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depression secondary to chronic pain
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Andyman73
I finally did it. I asked my MH doc if he thought I had enough basis for a claim. He has me currently DXd with MDD. He told me that while I do have MDD, he's not so sure I could be successful with that as a claim for SCD. He asked me if I was 100%, I said no, but I am 80%. And he asked, then, if I was being paid at 100%. Said no, and he hmmmmm'd.
Then I asked if chronic pain made any difference. He said all depends. I told him that I fell down a flight of stairs during my 5th day of boot camp back in November of '92. Said I've been dealing with pain in my knees and lower back ever since that day. And have developed other issues that cause more pain as well. He asked if I have fibromyalgia, said no, not that I'm aware of. Said most of my pain is in various joints...with only some of the pain in muscle groups only. And that I've been dealing with radiculopathy for some time now, as well.
Then his whole countenance changed, I could see his brain working. Told me that chronic pain plays a huge part in causing depression. I mentioned faulty memory, sleep issues, chronic sinusitis and IBS also. He said all those things for sure can and will and do cause depression. He said I can't say if you'll get enough to get bumped to 100%, but I certainly do have enough for a good solid claim for depression secondary to chronic pain.
What should I submit for evidence? Should I submit copies of every STR entry showing where I mention any pain and was prescribed something for the pain? And every entry where I mention sleep issues, or drinking, or repeated bouts of IBS and sinusitis/URIs?
I only filed it this past Friday, so I do have a few weeks to get this together and send it off. Any and all suggestions are welcome, thank you in advance.
Semper Fi.
Andyman
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john999
You cannot depend on a VA doctor to help SC your chronic pain and your depression. Most real psychiatrists would have no trouble making the connection. There was a window when the VA doctors were w
broncovet
Andyman I thought I would weigh in on my experience. I dont know how it happened, but I have a very Veteran friendly doc. VA employees, including doctors, have a wide variety of degrees in which
Vync
Andy, Perhaps you should take a look at the rating criteria for MH problems. Because the VA rates on impact on your life, not on the number or name of the diagnosis, it can help. I listed the regular
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