A Year And A Day....

[StreetWalker]

It's been a year and a day since I filed my latest claim. It's still at the "gathering evidence" stage. Going to head down Thursday and file another claim. But before I do I need some clarification.

#1 I've a lower back injury. With that comes nerve damage. I've got nerve problems in the lower left leg. Is this now rated separately from the lower back?

I will be filing for depression. I'm being treated by my PCP with Desipramine. I've only been taking it a week but it has helped with my sleep problem and with the pain radiating down my legs. It may even be helping with my depression.

#2 Is being treated by my PCP enough to validate a claim of depression?

Thanks.

[Teac]

It's been a year and a day since I filed my latest claim. It's still at the "gathering evidence" stage. Going to head down Thursday and file another claim. But before I do I need some clarification.

#1 I've a lower back injury. With that comes nerve damage. I've got nerve problems in the lower left leg. Is this now rated separately from the lower back?

Yes, since 2001 the va rates the nerve problems seperately from the back injury. But it is likely you will need a nerve conductive test done to determine how bad the nerve problem is.

I will be filing for depression. I'm being treated by my PCP with Desipramine. I've only been taking it a week but it has helped with my sleep problem and with the pain radiating down my legs. It may even be helping with my depression.

Recently the Pain Clinic told me that on the Beck depression index , my rating is 30. I don't know what that really means, but since I have never mentioned depression to a doctor I doubt it means much. I suspect for a rating the va is going to want to see depression treated by a mental heath specialist, but that is just my guess....

#2 Is being treated by my PCP enough to validate a claim of depression?

Thanks.

[dzvetlawyers]

Hi StreetWalker,

Treatment is helpful, but you will also need a clear diagnosis. I have seen cases where VA has denied because the Veteran didn't have a diagnosis even though they were taking medication for symptoms of depression.

Cheers,

David

[Gulfvet45]

I have a vet SC for depression secondary to due to the pain of his DDD and DJD. He is not see any mental health at the VA; but was using the pain clinic.

Edited May 3, 2012 by Gulfvet45

[StreetWalker]

Went down the to local VA office today. Found they are changing over the system later this month. Claims will be handled differently. My claim has been marked as URGENT. Cleared up a bit of paperwork related to the claim. Was told that it should be decided within 30-60 days now.

Due to what I found out today I'm going to hold off on filing the other claim.

I'm not being treated at the pain clinic nor have I seen a MH professional either. Would I be better off with a VA MH opinion or a outside opinion on the depression?

[john999]

If you want your depression claim to succeed you should see a VA shrink and take what ever meds they give you. Same with the pain clinic. These services are there to be used. You skip using them at your own risk I think. The way to win claims is to pile up evidence.

John

[Pete53]

Streetwalker:

You could write the VARO a letter and inform them that you plan to file an additional claim. This will give you a year to file and preserve some back pay. You should also ask them to continue with your current claim.

Good Luck