Mental Health

[mlm12]

Can a veteran ask a VA doctor to write a connection letter

[Berta]

If you apply for compensation due to a MH issue, the VA will set you up for a C & P exam ( assuming you provide any other info they request from you).

The C & P doctor will determine if you have a MH issue.

If you are receiving treatment now for a MH issue, those records will be considered. They will also consider your SMRs.

You will need a "nexus" ( a link) to your service.

 

 

 

[Berta]

You asked in my profile what is a nexus-

It is the reason, cause, event, stressor, etc that caused your MH disability.If you are a combat vet you probably have more than one stressor.

If you are claiming PTSD , the 2010 PTSD regulations are here under a search.

Also I did an article available under a search here- as to what a stressor is and isn't.

If you feel you have PTSD from MST, there is much info here on that type of claim.

If you do not fit into the 2010 PTSD regulations and/or do not have a PH, or CAR, or CIB on your DD 214, then your nexus- the in service  reason for your MH condition, will have to be proven.

 

 

[Richard1954]

Yes a VA doctor can write a medical opinion, in fact by VA regulation they must write an opinion when you ask them too.( see VHA DIRECTIVE 2008-071)  In the past, I have gotten statements from VA doctors in support of my claims,  but with the exception of one time, I always seek a second or third  medical opinion in writing. I never rely on an opinion from a C/P  doctor. The VA is not supposed to be adversarial, but  you will find that if you rely on a VA c/p opinion most times the claim will be denied.   

[vetquest]

Funny how things happen at the VA.  I once had a doctor write an opinion that my disability did not exist.  I got a second opinion.  At the C&P the doctor who had made the first opinion was my examiner.  Needless to say the decision was thrown out at a remand.

[Buck52]

I've never had a VA Dr that would write me an opinion when I ask them to including the DBQ

Most all of them say it's not there job(see the DAV)  even when you show them they can fill out the form as it is written right on the forms.  My VA Dr's turn it down.

Remands are unfortunate  but I always looked at them as second/third chances to get things right!

[Navy04]

Welcome aboard and good advice given above. As Buck stated I have only had 1 VA Doc Period write or fill out a DBQ, and that was a few months ago. Only cause she was a Young MH Doc who was New and actually cared about Vets, unlike when they Get Older, Over Worked, Under Paid, and hate Working for the VA, so they take it out on us. Sorry for the Rant, Not all Docs are bad, in fact most are great, they just get screwed by the Govt like the rest of us. Good luck and God Bless