Statement Of Claim From Spouse And Myself

[fmfdoc]

First time post for me. I am working in my claim and adding the following:

increase for MDD AND DDD

NEW: SLEEP APNEA SECONDARY TO MDD

RADICULOPATHY SECOND TO DDD

I feel compelled to write a statement for myself and my wife will add her statement , as well.

My question is, should I write one statement to include my MDD and DDD? They both seem to go hand in hand for me. equal amount of sick days because of both and documentation from the VA since my retirement in 06.

This is my first request for an increase and also wanted to add the SA ( even though i want dx'ed with that during AD) and radiculopathy

anyway, any feedback will be appreciated.

Thanks

[georgiapapa]

If the statements are in support of both issues being filed at the same time, one separate statement from each of you should suffice.

Others may have a different opinion.

Good luck to you.

[Vync]

They can help, but keep them focused. A strong IMO from your doc will carry more weight.

[Berta]

Are you already service connected for the MDD and DDD?

Vync is right. Unless you get a very favorable C & P exam that supports the secondary conditions, you will need a strong IMO with a full medical rationale that states why the prime SC disability has caused the secondary one.

[NavyWife]

Please be very very careful in any statements you send to VA.

NEVER, EVER SAY YOU ARE OK. Never say there are times when it was under control, when it wasn't so bad, when medications weren't necessary. Any of these type statements, VA will definitely use to try and lowball or deny you. They have a habit of ignoring pages and pages of medical history and pointing out one single sentence where the veteran or spouse said he was "ok".

Please review the rating schedule for this issues you are filing for.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5;node=38:1.0.1.1.5

[fmfdoc]

thanks. I am SC for MDD and DDD. I missed my C&P about two years ago so i kick myself for that. However, places like this have really opened my eyes to what i should be doing. I didn't have that knowledge two years ago!!

[fmfdoc]

i am finding that asking and receiving a Nexus letter from my VA providers is not working out. They seem very reluctant to write the letter. I am think it might be time to be seen by a Non VA provider