tinnitus 2Nd Time Here

[Landluver]

I am rated 50% major depressive disorder and 10% intervertable disc syndrome,and mics. others which total 70%. My last request for an increase can back denied for thee third time. My contention is the back problem is the major cause of the depression. I'm now recovering from my second back surgery in the same area with an additional 6 to 8 weeks off work. I missed 6 weeks prior.to surgery and worked 1.5 weeks then had the surgery.Between the dr visits the recovery and not being able to cope with the day to day stress involved with my job as a 35 yr machinest whom is supposed to be able to work alone I no longer can be effective and my employer will dismiss me as soon as I have people trained to do my job. ( I would to ).My question is the last denial came, then about two weeks later another letter came stating it was in administrative review? For new claim of unemployabilty .WTF?As far as I'm concerned my cvso is to lazy to do a good job. Should I try to do this myself or get a lawyer?From reading the statues the back should be at 70%, and depression 70% also. With tinnitus @10%, left leg10%, leftfoot10%,migraine headachs@10%. Right. Leg @10%. I belive it should be nearlyb100%without the unemployabilty. Shouldn't the left & right leg be bilateral? Seems I on a long and bumpy road and with the depression doing anything about it is very hard to complete.

Have a very merry christmass and a safe and good new year to allAl S

[Landluver]

I'm obviously lost at sea here! Dont have a clue what really is going on with my claim and am depending on my vso of whom I think is in the same boat as me. Something seems terribly wrong with the way this has been proceeding. The depression over riding the IVDS in particular, the pain in the back and legs is the main cause of the depression I belive, could be wrong, I was once before. What is a c file? Yes the surgery is connected to the IVDS and is the second one now. Both times a workcomp claim filed, comp atty suggested filing with th VA 2 years ago that's when I got the rating. About 30 years late, sure wish I knew this was an option then. Nam era vets were let out as is. The records show the back problems and depression, and no one said I could get any sort of help at all. Just good by.I know this can take quite some time to get any thing done, would a atty. be of any help or just a way to spend my money?Thanks for any advise or insight on what is going on.Al

[john999]

You have enough for TDIU right now. What you need is medical proof that you cannot work. Does your company have a disability retirement pension? I would do as Berta has said and make sure I file the official form for TDIU. If you really feel over your head you could get a VA lawyer. All you really need is a letter from a psychiatrist saying you can't work any more due to your depression and chronic pain. You are not starting from Zero. You are already rated.

[VetsLady]

If your pain is causing you severe depression then the IVDS is what is causing the pain, right ?

As John writes, you have the service connection now and it can only go up from here. His advice is solid.

Another possibility is if you are on medication that prevents you from doing your job correct or safely, that can add additional fuel to your claim.

[carlie]

What is a c file?

Glossary/Definitions/Abbreviations

http://www.hadit.com/definitions.html

[Landluver]

1324778396' post=267032]

If your pain is causing you severe depression then the IVDS is what is causing the pain, right ?

As John writes, you have the service connection now and it can only go up from here. His advice is solid.

Another possibility is if you are on medication that prevents you from doing your job correct or safely, that can add additional fuel to your claim.

[Landluver]

Yes it is the IVDS causing the pain, well now the 30 or so staples in my back aren't making it any better! If the pain in my legs and foot get better does my rating & benefit follow? No there is no retirement pension where I work this would be it for the most part. That is why I would much rather be 100%p&t and still be able to work some. I will go completely crazy if I could do nothing at all! Close now! You know drive the short bus or wall mart greeter or something. Any how thanks for the shot in the arm at christmass time I was in bad need and you guys helped me out of the dark spot I was againg falling into. Thanks again and have a merry christmass and a safe new year.