When to file for Depression

[paulstrgn]

I have seen a psychiatrist two times now and will continue seeing her (I am expecting a long term process with her if not permanent). She has said I have depression because of my chronic pain from DDD (this is already SC) and it appears that I have had it for several years. I have indicated an intent to file for depression. My question is when do I actually file for depression? I have not asked my doctor for an IMO, but eventually will. She is discussing what type of medication she wants me to try to see if it helps. 

To be honest it was very hard for me to admit I needed to see someone for my depression, I kept telling myself was okay. I refused to see some of the signs, such as short temper, not wanting to socialize, zoning out at times. I always seemed to have an excuse as to why I acted like I did, but never for the real reason. I am lucky that I have never felt suicidal, I know many vets do struggle with this issues. No matter what type of depression a person has is no fun.

As dumb as this may sound, is there a time frame when one should submit a claim for depression? At this time I am seeing the doctor every other week.

Any opinion or suggestion is welcomed.

 

[Buck52]

Be careful asking your VA Dr helping you when you file your Claim, 

Unless you know your VA Dr very well and you trust him.her?

First get your diagnoses and gather medical records that is in your favor get your, nexus and ask your Dr if this can be military related without letting him/her know your filing a claim....reason why you don't wont to let your VA Dr know your filing a claim  they may think your in this for the compensation...maybe and maybe not,  but its better to gather up all you can evidence wise before mention of a claim.

Just let your VA Dr know you want to get better and stop feeling the way you do and be more social and get your life back for yourself and your family  thats what you need to tell your VA Dr.

Take all they offer you as for as the help,  the medications ,the therapy ect,,ect,, it all will be documented...in myhealthvet Notes..

You get all your evidence gathered up all your medical records and your nexus  or the Clauza Triangle  #3 very important things you need before filing your claim  when you get all these things  then Yes definitely file these 3 important elements

1.medical evidence of a current disability;

2. medical, or in certain circumstances, lay evidence of the incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury in service or during the presumptive period; and

3.medical evidence of a nexus between the claimed in-service disease or injury and the current disability. 

If you feel sure you can get all these things especially the 3 clauza elements to prove your claim ,

  you should file the ITF (Intent to File) you have a year before you need to hit the send button on your claim..and it starts your EED while your gathering up your evidence  just don't forget to file the INT within a year or before a year after you file it. submit all your evidence when you do file. Make sure you have all your  ducks in a row   before filing your claim .

when the VA has all the evidence they need  then you should be approved and no need for Appeals.

Remember to make your self copies of everything you send the VA& the VA sends you  keep it all.... and if using snail mail get return receipts and keep ..keep all documents in a personal folder there at home...these may come in handy later on down the road.

 

Edited October 31, 2018 by Buck52

[paulstrgn]

Buck52 

I am seeing a private psychiatrist, I have been very lucky and have only been to the VA for two appointments and have not been back since. I had to see the PCM to see the eye doctor, the PCM stared at her computer and read off some medical tests I had done at Ft. Eustis and said I will see you back next year. She might have looked at me twice, no exam, no nothing. Needless to say I was not impressed.

The doctor has said it is because of my backs chronic pain is why I am depressed. I can't do the things I use to, I can't even through a football with my middle child without it starting to hurt or my back becoming very fatigued. My outlook on life has become bleak at best, I am no longer looking forward to retirement since I have become limited in the thing I want to do. I get angry at co=-workers and I complain a lot to the wife and kids. I know I have issues I need to get a hold on, I truly hate feeling this way.

My back is service connected and would claim the depression as secondary to the back.

I will have the Clauza triangle prior to filing, I am working on the current diagnoses to complete the triangle. I am not sure how long to wait to file (I did do an intent to file so I have an EED).

[Buck52]

Roger that.

it all sounds good for a claim..the sooner you file the more $$will be in your pocket or the less $$you will be missing out on.

 

[paulstrgn]

SO is there a time frame that the VA looks at that you have been seen? I have only seen this doctor twice in the last three weeks. Just want to make sure is all.

Yes more money in the pocket the better.

[vetquest]

I agree with Buck, even if you are seeing a private doctor.  They may have alarm bells go off if you ask for information that you are suffering depression if you have seen them only several times.  Unless they offer to do it for your.  My doctor of ten years forwarded me to an IMO specialist when I asked if she could help me with this.  Doctors do not want to get into the business of fighting with the VA, especially if they were trained at a VA facility.  

I do not know if I would get an IMO for it since 50% would still not push you past 90%.  If you are asking for TDIU this would work, you get paid at the 100% rate but you can no longer work.  Depending on your job security that might not be the best either.  I requested TDIU when I lost my job due to in service disability.  I wish you luck on this.

[paulstrgn]

Thanks @vetquest

I was wondering about the timing. I will continue seeing the doctor and will wait till about a month before my one year is up before filing for depression. You are correct, even if I am approved it would still keep me at the 90% level. Since I am working I would not be interested in TDIU, plus I plan on retiring next year (Lord willing). 

I do have an appeal pending and I am sending in a request for reconsideration for my back. I was never properly evaluated under DeLuca v Brown standards, they only used the ROM for the basis for my rating. I had never even read that decision until saw it on this site which made me realize that the VA doctor messed up (it was actually QTC). In all of my filings for my back I mentioned how my back became more painful and how my back tired out so quickly with the pain, yet I was never rated under Deluca.

I will also file for NOD once I get my C-File for my knee and hand (I want to see how the DBQ was written up). The doctor when he examined my knee he said how he could see the problem in my knees, yet the decision said the doctor said it was not secondary to my back. I need to make sure the VA did not read it wrong first.