ptsd Denied Mdd Secondary To Back Pain

[TheGrinch]

I am currently rated 60% for back pain and scars, after I recieved the rating I filed for MDD with sleep disturbances secondary to scoliosis. Here is a copy of the denial:

"Veteran suffers from depression and has been diagnosed with major
depressive disorder with recurrent episodes. His depression isn't a
product of the identified stressor(s). There are no other events which
link depression to military service. In fact, there wasn't any
treatment
for depression in service and treatment and diagnosis didn't occur
until 6
years after military service. He had some sleep problems in the service
but currently, sleep problems are thought to be a product of his
depression and regular pain. Given the interim between the actual
diagnosis of depression and military exit, it is difficult to link such
depression to his time in the service, as such, his depression appears
less likely than not related to military service."

This was listed in my record under initial PTSD dbq. Im not sure what to do next, any advice welcome.

[Guest]

Did you file a claim for depression or PTSD?

What caused your back condition?

File a NOD.

Get an IMO that relates you current depression to you back condition. Make sure your doctor gives a good medical rationale of how they are related.

[john999]

Yes, you need an IMO that shows a nexus between your depression and back condition. You should also claim chronic pain disorder as co-morbid with the depression. If you have 60% for your back it must be bad. You need to be sure of what you are claiming. If you are claiming PTSD that is not the same as depression and in your case has a different cause if I understand it.

[TheGrinch]

I had filed for both PTSD and MDD(secondary). PTSD was denied due to not having an official diagnosis and "only a few symptoms". Would my current VA psychiatrist work or do I need someone outside? Is the denial based on time valid? Back pain was a result of my job(aircraft maintainence). Thanks for the input, ill look up the NOD format and get that started.