Mood Disorder To Include Depression

[oldman273]

Hey I was wondering I just had a C/P for depression secondary to my SC back which I claimed a chronic pain issue are they all rated together or seperate? I am waiting to see what the raters will do. I am leary of the raters as most of the ones I have had ignore what surgeons and Doctors say and I believe that they (raters) will decide based on their opinion not my Doctors. Anyone got an idea? I just got off the phone with the VARO telling them that I was going out of state to find a place to live and I would not have acess to my PO Box should they send anything in the next two weeks. I have tried sending messages to VA within the system IRIS but I can never get one through. I am also writing a letter to them as well and asking for a signature upon receipt. I have heard way too many times a veteran gets the shaft when he never recivied the letter or hearing notice.

I got my C/P results back and the Mental health Doc put my GAF score at 50 but stated I had the ability to handle my own money. I do not know what the GAF score means I looked it up and again it is based on the raters. I am going ahead and move before the cold weather gets here this fall. It looks like Arizona or Texas just not sure yet.

Thanks have a good day

[Pete53]

If you are not working and have asked for TDIU you should get it. GAF or Global Assessment Functioning is a guess by the Doc as to how you are able to deal with the world.50 or less means that you are having your fair share of problems.

[Interested]

As for your question, the two conditions are rated separately.

As for your comment about raters most of the ones I have had ignore what surgeons and Doctors say and I believe that they (raters) will decide based on their opinion not my Doctors , it's about as valid as saying that most veterans are lying about their claims.

FWIW, it's sometimes appropriate to ignore or disregard a doctor's opinion. (there, that should stir up some controversy).

Hey I was wondering I just had a C/P for depression secondary to my SC back which I claimed a chronic pain issue are they all rated together or seperate? I am waiting to see what the raters will do. I am leary of the raters as most of the ones I have had ignore what surgeons and Doctors say and I believe that they (raters) will decide based on their opinion not my Doctors. Anyone got an idea? I just got off the phone with the VARO telling them that I was going out of state to find a place to live and I would not have acess to my PO Box should they send anything in the next two weeks. I have tried sending messages to VA within the system IRIS but I can never get one through. I am also writing a letter to them as well and asking for a signature upon receipt. I have heard way too many times a veteran gets the shaft when he never recivied the letter or hearing notice.

I got my C/P results back and the Mental health Doc put my GAF score at 50 but stated I had the ability to handle my own money. I do not know what the GAF score means I looked it up and again it is based on the raters. I am going ahead and move before the cold weather gets here this fall. It looks like Arizona or Texas just not sure yet.

Thanks have a good day

[carlie]

Hey I was wondering I just had a C/P for depression secondary to my SC back which I claimed a chronic pain issue are they all rated together or seperate?

These are 2 separate disability's (comorbid) but the evidence from both would be factored in for the evaluation level percentage.

Remember - only one rating for MH.

I am waiting to see what the raters will do. I am leary of the raters as most of the ones I have had ignore what surgeons and Doctors say and I believe that they (raters) will decide based on their opinion not my Doctors. Anyone got an idea?

The decision makers are to go specifically by what the doc's state and not apply their interpretation of the medical evidence when adjudicating claims issues.

I got my C/P results back and the Mental health Doc put my GAF score at 50 but stated I had the ability to handle my own money.

I do not know what the GAF score means I looked it up and again it is based on the raters.

The decision maker (rater) has nothing to do with assigning a gaf score - this HAS to come from a mental health professional.

Here's info on GAF :

http://vets.yuku.com...nefits-FAQ-39-s

"What is GAF?

GAF, the G stands for Global so it's an overall view of your total, whole, GLOBAL, condition and includes everything you suffer from.

The Global Assessment of Function (GAF) Score will show up as the

Axis V (Roman Numeral) of the Psychiatric Evaluation.

The Score is of most importance for rating purposes at the time of your C&P exam. However, it will also show up on periodic reports made by one or more of your VAMC providers of care. Their score is a guide that reflects how you are doing at the time of each of your visits to a VAMC Mental Health Clinic.

For rating purposes the C&P evaluator's score carries a lot of weight; but know this your GAF score can and will change over time depending on the subjective judgment of the person evaluating you. DO NOT assume that because you received a low GAF at one C&P that you will receive a high rating from a rating specialist, DRO, or the BVA.

The GAF is very subjective and a rating specialist will not base his or her decision just on the number given by your Psychiatric Evaluation.

Go to the Release of Information Office of your VAMC and ask them to provide you with a list of your scores over time. My VAMC can do this. If your VAMC cannot or will not summarize the numbers, ask for a copy of the reports for each visit you have made over time to a VAMC Mental Health Clinic.

A GAF number will be given on the reports if you routinely go to a VAMC Mental Health Clinic. The clinicians treating you have to update your GAF several times a year. Look for the following AXIS identifiers:

Axis I is the Main Psychiatric Diagnosis. (e.g.: Manic-Depressive, OCD, PTSD etc.)

Axis II is any other Psch Condition that is impacting on Axis I

Axis III is any medical condition that impacts on Axis I

Axis IV is any social/economic condition that impacts on Axis I (i. e. going through Divorce, High Debt or whatever.)

Axis V is the GAF. (Simply a number) "

[carlie]

FWIW, it's sometimes appropriate to ignore or disregard a doctor's opinion. (there, that should stir up some controversy).

Interested,

You are welcome to come here and provide help or even vent

BUT

do not start throwing in bait and bs - to get arguments going.

[oldman273]

If you are not working and have asked for TDIU you should get it. GAF or Global Assessment Functioning is a guess by the Doc as to how you are able to deal with the world.50 or less means that you are having your fair share of problems.

Thanks Pete I have been around and around with the VA about so many of my issues. I knew I had depression problems but I feel like this when it comes to things I have no control over, I just pull over and let someone else drive. I admit the VA has me chasing my tail sometimes. I am coming out your way this month to scratch around. I might pm you if you got time and see which areas you would look at. I am going to Grand prarie for a few days to see some relatives I thank you for the advice. From all my other postings I have fought and fought now I am kind of tired. Cold weather hits SC for me around Thanks giving and does not let up till late March. I will pm you to ask a few questions have a good day.

[oldman273]