Cfile Depression Diagnosis Sufficient For Claim?

[cowgirl]

question; recent depression claim submitted; is it possible that last VA pysch C-File diagnosis "major depression" GAF 61 if I recall, sufficient? Or as I suspect is a new C+P more probable? Claim, stressor letter and several official supporting documents in. Would IMO help sway or should I hold still for a short while? .thanks.cg

[john999]

Have you already established the nexus? If so an IMO could help if the IMO's GAF number is 50 instead of 61. GAF's in the 60's usually mean 30% or moderate disability. I don't believe you will get IU or 100% benefits with a 60 GAF.

[foreveryoung]

Don't give up!! I had a GAF of 61 and a year later I re-submitted for and increase, received a new C&P Exam with a GAF 54. Now I am at 50% for this claim. GOOD LUCK.

[cowgirl]

Have you already established the nexus? If so an IMO could help if the IMO's GAF number is 50 instead of 61. GAF's in the 60's usually mean 30% or moderate disability. I don't believe you will get IU or 100% benefits with a 60 GAF.

Thanks John.

I have a hard time griping.In fact as I typed in this response, that statement popped out way down the page. Thanks, I probably harbour my issues, thinking others deserve more than I and I should know better, be smarter and work it out on my own..Having this forum of other veterans as discussion and education really does help!! I may change my name to "I have a hard time griping!" or "Its hard to ask for help when I think I should learn to live with it or cure myself"

Can you tell more about "nexus? diagnosis in Cfile, claim is in process, all my data is in, issues affect my here'n'now life, well supported, still with VA pysch.. I try hard to interpet GAF of 50, am not suicidal, but have been feeling very overwhlemed for years.Have documentation for that too. Advice?

I can get IMO but I am concerned about (blue cross) responses, if labeled as "depressed" am I then considered high risk for insurance?

A. Are prior conditions usually covered?

B. Do I request a temporary or permanantly unemployable statement, or is that pushy?

C. Does insurance or myself HAVE to tell temp agency about mental health counseling?

D. IF insurance offers counseling; I like the VA, -can't afford long term copay with insurance company.

lookin' for my reins! cg

[john999]

Cowgirl

I don't think having a shrink give you a GAF of 50 is going to affect you BC at all. If your private doctor will say you are unemployable permanently than all the better. You need to tell the IMO exactly how you feel and all your problems. This is what is going to get you the rating you deserve. The VA is probably going to always low ball you.

[gwvet90]

Cowgirl,

The nexus is the "link" that connects your current claim/disability to your service time.

Basically - it has to shows that because of your time in the service you have xxxx disabilit(ies), and should be compensated.

[Berta]

Right- an IMO helps determine a proper diagnosis and current condition- and its extent- for rating purposes- the nexus is different.

"Can you tell more about "nexus? diagnosis in Cfile, claim is in process, all my data is in, issues affect my here'n'now life, well supported, still with VA pysch.. I try hard to interpet GAF of 50, am not suicidal, but have been feeling very overwhlemed for years.Have documentation for that too. Advice?"

Basically John and gwvet mean what happened in service -as documented (hopefully)in your service records that supports the diagnosis as having it's initial link to your service.

It could be in your SMRs, in your service personnel file, in any Captains mast stuff, any Article 15s, documented charges pressed against other service personnel, their Court Martial info etc-etc-and /or supported by inservice buddy statements as eye witness accounts, or in other ways-these are the best ways-

Your current disability must be related to the nexus.

An IMO doc can opine that the veteran's disability more than likely started in service- but unless the doc served with you in your same unit and witnessed a stressor-

this will not support proof of a stressor.

But on a physical disability as well as a mental disability -an IMO opinion that refers to specifics in the SMC can help establish a nexus.

If the SMRs reveal that say the veteran was treated for extreme anxiety on---- with---(meds) due to the death of a buddy in a shipboard accident-that is something a IMO can corroborate-as there is a stressor that can be proven- the death of the sailor-