Unsure Of What To Do...

[wmswtsn]

I have 20% SC for Bi-Lateral Knee Arthritis, and because of this have been unable to work for over a year. I have been to a Civilian Doctor and he has told me that the only option I have to fix my knee problems are total knee replacement. During this time I have developed anxiety and depression as a result of feeling helpless to provide properly for my family, as well as other things. It has also come to light recently that I have back and hip problems as well. I currently have an appeal going for the 20% I am receiving for my Arthritis, but I was curious if I need to start an entirely new claim for the other problems that I have incurred. If I do file new claim, could that possibly cause problems with my current appeal? Any information to this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your time!

[LarryJ]

#1. If you are unable to work due to your health, have you applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

#2. I, personally, would turn in claim(s) for my depression/anxiety as secondary to my SC'd knees and the pain involved.

#3. Same applies to your back and hips. You'll need nexus reasoning by healthcare provider (MD, DO, PA, NP, Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, etc.) to connect any of the above (depression, anxiety attacks, hips, back) to your knees. You will need diagnosis of all the above, along with accompaning x-rays, etc.

You can depend upon the VA to provide this during your forthcoming C&P (provided you file claims, such as the above). But, it'd be really nice if you could provide this to accompany your claim(s) when you file them.

Cause problems with the claim you now have. Oh, I guess it could slow it down some.....or so I've heard....but, all the claim information is supposed to be computerized, allowing different people access to your c-file, etc., so I really do not think that it does. It's slooooooow enough anywho.

I do know that the sooner you file a claim, the earlier the Effective Date of your claim and the earlier the Effective Date the more retro money you'll receive when you prevail in your claim(s).

Edited June 14, 2009 by LarryJ (see edit history)

[sharon]

I have 20% SC for Bi-Lateral Knee Arthritis, and because of this have been unable to work for over a year. I have been to a Civilian Doctor and he has told me that the only option I have to fix my knee problems are total knee replacement. During this time I have developed anxiety and depression as a result of feeling helpless to provide properly for my family, as well as other things. It has also come to light recently that I have back and hip problems as well. I currently have an appeal going for the 20% I am receiving for my Arthritis, but I was curious if I need to start an entirely new claim for the other problems that I have incurred. If I do file new claim, could that possibly cause problems with my current appeal? Any information to this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your time!

If you have the knee replacement surgery you will receive a temporary 100% for 13 months. The rating thereafter will be 30% on both knees. You could than apply for IU. By all means file for the depression.

[wmswtsn]

Thank you both so much for your time! I really appreciate it!

[WHOLESALE]

Vets apply for depression all the time when it's secondary to the primary condition. Are you seeing a shrink for depression? If not you should start doing it to get continuity and possible a diagnosis. Your chances will be better with those two. Also, you will need an IMO indicating your physical injury is causing your depression and aggravating it to the point that it has become a disabling condition. It is very common for Vets to attain secondary depression due to a primary service connected condition. I don't know too much about back problems and hip so I can't help there but I would apply for depression for sure.

Jay

I have 20% SC for Bi-Lateral Knee Arthritis, and because of this have been unable to work for over a year. I have been to a Civilian Doctor and he has told me that the only option I have to fix my knee problems are total knee replacement. During this time I have developed anxiety and depression as a result of feeling helpless to provide properly for my family, as well as other things. It has also come to light recently that I have back and hip problems as well. I currently have an appeal going for the 20% I am receiving for my Arthritis, but I was curious if I need to start an entirely new claim for the other problems that I have incurred. If I do file new claim, could that possibly cause problems with my current appeal? Any information to this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your time!

[wmswtsn]

I have been attending classes at va which seem to be pretty fruitless, but have now made an appointment to see a civilian dr. about the depression. I have also applied for social security but have had no resopnse thus far, although I am not very hopeful, because of my age I am still keeping my fingers crossed. I can't thank all of you enough for if nothing else, it has caused me to get off my duff and try to do something to get out of this funk. It breaks my heart to read all the problems that the vets in these forums are having with va. as if it isn't hard enough to try to deal with what they are going thru but to find the strength to fight those that should be helping them. So again thank you all for your responses and the best to all of you.

Bill

[john999]

If you can get SC'ed for chronic pain disorder then depression comes next and you have evidence to back it up.

[Pete53]

The VA is offering classes on depression or is it their idea of therapy?

[wmswtsn]

The class is intro to therapy. I guess it was designed with the hopes that you could learn some coping techniques that would help you along untill they can find room for you in a group or one on one therapy. As I said it was pretty fruitless, the last one I sat there almost in tears thinking, this all you have? The people running the class mean well its just that its too little for too many.

[carlie]

wmswtsn,

You will need a mental health professional to connect any dots for depression as secondary,

to a prior service connected condition.

jmho,

carlie

[wmswtsn]

thanks again to everyone for your replies. This sight has really been a breath of fresh air, not only for the information that has helped me, but seeing so many other vets getting the help they deserve. I have begun seeing a mental health professional and right now just glad to be seeing someone in the hopes that I may be able to get out of this funk. My social security has been approved so that has helped to relieve some of the fianancial stesses. If I don't have any success in dealing with the depression/anxiety I'm sure I will apply just want to make sure that I have it coming.

[john999]

I bet the VA hopes that if vets take the depression class they will look some place besides the compensation division of the VA for help. If they are giving this class as a place where vets can gain insight into their own depression and file for benefits then that would be good. I just doubt that the VA wants to encourage vets to file for compensation with a million claims in the hopper. Myself, if I feel depression I would get help from a psychiatrists now, and not wait for the VA to send me to depression school. Some people with depression commit suicide. That can't wait for openings in some group therapy. If you have depression the VA needs to treat it now, and they have an obligation to treat you now. If you can't get out patient help get in-patient help.

[john999]

There is a big difference between group therapy and a class on PTSD. I like group therapy as well. I was in a private group for about 25 years with many members coming and going over the years. Now the group has died because insurance won't pay and medicare is just too little for the doctor to keep it going.

[LarryJ]

There is a big difference between group therapy and a class on PTSD. I like group therapy as well. I was in a private group for about 25 years with many members coming and going over the years. Now the group has died because insurance won't pay and medicare is just too little for the doctor to keep it going.

I always enjoyed going to my psych group, only problem is, all the rest of them in the group were CRAZY! B)

[john999]

You think you have problems. Just go to group therapy for a few years and you will see how the human race is really suffering. There was one woman in my group who thought I flew through the air and assulted her in her bed at night. This resulted in some tense group sessions. My wings were not even dry at the time. This really happened with her delusions. I could feel the hate/love or whatever it was coming from her. I did not overreact. I just accepted the fact she thought these things as long as she did not try and shoot me or something.