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.

[Vync]

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.

There are a lot of good points here. Without sounding like I am saying what others have, I'll offer some additional tips.

Definitely take advantage of all the resources which are available to you. Not everyone is eligible to see someone at a Vet Center, but if you are they can be very helpful and friendly ear to listen to your concerns and offer advice. Sometimes just having someone listen is a big help.

Get to know your medication. Concerta is not right for everyone. Your psychiatrist might need to try a few different medications until they find one which helps. Some meds work quickly, but others may take time to build up in your system. If you are having funky side effects when put on a new med, contact your doctor.