Daignosed Anxiety And Depression

[huskerfanfl]

I went to see the VA psychiatrist yesterday and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Although I have not seen the written diagnosis (probably is not done yet anyway), the psychiatrist stated that the aniety and depression are tied in to my other disabilites. I go in on the 29th to decide my course of counseling and then once a month for three months to learn coping strategies. I have alos been prescribed Celexa as well as another pill to take as needed for sleep.

Is this all normal?

At what point would I/should I put in a new disability claim? I would think they would want to see how I was doing on the medicine first anyway.

[john999]

Husker

Even if the medications help you you still have an anxiety disorder/depression regarding your other disabilities. These anxiety problems are secondary conditions. I might go for a while longer and then file your claims. Get a copy of your doctors notes and you can go by that when you file your claim. If he says your psychiatric problems are secondary or related to your other disabilities there is no reason to wait to file. You would have a strong claim for service connection. Just see what he says in writting.

[huskerfanfl]

That is what I figured as well. I knew I had the symptoms and knew how long I had had the symptoms and while I had not been treated for anxiety or depression before I retired in Aug 2004, I had been having chest pains, heart palpitations, numbness, sweating etc for 3 years before that which have continued. They just did not diagnose correctly. I could have used a TriCare doctor for the initial diagnosis, but I am hoping th VA psychiatrists opinion may carry more weight and cut down on the B.S.. She, the psychiatrist, who diagnosed me, also does C&P exams for the VA.

I think your advice is sound and will probably wait until my initial counseling sessions are over and ask for a copy so I can see exactly what it says.

[john999]

Husker

I say to wait until you have her report in writing because often the VA docs are reluctant to link the dots and say your secondary condition is caused or aggravated by your service connected condition. They may tell you something verbally, but leave that part out of their written notes. You can get copies of your shrinks notes by requesting them from your VAMC. I just filed for a secondary condition to diabetes and I am wondering if what hoops I am going to have to jump through.

[huskerfanfl]

I thnik you are totally correct. I may have anxiety and depression, but I also have patience. I just wanted to know what other peoples opinions and expereince were. I am also going through the same process with other issues before I request an increase in compensation. I want to make sure they have a lot of information to look at to substantiate the claim. It might take longer in the short term, but if it keeps me from having to file appeal after appeal I think the time will be well spent.

[Pete53]

Huskerfan:

Most of the shrinks at the VA type all that stuff up in your patient notes as you sit in the room with them. You can go to patient racords and ask for copies of all your patient notes and you will see what I am talking about.

I usually do it on the way out.

[huskerfanfl]

She was typing as I was in there. I wonder if she is able to do the GAF and all in that sitting though. Thanks for the tip.