Does VA Followup on S/C depression?

[glashutte]

The VA granted me depression at 50%... I am not really sure how since I was expecting at most 30%. 

My question is does the VA do followups for mental health conditions to decrease, keep same, or increase ratings? 

[brokensoldier244th]

Yes. Not full on c/ps but if you are on meds or in counseling then they will want occasional follow ups. I think I do mine every 5-6 months or so. When I was rated less and not as stable it was more often at my own request. I do mine via telehealth for the last year or so.

[glashutte]

Thank you

Do they require documents from our civilian psychiatrist? 

Do they contact you randomly and then request a followup, and who gets to pick if it is telehealth or in person?

[brokensoldier244th]

You do, only certain doctors do telehealth. If you are seeking civilians you can tell them that and they’ll probably leave you alone, though sharing records is not a bad thing for continuity of care.

[glashutte]

Oh I'm surprised us soldiers are the ones that request followups and not the VA..

If I am happy with the 50% rating for depression and don't want any followups, I just simply do not request a followup?

[pacmanx1]

1 hour ago, glashutte said:

The VA granted me depression at 50%... I am not really sure how since I was expecting at most 30%. 

My question is does the VA do followups for mental health conditions to decrease, keep same, or increase ratings? 

When it comes to VA disability always keep in mind that there is two separate sides.  One is for disability compensation pay and the other is for veterans treatment plans.  For disability compensation pay, a veteran could go years without a re-evaluation unless VA sets-up a re-evaluation date.  If you are satisfied with your current rating decision, you probably won't hear from VA for a while, unless a treating doctor reports something like your condition is getting better.  For veterans treatment plans, I would say on average it is about every three to six months but most likely every three months for medication refills.  If the veteran's condition is not stable or if the veteran is on a control substance,  it would be every thirty days.  Now with all that said, VA is like no other creature, where they don't follow their own rules and can do just about anything at anytime without any notice or regards.

 

[ShrekTheTank]

I have done regular treatment and have never had a follow up in the past 7 years.  I think it does not hurt to be ready for it and always tell the truth.  Remember you don't have to meet all the criteria for 50% just enough of them.