Depression

[ScottCGAS]

I have been having problems with getting angry or short with people. I researched some posts, and there was a link in an ad to a Depression Self Help Test and the results said I was moderately depressed. Can constant back pain and always snorting and sniffing and waking up congested, lead to depression or work on your mind. Other people have said constant pain has lead to anxiety or depression. Thanks in advance.

[Pete53]

You can have a VSO and still work your claim on your own terms. In reality most VSO's file paper work and wait for VA. They will attach evidence if you give it to them but you are in your rights to submit anything that you think helps your claim

[ScottCGAS]

You can have a VSO and still work your claim on your own terms. In reality most VSO's file paper work and wait for VA. They will attach evidence if you give it to them but you are in your rights to submit anything that you think helps your claim

When I file a claim for depression, is that the technical name , or do I use a code number? Should I have an appointment to see a doctor before I file the claim? When I speak to my Primary Care Team do I just tell them I would like a referral to see a Psychiatrist? Or do I word it differently? My friend just just went to VA in Indiana and his primary care team just put him on anti-depressants for PTSD. I asked him if he saw a Psychiatrist he said no. If a claim is to be filed, should you not be clinically diagnosed by a specialist before the meds? Will I have to explain all my problems to my primary care team, so in the end he can say he needs to refer me. From what I have gathered from this site, if the right sequence of VA procedures is not followed, the VA will try and discredit you. I know that from my tinnitis claim, the Audiologist worded my story differently in his denial!

[DickC]

I guess I am pretty fortunate as I have a very good VSO who seems to be very knowlegable. I filed for my headaces and depression at the same time and the only time I have ever been to a Psychiatrist is after my mom died. The VA did make me talk to one during my claim evaluation. I had been on depression meds for 20+ years and did submit ALL of my civilian records pertaining to these meds and why they were issued. In gathering my civilian records I found that they only keep them for 10 years and then they are destroyed so get your civilan medical records now and submit anything that pertains to your claim.

My VSO also had me ask my civilian doctor for a letter that stated "It is as least likely as not" that my headaches and resulting depression are a result of exposure to chemicals in the military. That statement is very important according to my VSO.

[cowgirl]

Ok, my two cents. Be a self advocate, if you need a clear diagnosis from a VA provider, ask specifically. If you are not sure, ask again. Then head to the Release of Information office for a printed copy.

In the past when I attended a primary provider VA appointment the nurse has asked me if I am depressed, along with other questions. Those intake questions are listed on teh computer screen for each and every visit. In my VA clinic record copy I have many different printouts of those - patient 'reports' this or patient 'denies' this..simple but important questions to have true answers to. Thinking of VA records as quasi legal documentation for your care and benefits.

Depression can be a difficult word to 'accept' sometimes. I've had days of 'why me' 'why my back' especially when I see other people my same age working out or actively playing with thier kiddos. Then to top it off, taking medicines for that, wearing special shoe inserts, using back support cushions and working hard to climb high into the ole truck - thankful for the handles. (yup, I make trips into town worthwhile for gas and energy used!)

Got a good to great VA counselor here, good to talk to and makes sense often when I don't. Sorta tells me whats on my mind when I havent been able to think straight. Even help me understand some of my forgetfullness was due to poor sleeping worrying about how my disabilities are affecting my thinking.

Side note, my VSO is mostly ok, but I learned the hard way - if I submit papers to the VA through the VSO to 'always' have a cover letter identifying what I submitting as evidence. Or they just put, veteran is submitting additional paperwork to the VA for consideration, sure don't help my memory or tell the VA what I gave em.

Best to ya,

Cowgirl!

[john999]

Dick

To win a claim for chemical exposure you will need something from a doctor much more specific than "vet has headaches because of chemical exposure in military". The doctor needs to explain where, why, how, background etc. You need to prove the exposure, and there needs to be some medical science to explain how this specific chemical cocktail causes headaches and/or other symptoms. Is the chemical exposure you are talking about presumptive for headaches to the extent of a permanent disability? I was exposed to agent orange. If I go to a neurologist and he says my headaches are due to AO exposure 99% likely I will lose that claim because the science is not there to prove it. The VA is reluctant to grant chemical exposure claims because it opens the door to thousands of other claims. The VA is still arguing about agent orange 40 years after the fact.

[ScottCGAS]

Just an update. I was at my Primary Care Team for an app't for my back, and spoke to them about chronic pain and sinuses bstill being infected after approx 6wks.. Dr. put me on 20 days of antibiotics to help clear it up. Also spoke to him about my constant back problems and pain in my buttocks. I told him I may be depressed and he put me on Amitriptyline and I went in for a follow up app't.. I told him I would like to speak with someone in mental health and they did.. After app't with Nurse Practioner in mental health I p/u my records and she has noted depression and rated my GAF at 60.. Said the chronic pain and sinus has lead to the depression. I then went to the Missouri Veterans Commission and filed a claim for chronic pain, loss of a creative organ(Erectile Dysfunction), and depression.. I hope the out come will be good.

Also received a Statement of Case and responded to them about the denial for my tinnutis claim. I have requested a BVA hearing. My MO. Vet Rep said I should consider hiring an attorney?? Should I do this or what should I do??

Thank folks at hadit.com, Scott