Jump to content

Ask Your VA Claims Questions | Read Current Posts 
Read VA Disability Claims Articles
Search | View All Forums | Donate | Blogs | New Users | Rules 

Top 10 VA Disability Claims Articles

  • tbirds-va-claims-struggle (1).png

  • 01-2024-stay-online-donate-banner.png

     

  • 0

Depression, should I claim primary or secondary?

Rate this question

Andyman73

Asked by Andyman73,

 Share

Question

Andyman73 Veteran

Andyman73

Posted
Posted

Hello,

I want to know, is it better to file for depression, my MH doc has DXd me with MDD, but didn't clarify as SC, or go for depression as secondary to chronic pain?  I have paper proof of NSAID usage since 1992 on AD and through the VA.  Thanks

 

Andy

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Answers 33
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters For This Question

Popular Days

Top Posters For This Question

Popular Days

Popular Posts

Matthew Hill
Matthew Hill

Andyman73, A claim for service connected compensation is what the veteran states and what the evidence states.  So if you say it is directly related and they find that t was actually a 2nd issue, it d

Buck52
Buck52

I would file for PTSD  being that the VA only rates one of the conditions & file the others separate at the same time. That way you have your EED set on all your contentions & rather or not yo

Buck52
Buck52

OIC Well just keep going to MH they can sort it all out and remember to tell the therapist about all your stressful events, just be honest and up front with them, you need to trully tell them how you

33 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0
Andyman73 Veteran

Andyman73

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Buck,

I am already seeing a MH doc.  I called 1-800-Peggy back in May, and they got me intouch with the care line folks, and I started seeing the MH in June. I've been to 4 sessions, so far.

I know you've been following my posts, as I have yours. So you may recall that I have said previously that I don't have any typical PTSD causative event.  But I did experience enough stress that lead me to nearly end my life and also begin drinking alcohol like a fish in water.

I haven't drank to get drunk since I left AD, but now I drink to get to sleep.  I found it's so much easier than popping sleeping pills, which I've done in the past while on AD and after. And the alcohol doesn't leave me feeling foggy when I get up for work. Even if I took the pills early in the evening I would still feel groggy in the am.

I truly dislike being in social situations, even when it's my own extended family. Most of them have little clue to what I am about.  I grew up as an Army brat, and then did 6yrs AD USMC. So most of my family doesn't really know me.  I'm always trying to get out of going to other social events with my wife, but sometimes I'm not so successful.  And I end up standing in a corner or near a door way, avoiding people like the plague.

Buck, as always I appreciate your view on things, since you are going through the whole MH deal as well.

Semper Fi.

Andyman

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
  • HadIt.com Elder
Buck52 Grand Master

Buck52

Posted
  • HadIt.com Elder
Posted (edited)

Oh ok that your seeing the MH Dr's  

thats good  the sessions are suppose to help  but I have did 6 sessions so for and so for I don't feel any different   not any different than my wife telling me things  thats kinda how the therapist is doing.

as for as the meds making you feel foggy  let the Docs know this  they may cut you off of something or add a different med...they changed my med twice already.

so for the latest ones seem to help me sleep better and not wake up feeling all druggie or foggy headed..so let the Doc's Know how the meds make you feel  they can get it corrected.

as for as what it is that stressed you out  if its from your past military  let them MH Docs know about it, you don't need to be a combat soldier to have PTSD  you just need a traumatic event that happen in service if it was a enough to cause to want to end your life its pretty eventful so to speak!

 So please come on out with it..you don't need to say  on here what it was  just tll your psychiatrist about it, we were all fine before we entered the military  they gave us all a physical and declared nothing was wrong with us...so now we went done our duty and  for a lot of us we get messed up along the way...even if it happens years after we get off AD..IT STILL HAPPENS TO A LOT OF VETERANS.

The things you describe are pointing toward PTSD or an unspecific behavior pattern...which basically  is server depression  and severe depression is a form of PTSD  MH can sort it all out...you could have  MMD like they said but from your post  It looks a lot like PTSD to me  but hey I'm no Doc

 

Good Luck with all this, I'm just letting MH handle Mine and try to do what they say, I have other NSC  disability's but trying to work through them the best I can  and my S.C. Hearing loss makes it tough to understand what is being said,   I have about 75% 80%of my hearing gone  I use hearing aids but  in a crowd they are useless.  this is my TDIU P&T disability  90% but rated 100% because I could no longer do any type work....hence the TDIU P&T

thats what I get TDIU P&T for  but now I am dealing with this PTSD Crap. and its not anything to feel ashamed about buddy.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

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

Edited by Buck52

I am not an Attorney or VSO, any advice I provide is not to be construed as legal advice, therefore not to be held out for liable BUCK!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Andyman73 Veteran

Andyman73

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Buck,

Thanks for your support.  I guess what I'm trying to figure out is what is the best SC to claim, for me. 

I have a small list of SCDs, 40% low back, 3%0 bilateral foot, 10% bilateral knees(low balled) 10% tinnitus, 10% hearing loss, 10% L ankle.  And I currently have claims in progress for secondary for bilateral hips, bilateral radiculopathy and R ankle.  I mailed out my evidence and statements for those just yesterday.  Next is will be MH, maybe the Depression due to chronic pain as secondary SC might be the best bet for me.  And then sleep apnea, alcohol addiction, IBS, and chronic sinus issues. 

I know it's nothing to truly be ashamed of, but that doesn't change how I feel.  I have told my MH about that, as to why I took so long to even look at MH treatment. You never hear anything about Vets like me, who don't have any combat or other type of traumatic experience, seeking treatment. 

Basically it was a combination of things, Unit deployed(but not me) Commanding General's Inspection(for which I was a part of the uniform issue insp. part, that was micromanaged to death by a control freak E-8), personal relationship issues, and work ops tempo, and health issues due to lack of sleep, chronic IBS and sinusitis, and alcohol on top.  Brain went into overload meltdown and out came the box cutter with brand new blade.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
  • HadIt.com Elder
Buck52 Grand Master

Buck52

Posted
  • HadIt.com Elder
Posted

OIC

Well just keep going to MH they can sort it all out and remember to tell the therapist about all your stressful events, just be honest and up front with them, you need to trully tell them how you feel in each and every session  if you have to change the topic/subject  to get your point across do so.

 

I am waiting on my C-file before I file my claim...I want to have everything I need to win this claim  I can't take a denial  that would just do it for me, so I want to make sure I have all my  records and all my evidence   and all of VA MH Notes in my favor.....I want to make it hard on those raters to deny me...even then they still can come up with a  cock & bull storey or reason to deny.

I learned  a lot from my last claim back in 2002. & priceless information here on Hadit.

 

Just keep going to MH and remember never give up  you will win  just have to give the a reason not to deny!

you will be ok  just hang in there Buddy.

 

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

I am not an Attorney or VSO, any advice I provide is not to be construed as legal advice, therefore not to be held out for liable BUCK!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Andyman73 Veteran

Andyman73

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Buck,

Yeah, but I'm hoping the doc will be willing to talk about my service issues sooner, rather than later.

The meds I was referring to were for pain, not MH.  I've been taking pain meds since late 92, when I first got hurt. Some of the narc types are what caused me problems. I could take them when I didn't have to get up for work the next day, otherwise, they were a no go.  And some of them made me sick to my stomach and interfered with my "regularity", if you know what I mean. 

At my last session, the doc related one of his own issues he still deals with, so it eased my mind a little, to know he is human just like me. 

I do have my C-file, and already went through all 1090 pages, everything was there that I expected, plus some interesting other items.  Such as exam notes from late 99 and early 2000, where the one doc wanted to operate on my knee to clear out some cysts, as she thought they were the actual cause for my pain.  I never knew that, and she thought they may be the result of trauma(duh, when I fell down the stairs at boot camp).  That is info I coulda used for a claim 15 years ago!!! GRRRRR!!!  Sounds like a secondary to SCD claim to me.

I will keep on going, only got my life and my family to lose.  Don't want to end up going there.  I really appreciate your words, Buck! They help me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Semper Fi.

Andy

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
iceturkee Proficient

iceturkee

Posted
Posted

Hello,

I want to know, is it better to file for depression, my MH doc has DXd me with MDD, but didn't clarify as SC, or go for depression as secondary to chronic pain?  I have paper proof of NSAID usage since 1992 on AD and through the VA.  Thanks

 

Andy

Hello,

I want to know, is it better to file for depression, my MH doc has DXd me with MDD, but didn't clarify as SC, or go for depression as secondary to chronic pain?  I have paper proof of NSAID usage since 1992 on AD and through the VA.  Thanks

 

Andy

andy, my depression was rated as secondary to chronic pain.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to question listing


  • Tell a friend

    Love HadIt.com’s VA Disability Community Vets helping Vets since 1997? Tell a friend!

  • Recent Achievements

    • First Post
      Lebro
      Lebro earned a badge
      First Post
    • Week One Done
      stuart55
      stuart55 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      stuart55
      stuart55 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Conversation Starter
      Lebro
      Lebro earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • First Post
      Sparklinger
      Sparklinger earned a badge
      First Post

  • Our picks

    • Caluza Triangle defines what is necessary for service connection

      Caluza Triangle defines what is necessary for service connection

      Tbird posted a record in VA Claims and Benefits Information,

      Caluza Triangle – Caluza vs Brown defined what is necessary for service connection. See COVA– CALUZA V. BROWN–TOTAL RECALL

      This has to be MEDICALLY Documented in your records:

      Current Diagnosis.   (No diagnosis, no Service Connection.)

      In-Service Event or Aggravation.
      Nexus (link- cause and effect- connection) or Doctor’s Statement close to: “The Veteran’s (current diagnosis) is at least as likely due to x Event in military service”
      • 0 replies
      Tbird

      Picked By

      Tbird,

    • Post in ICD Codes and SCT CODES?WHAT THEY MEAN?

      Timothy cawthorn posted an answer to a question,

      Do the sct codes help or hurt my disability rating 
      yellowrose

      Picked By

      yellowrose,

    • Post in Chevron Deference overruled by Supreme Court

      broncovet posted a post in a topic,

      VA has gotten away with (mis) interpreting their  ambigious, , vague regulations, then enforcing them willy nilly never in Veterans favor.  

      They justify all this to congress by calling themselves a "pro claimant Veteran friendly organization" who grants the benefit of the doubt to Veterans.  

      This is not true, 

      Proof:  

          About 80-90 percent of Veterans are initially denied by VA, pushing us into a massive backlog of appeals, or worse, sending impoverished Veterans "to the homeless streets" because  when they cant work, they can not keep their home.  I was one of those Veterans who they denied for a bogus reason:  "Its been too long since military service".  This is bogus because its not one of the criteria for service connection, but simply made up by VA.  And, I was a homeless Vet, albeit a short time,  mostly due to the kindness of strangers and friends. 

          Hadit would not be necessary if, indeed, VA gave Veterans the benefit of the doubt, and processed our claims efficiently and paid us promptly.  The VA is broken. 

          A huge percentage (nearly 100 percent) of Veterans who do get 100 percent, do so only after lengthy appeals.  I have answered questions for thousands of Veterans, and can only name ONE person who got their benefits correct on the first Regional Office decision.  All of the rest of us pretty much had lengthy frustrating appeals, mostly having to appeal multiple multiple times like I did. 

          I wish I know how VA gets away with lying to congress about how "VA is a claimant friendly system, where the Veteran is given the benefit of the doubt".   Then how come so many Veterans are homeless, and how come 22 Veterans take their life each day?  Va likes to blame the Veterans, not their system.   
      Lemuel

      Picked By

      Lemuel,

    • Post in Re-embursement for non VA Medical care.

      broncovet posted an answer to a question,

      Welcome to hadit!  

          There are certain rules about community care reimbursement, and I have no idea if you met them or not.  Try reading this:

      https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-emergency-care-at-non-va-facilities/

         However, (and I have no idea of knowing whether or not you would likely succeed) Im unsure of why you seem to be so adamant against getting an increase in disability compensation.  

         When I buy stuff, say at Kroger, or pay bills, I have never had anyone say, "Wait!  Is this money from disability compensation, or did you earn it working at a regular job?"  Not once.  Thus, if you did get an increase, likely you would have no trouble paying this with the increase compensation.  

          However, there are many false rumors out there that suggest if you apply for an increase, the VA will reduce your benefits instead.  

      That rumor is false but I do hear people tell Veterans that a lot.  There are strict rules VA has to reduce you and, NOT ONE of those rules have anything to do with applying for an increase.  

      Yes, the VA can reduce your benefits, but generally only when your condition has "actually improved" under ordinary conditions of life.  

          Unless you contacted the VA within 72 hours of your medical treatment, you may not be eligible for reimbursement, or at least that is how I read the link, I posted above. Here are SOME of the rules the VA must comply with in order to reduce your compensation benefits:

      https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.344

       
      Lemuel

      Picked By

      Lemuel,

    • Post in What is the DIC timeline?

      broncovet posted an answer to a question,

      Good question.   

          Maybe I can clear it up.  

          The spouse is eligible for DIC if you die of a SC condition OR any condition if you are P and T for 10 years or more.  (my paraphrase).  

      More here:

      Source:

      https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/

      NOTE:   TO PROVE CAUSE OF DEATH WILL LIKELY REQUIRE AN AUTOPSY.  This means if you die of a SC condtion, your spouse would need to do an autopsy to prove cause of death to be from a SC condtiond.    If you were P and T for 10 full years, then the cause of death may not matter so much. 
      Lemuel

      Picked By

      Lemuel,
    View All
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Guidelines and Terms of Use

  I accept