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.

[StreetWalker]

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

All ask my PCP for a referral to the MH clinic then. I'll also ask about the pain clinic even though the new meds do seem to be working well controlling the pain.