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What Should I Do

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Sgt eve

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Hi. I currently get 30% for "Generalized anxiety disorder with depressive disorder" My civilian shrink told me and gave me my medical records (to see a VA doctor now) and it states I have PTSD and bipolar. My military medical records stated I suffered from Depression and anxiety and that is where the VA got their information now. I talked to a couple vets and they said that if I do a new claim I might get a lower rating becuase my new Dr. dosen't state I have anxiety or depression just Bipolar and PTSD. What should I do? Thanks so much.

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Welcome Sgt Eve,

Did your civilian shrink provide a written nexus (connecting factor) linking their current diagnosis of your

PTSD, to anything relating to your military experiences ? Has your civilian shrink ever reviewed your

service medical records (SMR's) ?

Carlie

Carlie passed away in November 2015 she is missed.

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Sgt Eve,

If you are a;leady receiving a 30% disability rating for "Generalized anxiety disorder with depressive disorder," then you cannot be compensated seperately for Bi-polar and PTSD. So filing a new claim is pointless. One thing you might want to consider is putting a claim in for an increased evaluation for your already service-connected General anxiety disorder with depression. From the way it looks, your Bi-polar is probably just a worsening of the depressive disorder (they both are Mood disorders). The PTSD symptoms are also probably a worsening of the General Anxiety disorder (They both are Anxiety disorders). Does your shrink note that you have hallucinations of traumatic events? If so, that may be a reason for the PTSD designation and is a worsening of the over all condition.

Even if you did suffer a traumatic event while in service, the VA already awarded service-connection for a mental disorder, which was for a mental condition that you did not need to prove a stressor (meaning it was alot easier for you to be awarded benefits). The rating schedule criteria is the same for all mental disabilities regardless if it's for depression, PTSD, Bi-polar, or general Anxiety.

Vike 17

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