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!

[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.