better to have continuity from discharge but that isn't required. I mean continuity from discharge isn't required but it helps.

Frank

I have an 11 year-old claim pending with the AMC remanded in 2005 by the BVA for PTSD. I was wondering if it would be better to wait to see if they deny it, before filing the Depression claim, for which the VA says I have?