Anexity Or Depression

[81150 CAFB]

I am currently recovering post op from a lumbar fusion of my L4-L5 vertsbrae (~4 weeks). This surgery followed a diskectomy at the same level that didn't take. I am still in the process of gathering information to get service connected. My question is related to filing for either anexity/panic attacks or depression. About a year a half prior to my surguries I was diagnosed with panic attacks/anexity and prescribed lexapro, propananyl and clonazepam along with Xanax. The lexapro really started working and I haven't had any attacks for at least a year. Since my second surgery, which is still very painful, I have had around a dozen panic attacks with the trigger being my pain and lack of progress and thinking about the reality of my situation (might not get better). Even though I was diagnosed prior to my back surgeries can I claim panic/anexity as secondary to my back claim since it has definately gotten worse?

I am also suffering from some depression due to the pain and missing over 3 months of work so far among other issues. I am a little hesitant to file for depression for work reasons. I think that either issue would be rated at the 10% level as hopefully being managed with medication. I have an appointment tomorrow with my physchiatrist and I have already talked to her about my attacks and depression and she said she would up my meds to higher doses. I also understand that you can only claim one mental health issue.

I would, right now, rather file for panic/anexity. But would the previous diagnosis prior to my surguries negate any claim even though it has gotten worse.

Any help or comment would be appreciated.

[cowgirl]

What is your current VA mental health related diagnosis? or is it civilian? Look at the rating schedule and see which issue fits the bill best. Depression is very very common in many people with pain and other sc issues, but it did take me some time to get used to the er, label, but thats just me. Now I get help and compensation because I asked for it. I claimed for mental health conditions and the dominant one VA determined is 'depression'.

All the best to ya,

Cowgirl'up!

I am currently recovering post op from a lumbar fusion of my L4-L5 vertsbrae (~4 weeks). This surgery followed a diskectomy at the same level that didn't take. I am still in the process of gathering information to get service connected. My question is related to filing for either anexity/panic attacks or depression. About a year a half prior to my surguries I was diagnosed with panic attacks/anexity and prescribed lexapro, propananyl and clonazepam along with Xanax. The lexapro really started working and I haven't had any attacks for at least a year. Since my second surgery, which is still very painful, I have had around a dozen panic attacks with the trigger being my pain and lack of progress and thinking about the reality of my situation (might not get better). Even though I was diagnosed prior to my back surgeries can I claim panic/anexity as secondary to my back claim since it has definately gotten worse?

I am also suffering from some depression due to the pain and missing over 3 months of work so far among other issues. I am a little hesitant to file for depression for work reasons. I think that either issue would be rated at the 10% level as hopefully being managed with medication. I have an appointment tomorrow with my physchiatrist and I have already talked to her about my attacks and depression and she said she would up my meds to higher doses. I also understand that you can only claim one mental health issue.

I would, right now, rather file for panic/anexity. But would the previous diagnosis prior to my surguries negate any claim even though it has gotten worse.

Any help or comment would be appreciated.

Edited January 12, 2010 by cowgirl

[81150 CAFB]

Civilian rated as panic/anexity. Had appointment today and got nexus for panic/anexity. We will see if it works.

Thanks!

81150

[jerrbilly]

How strong do you think your nexus is? You sound confident. Just want to know if you are on the up and up on what's considered a good nexus.

Jerr

Civilian rated as panic/anexity. Had appointment today and got nexus for panic/anexity. We will see if it works.

Thanks!

81150

[81150 CAFB]

Got the doctor to opine that my condition is more likely than not related to my current back issues with a note saying that he reviewed my smr's and current med records. Said anexity/panic was exerbated by my condition.

Hope it will work.

81150

[jerrbilly]

Sounds good.....I have a good feeling your will prevail.

Jerr

Got the doctor to opine that my condition is more likely than not related to my current back issues with a note saying that he reviewed my smr's and current med records. Said anexity/panic was exerbated by my condition.

Hope it will work.

81150

[Berta]

Did the doc make a full nexus statement that your condition is more than likely related to your service?

The nexus is the medical connection between a current disability and it's etiology (cause,link, onset, etc) to something that happened during your service.