Initial Mh Eval

[Andyman73]

Tomorrow afternoon I am going for my initial MH eval. Feels like the day I shipped out to boot camp, scared out of my mind!

[TexasMarine]

" Ok, when should I get the Nexus statement? Since it was only just my initial consult/eval, should I wait until a few more sessions? I know this, I was stopped seconds from attempting to cut my wrists(the long way), while at work, in my workspace. I drank to excess and was picked up for public intox, and had a 3 week outpatient substance abuse counseling. And many sinus and gastro issues due to stress, all in my SMR. Do these count as MH issues/symptoms? Thanks, TexasMarine,"

Sinus and Gastro issues do not necessarily equate to mental issues. At least I don't know of any rationale where they would. However, stress does count, if it was documented.

Cutting wrists, drinking to excess, substance abuse are all signs of some MH imbalance, and could be used by a doctor to show a MH nexus.

If you've already been diagnosed with MH issues, then a nexus statement can be had. You need to visit a MH specialist (particularly non-VA), describe your symptoms and describe your experiences in-services. Take a copy of Buck_52's link. (BTW, there are more than a few docs who specialize in providing nexus statements, although they may cost more, i don't know.) Look for a forensic psychiatrist.

Typically, the VA Docs will NOT provide nexus statements. They don't want to bite the hand that feeds them. But, once again, I could be wrong. It depends on the doc.

It sounds though, like you had some MH problems in-service, and if they are documented, you are well on your way to success.

Now, I know of a few folks who have had such strong nexus statements, that they overcame "no MH issues documented in service." But you need a real pro to get that done.

[Andyman73]

TexasMarine,

I forgot to add sleep issues, that go along with the gastro and sinus. I believe the lack of quality sleep, and the stress, reduced my body's ability to fight off the sinus and gastro issues. Perhaps working around C-130s and CH-53s, soaking up lung fulls of T-56 exhuast for 5.5 yrs probably didn't do me any favors either.

As for DX while on AD, I received exactly 0(zero), which is to say, no professional medical or psychiatric evaluations of my mental state of mind, after a fellow Marine inturrupted my suicide attempt. My deptartment chief spoke to me for a few minutes. Then he sent me over to the Wing Chaplain, who spoke with me for about 30 minutes. That was it, no follow up, no trip to base medical, or mental health, or nuthin. And I still had 4.5 yrs left of my 6 yr run.

Even if I can't get a nexus statement from my VA dr., after I get a DX, I should be able to file a claim, and the markers should carry me over the line. As far as I understand, the VA changed their official position on PTSD back in 2010. We no longer need a clear nexus event. As long as we have documented "markers" it will qualify us.

So, I wait till the next session to see what happens next.

Semper Fi

Andy

[TexasMarine]

It's well known that many, if not most, GIs that have mental problems, tend to hide/compensate for them through drinking, use of drugs, or some other means. Again, most do not report to the medic when they are 'confused', or having bouts of depression.

In addition, mentioning that you have some mental illness is a sure trip to the farm and subsequent discharge, so we/they hide it. Some don't even know they have/had an issue.

Once you have your DX, attempt to get a nexus from your doc. You may want to file sooner, rather than later, if for no other reason than to get the clock started. (set your effective date) You may need to get a lawyer/doctor on you side for the eventual appeal, but not after the initial denial. If you don't get denied, that's great.

Semper Waiting

Jerry

[Buck52]

Andyman73

Sometimes in a Initial consult a Social Worker/or NP (Nurse Practitioner) will evaluate you and report to the MH Dr

Eventually you should be seen by a Psychiatrist

It is werid this person never brought up your sleep problems/hot/cold sweats /nightmares ect,,ect,, that is usually like the 3 or 4th question they ask.

They usually go over everything that may/could result in MDD/PTSD.

As for as not getting a stressor not documented while on AD they are supposed to use the veteran accounts of the event/trauma and use reasonable doubt and go with presumptive that this did happen & reason of doubt always goes to the veteran.

Just never give up no matter what happens you will win in the end.

...................Buck

[john999]

Evidence is the key for winning VA claims. An IME/IMO is evidence. What you want to do is to get all your SMR's, personnel records and anything if you have a C-File and bring that with you to show to you IME doctor. That way he can say he reviewed those records. So let's say your IME reviews your SMR's and sees in them something that indicates MH issue. This is one way to create a nexus that you control instead of letting the VA create an alternative reality for you. It is a step by step process to connect in-service issues to a current disability. The main thing is not to mskr a really bad mistake to give the VA a way to subscribe all your symptoms to NSC reasons. It can be tricky because they are looking for loopholes to screw you IMO. They sure tried to screw me over and over again. I used IME's to defeat these attempts. I would not trust the VA as far as I can throw them when it comes to compensation issues.

John

[Buck52]

Could he have a SC Disability at 60% that could cause a MH problem such as depression?

and other types conditions that came up later? this would be possible.

I understand the VA can not take away/reduce a veterans SC Rating if another condition comes up secondary to his existing disability or he has that rating over 10 years.

...............Buck

Edited June 27, 2015 by Buck52