tdiu Tdiu Unemployability Claim

[Valenti]

I am the caregiver for my wife as such I am posting on her behalf.

In 2008 my wife was awarded 80% disability rating from the VA. The largest portion of her rating comes from Dysthymia disorder at 50%, the remaining being from physical alements.

In April of 2013 my wife became unemployed and as such had a mental breakdown.

She began to recieve additional treatment and was advised by a VA social worker to apply for unemployability, and we did that in July.

In November both her VA psychologist and psychiatrist signed off diagnosing her with Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dysthymia & Personality Disorder,(that is much more then her initial VA disability claim but I assume it is all inter related)

The letter continues to state that it is of their opinion that due ther her anxiety, depression, and pain are of such severity that she cannot establish or maintain substantial gainful employment at the present time and the foreseeable future.

I scanned in and attached this letter into her claim as evidence.

The claim although still under processing now states that she is slated to have a answer in April of 2014. I guess I am just curious as to what to expect next and the chances of her recieving approval in April?

I have read that although it isn't suposed to age will often be a factor in approval or denial. My wife is 36 going on 37 this year.

[jbasser]

Sounds like solid evidence and I think the IU claim may be granted. They even may step it up a notch and award her 100 percent.

J

[Valenti]

I keep reading horror stories of people going through this process, so I was curious to get peoples thoughts that know more the myself.

[Philip Rogers]

I agree w/jbasser but ya never know what the VA will do.

pr

[carlie]

What are her specific SC'd physical disabilities ?

You posted,

"In April of 2013 my wife became unemployed and as such had a mental breakdown."

What was the reason she became unemployed ?

Here's a link, you might want to study some of these BVA claims.

http://www.index.va.gov/search/va/bva_search.jsp?QT=Dysthymia+disorder+&EW=&AT=&ET=&RPP=10&DB=2013&DB=2012&DB=2011&DB=2010&DB=2009

[Valenti]

What are her specific SC'd physical disabilities ?

You posted,

"In April of 2013 my wife became unemployed and as such had a mental breakdown."

What was the reason she became unemployed ?

Here's a link, you might want to study some of these BVA claims.

http://www.index.va.gov/search/va/bva_search.jsp?QT=Dysthymia+disorder+&EW=&AT=&ET=&RPP=10&DB=2013&DB=2012&DB=2011&DB=2010&DB=2009

she lost her job cause she was not able to perform the duties. After loosing the job her condition got much worse.

Sleep Disturbance

Knee

Back

are some of the other things that are Sevice connected. I don't have it right in front me though.

the dysthymia disorder is the only mental condition on her original VA disablility reward letter, I am not sure if the other issues are symtoms of that or vice versa

Edited December 30, 2013 by Valenti

[Valenti]

Ok now I am at a place where I can give a more in depth answer.

Dysthymic Disorder 50%

Sleep Disturbance 30%

Cervical Spinal Strain 10%

Bulging disc Lumbar spine 10%

Right Knee ligament tear 10%

Bilateral Tinnitus 10%

Allergic rhinitis 10%

She has several other thing listed but they offer 0%

She lost her job cause she was unable to perform the duties, things got worse after that.

The VA doctors diagnosed her with Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dysthymia & Personality Disorder. Only the Dysthymia she currently recieves a rating for. I am not sure if we need to somehow prove that the other disorders are also service connected. It is rather confusing to me since they are all intertwined with eachother.

Ebenifits currently say she should expect a answer come April. We are moving back home in March, as her caregiver I need some extra support as I can't leave her alone for any extended period of time. With family being present I will be able to go shopping pay bills etc w/out having to bring her along if she is unwilling or unable to do so.

I have read about a C&P exam, needing a form from her previous employer, among other things. I am just not sure what to expect as I am the one doing the research and foot work involving her only when needed because it places un needed preasure on her.

I just want to know what to expect in the next coming months.