Should I File A Claim?

[USNAVYGIRL]

Hi. I'm a long time reader, but this is my first post.

Here is my situation:

Served USN from July 2007-July 2008. I was discharged for mental condition. While in service, I attempted suicide, and after being in the ward on base for twelve days, I was released, diagnosed with adjustment disorder with disturbance in mood/depressed mood. (I've just recently noticed that on the paperwork from the emergency department, my diagnosis says: acute adjustment disorder/medically cleared whatever that means.)

Anywho, five years later in early Nov 2013, I started seeing a psychiatrist, because the depression became too much. He prescribed me Concerta, saying that it would help with my anxiety and depression, but it didn't. I attempted suicide yet again. I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, severe. I stayed in the ward for five days this time.

I spent the past five years without seeking treatment, because my husband didn't know about my depression or past suicide attempt. He is avidly against people who commit suicide(for religious reasons), and I didn't want him to leave me. However, because my depression has kept me from working all of these years, he wants a divorce because he says 'he needs someone who can provide for the family alongside him, because the stress of providing for our family(me, him, and our son) is just too much. He's a marine, btw.

I'm wondering if I have enough for a claim, or if I should even try?

Oh, and I'm seeing a new psychiatrist starting Wednesday. I had to move out of my husband's house to start official separation, and so I had to change psychiatrists. I'm bringing my paperwork for DBQ to him along with my SMR's and my civilian medical record.

I guess my question is, should I even try and file? Or should I not waste my time because of the five years where I didn't seek treatment?

Also, no matter if I go through with the claim or not, I'll continue to seek treatment, as I desperately need it.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[71M10]

That personality disorder may give you some trouble, there are others here on the boards that are much more knowledgeble about that than I. It is one of the Military and VA's "get out of jail free cards", they try to play it as often as they can.

This isn't going to be quick or enjoyable, you need to understand up front this is going to take awhile and be very aggravating. Beyond completing the DBQ, if you can look at the IMO information section here on the site, you may want to see if he/she will provide an IMO/IME that disputes you having a personality disorder. You want to Quash the PD finding.

Best regards,

Edited December 18, 2013 by 71M10

[Philip Rogers]

I agree, that PD is something you'll need to fight. The military has long used that diagnosis to screw vets out of their claim. It may take some time to win but "you can do it!!!" You must never give up, no matter how futile it may seem, at times. They accepted you as "fit" when you went in and they're stuck w/that.

Come back and ask for help as you need it. jmo

pr

[mags1023]

Great advice from all of the members. I think the most important thing is to get your new psychiatrist to link your depression with what you were going through in service. Did you receive a medical board/medical discharge? This will definitely be a tough and long battle, but it will be worth to you when you win! Most importantly, good luck shipmate! I hope you are able to handle what life throws your way. Your son needs you!

[63SIERRA]

I would start going to the VA and make damn sure the doc is told, that your mental ilnness started in service, and you believe it was BECAUSE of service. everybody had different thresholds . Some people cannot take the stress of millitary life and crack. Most people join because thier options list is somewhat short to begin with, so the pressure of not wanting to get out, but not wanting to stay in can be enormous. Tell them it damaged you. CONTINUE treatment on a regular basis at VA. NEVER tell them it was anything but millitary service that caused your mental ilness.

I think you could fight the PD diagnosis because they sure let u serve a year, before they decided you had PD.

Also, your husband sounds like aloser, in sickness and in health, till death due you part.,.. Kick his aarse to the curb, and start a good life, your worth it. thanks for your service.

[USNAVYGIRL]

My discharge was honorable. The reason for discharge is stated as: mental condition. Thanks for the advice and responses.

[USNAVYGIRL]

Oh, also my smr's state that a MEB was not needed.