VA

[OCDMarine]

I am a Service connected Vet of the Marine Corps.  20% for Spondylolisthesis L5-S1 and Disk Herniation (loss of forward flexion) 10 Percent for Patellofemoral Left Knee (loss of flexion), Patellofemoral Right Knee (loss of flexion).  November 2015 I submitted a VA claim for increases on these respective disabilities, as well as for Anxiety and Depression as secondary to the chronic pain and loss of function from these Disabilities.  I was diagnosed by my VA Psychiatrist and Private Psychiatrist as having Anxiety (GAD) and Depression Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Moderate.  Both Psychiatrists reference that the cause of my Aniety and Depression is the Chronic pain I am in, and the stress of not being able to work/provide like I once could.  I have Insomnia, Fatigue, Myalgia, Irritability,trouble concentrating, OCD ritualistic behavior, flat affect racing and unwanted thoughts.......  My VA MD opined that mt Anxiety and Depression is "Most Likely" from my chronic pain syndrome from my military disabilities.  I have worked as a letter carrier for 11 years and have deteriorated mentally and physically.  Do you guys think I have a legitimate claim with the Va for an increase from 40 percent?  Do I have enough to claim Anxiety/Depression??  any help is so appreciated.  Thank you

[OCDMarine]

6 hours ago, Andyman73 said:

See, now here is what really gets my goat.  OCDMarine, you said your VA MH doc referenced your chronic pain as a major cause of your MDD.  May I ask when you first got hurt, when did the time line of "chronic pain" begin for you?  I sure could have used your VA MH for my C&P exam last fall!
 

I was DXd with MDD this past July by who is now my treating VA MH therapist.  At that time I don't recall that he directly linked it to any of my pain issues.  Now here is a quick little back story on me.  I fell down a flight of stairs on November 21st, 1992...which was only the 5th day of USMC boot camp for me.  I went on to serve all 6 years of my enlistment, and received SCDs of 10% low back pain/sprain/strain(depends on what day of the week it is) and 10% bilateral patella-femoral pain syndrom.  Also 10% for pain/residuals L ankle injury.  All which were treated during my AD years.  I have been receiving prescription NSAIDS and non-NSAIDs from the VA ever since. 

Last year I got the back increased to 40% and the knees each an additional 10%, and 30% for pes cavus w/plantar fasciitis bilateral as well.  All lead back to injuries that were treated while on AD.  I am in the process of a claim for cervical spine w/radiculapathy from the same fall. 

Last fall I filed for depression secondary to chronic pain.  The examiner opined that my MDD was more due to other issues, to include chronic sleep issues, and not my chronic pain...which was very well documented, I might add.  Even the RO told me that she could not go with the physical medical evidence and grant me the MDD secondary, since the examiner chose to ignore the evidence.  I guess over 23 years wasn't chronic enough in my claim.

OCDMarine, I wish you all the success!

Semper Fi.

Andyman

 

[OCDMarine]

My first rating were given in 2001.. So I have 15 years of Chronic pain.. The Doctors Opined that was the Cause of my MDD.. I also have insomnia.  Which is caused by Chronic Pain from my service connected disabilities.. I have doctor restrictions that say I cant carry more than 20 pounds....  Out of work since October.  Thanks guys for your help.  I will pay it forward.

Edited March 6, 2016 by OCDMarine

[Andyman73]

BrokenSoldier and OCDMarine,

My sleep issues haven't been SCD yet.  I have been treated by VA MH since July of 15, who DXd me with MDD.  He hasn't delved into the issues that go along with that, and I'm beginning to wonder why not.  However he did just refer me to Neuro for the all day exam experience, TBA very soon, I hope.  Same for the chronic pain.  I first got hurt in November of 1992, and received my first SCDs dated November 1998.  So the chronic pain started in November 1992.  The sleep issues started the following year, as did the drinking and depression.  It culminated with a suicide attempt at work, in early spring 1994.  But I had drank my self unconscious numerous times before and after that point.  That got me an alcohol related incident, an Article 15 and 3 weeks of ETOH outpatient treatment.  Night sweats have been a fun part of my life for near 22 years.  Clenching and grinding my teeth as well.

So now I content with a gov't entity that tells me that it don't matter because some pinhead refused to see the forest for the trees and wrote that he can't see how a minor leg injury could possibly lead to depression.  But he did say chronic sleep issues and alcohol were contributing factors.  And the RO says they can't grant SC because it appears marital issues and legal issues are the root causes.  I guess getting married 6 months after I left the Marines qualifies as root cause to issues from the past(AD time) and one legal event qualifies as legal issues, which also happened during AD years.

And now I got to go to pain management for injections in my lower back for pain, that certainly isn't chronic in nature or as a result of falling down the stairs 23 plus years ago.