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

[broncovet]

Mike

IMHO, you need to do 4 things:

1. Listen carefully to hadit members, especially Hoppy, as he is very knowledgeable. Take his advice whenever possible.

2. Appeal whenever there is a denial, remembering to use anything they say against them. Remember the VA believes what the VA says and doubts you even tho we know that the VA is not always that credible (for example, the shredder scandal, the infection scandal, etc,,etc). Establish your credibility by refraining from claiming things you cant back up with evidence.

3. I personally do not think you will "hurt" your PTSD claim by filing for depression. When/if you do file, reference an exam, by date, where you were diagnosed with depression pointing out that your telling the doc you were depressed on ..............date constituted an informal claim for depression.

Dont give up your eed, instead, make reference to the first time you were diagnosed or treated for depression. However, if Hoppy disagrees with me, take his advice, not mine. I certainly wont be hurt if it helps a Vet.

4. Hang in there, try to get a hobby to take your mind off, and persist, persist. Rememeber the 6 P's. Proper Preperation Prevents Poor Performance And Persistance!

The reason I suggest also applying for depression is that gives you 2 "At Bats", that is, two chances to win your claim. Even if you only get a "hit" one third of the time, Two "at bats" means that you should get "a hit" better than 50% of the time, because it does not matter all that much if you are rated 100% depressed or 100% PTSD..the compensation is the same.

Edited June 8, 2009 by broncovet

[john999]

If you were treated for depression while in the military then you have what you need without going through the stressor verification process you need for successful PTSD claim. If you have a diagnosis of depression in your SMR's and you can show that you have been treated on some sort of regular basis for this since you have been out of the service all you need is a current diagnosis of depression then you have what you need. You may have PTSD but why chase that ghost if you have solid evidence of depression which as others state is just as compensable as PTSD. Plus, I believe the VA is gearin up to make it harder and harder to get a PTSD diagnosis because of the wave coming at them from OIF/OEF vets. I had a diagnosis and treatment for an anxiety disorder,depression and schizophrenia while in service. I was treated for it by private doctors constantly for years. I got my IU without going into PTSD claim even though I had the evidence for that as well. It just was not necessary. You don't have to reinvent the wheel if the spokes are already in place. The only ones who have fairly easy time with PTSD claims are guys with PH's and CIB's. Everyone else has a hard fight.

[MikeR]

If you were treated for depression while in the military then you have what you need without going through the stressor verification process you need for successful PTSD claim. If you have a diagnosis of depression in your SMR's and you can show that you have been treated on some sort of regular basis for this since you have been out of the service all you need is a current diagnosis of depression then you have what you need. You may have PTSD but why chase that ghost if you have solid evidence of depression which as others state is just as compensable as PTSD. Plus, I believe the VA is gearin up to make it harder and harder to get a PTSD diagnosis because of the wave coming at them from OIF/OEF vets. I had a diagnosis and treatment for an anxiety disorder,depression and schizophrenia while in service. I was treated for it by private doctors constantly for years. I got my IU without going into PTSD claim even though I had the evidence for that as well. It just was not necessary. You don't have to reinvent the wheel if the spokes are already in place. The only ones who have fairly easy time with PTSD claims are guys with PH's and CIB's. Everyone else has a hard fight.

I have to agree with you, as I filed this claim in June 1998, I am somwhat aware of the wait, and the fight. Now, I find out that the file is with the rater as of June 2. It will be interesting to see what they say at this point.

[MikeR]

John,

You know my PTSD claim goes back to June 1998, and I am at 50% now. I can imagine that they don't want to pay me back pay, even if they do find on my behalf. I am almost of the opinion that if I let the PTSD claim run it's course and then file the Depression claim. I am assuming of course that I will lose on the PTSD claim if I make that statement, but since I have 2 VA diagnosis's of Severe PTSD, 1 IMO, take the meds, did the therapy and have provided reems of paperwork I am willing to weight a bit longer.

Mike

[MikeR]

Well, they told me today that they made a decision yesterday. What that is I have no idea. I am guessing they denied the PTSD claim. I am interested to see what they do with my foot. I will let everyone know once I hear something.

[MikeR]

I just got off the phone with the DAV rep in DC and he tells me that he can't pull it up in his computer yet, but he says that the decision is going back to the VBA or board which must mean a denial. I don't know. Does anyone know?