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PTSD with Depression and Anxiety as Secondary

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Patriot3g

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Patriot3g

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Hey guys,

I am currently 70% SC for PTSD "posttraumatic stress disorder with major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe", I was wondering if its possible to claim anxiety and depression (both are well documented) as secondary to my PTSD, and get rated for them? I'm confused about how the whole system works...seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there.

 

Thanks!!

 

Adam 

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broncovet Grand Master

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Sorry, no.  If you look at the rating criteria for mental health disorders, they are all the same.  Once service connected, you are rated on symptoms.  An additional mental health diagnosis wont result in any increase UNLESS its accompanied by symptoms you were not rated for already, as that is pyramiding.  

Ask for an increase, instead.  Check the criteria to see if your symptoms match the next higher rating for PTSD.  Do you have "total occupational and social impairment"?   You might, especially if you are not working.  If you are working, its hard to beleive you have "total occupational" impairment.  

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Patriot3g Rookie

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7 hours ago, broncovet said:

Okay 😞

I'm not sure if I would qualify for an increase, but my latest incident had me get in a fight with my best friend and ended up with me being arrested...I do not recall what started the fight but he claimed I just attacked him. Neighbors called the police and I ended up being arrested, lawyer is confident Ill see the charges dropped (never been in trouble, and I am a peace officer). However this ended up with me being suspended from work, for the second time (first time was when I was suicidial). Is this something that may help with getting an increase? I am scared of being forced to not work, 3 grand is not enough to live on in my area (new car, rent, utilities in NY). 

Okay 😞

I'm not sure if I would qualify for an increase, but my latest incident had me get in a fight with my best friend and ended up with me being arrested...I do not recall what started the fight but he claimed I just attacked him. Neighbors called the police and I ended up being arrested, lawyer is confident Ill see the charges dropped (never been in trouble, and I am a peace officer). However this ended up with me being suspended from work, for the second time (first time was when I was suicidial). Is this something that may help with getting an increase? I am scared of being forced to not work, 3 grand is not enough to live on in my area (new car, rent, utilities in NY). 

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FMFDOC25 Rookie

FMFDOC25

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On 9/7/2018 at 7:33 PM, Patriot3g said:

Okay 😞

I'm not sure if I would qualify for an increase, but my latest incident had me get in a fight with my best friend and ended up with me being arrested...I do not recall what started the fight but he claimed I just attacked him. Neighbors called the police and I ended up being arrested, lawyer is confident Ill see the charges dropped (never been in trouble, and I am a peace officer). However this ended up with me being suspended from work, for the second time (first time was when I was suicidial). Is this something that may help with getting an increase? I am scared of being forced to not work, 3 grand is not enough to live on in my area (new car, rent, utilities in NY). 

I concur with broncovet, pyramiding is not allowed, but secondary conditions can be caused or aggravated by PTSD and PTSD medications that will increase your disability rating. Each secondary service connected disability gets its own separate rating if I'm not mistaken.

For example: Sleep Apnea is associated with psychiatric conditions. Therefore, if you develop Sleep Apnea or have developed sleep apnea you can secondary service connect it secondary to PTSD medications. PTSD doesn't necessarily cause it, but medications used to treat PTSD can due to many of them having sedative/drowsiness effects. Sleep Apnea is rated 50% with use of a CPAP machine. In VA Math, 70%+50%= 85% rounded up to 90%.

Sorry I got sidetracked. Where were we? Oh yea...from my understanding, if a veteran is 50% or more PTSD is a disqualifier for a law enforcement occupation. But, that's left up for debate.

I would suggest to begin individual or group therapy if you haven't been going. Anger Management classes are offered through the VA. I imagine this incident put a strain on your friendship ,if not ended it. 

I wish you well.

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