Medications' Positive Effects and Disability Rating

[aggravating_coyote]

I'm sorry, but I'm having trouble figuring out how to word my question.  Basically, I take meds for depression that have been effective.  Are disability rating based on being on meds or not being on meds?

[brokensoldier244th]

No, because the condition exists absent the medication. It's not fixing the issue its just mitigating the problems associated with it as long as you take it. Stop taking it, the condition still exists. 

[GBArmy]

Usually, the lower rates call out a requirement for meds, like a 10%. You don't have to take them, but you may be prescribed meds for your condition. I believe it may be called out for MH at a 10% rate, which would cove depression. But as you get higher ratings, it may bot be a criteria for your particular rating.

[Buck52]

As for AS I  KNOW  VETERANS THAT ARE PRESCRIBE MEDS at his/her VAMC  the meds are all free  it use to have a co payment but I am fairly sure they stopped that.

I am not 100% sure  but I think it use to be a VETERAN needed a 30% service connection rating to get Meds Free. other wise they had to pay a small CO-payment.

If you have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher

You won't need to pay a copay for inpatient care.

DEPENDING ON WHAT GROUP YOUR  ASSIN TO. AS TO WHAT YOUR CO-PAYMENT WILL BE  OR YOUR INCOME.

But for now as I Understand  during the covid 19 pandimic  all medications are free to Veterans.

Edited May 10, 2021 by Buck52

[aggravating_coyote]

48 minutes ago, brokensoldier244th said:

No, because the condition exists absent the medication. It's not fixing the issue its just mitigating the problems associated with it as long as you take it. Stop taking it, the condition still exists. 

Thank you.  Then how does the VA determine my percent disability?  I take 3 depression medications, a mood medication and a cognitive medication.  All have allowed me to somewhat function, but without the meds, I might be dead.  How can the VA determine the degree of my disability when all they asked was how I'm functioning today?

Thanks again!!

[Buck52]

aggervating_coyo te

check this link out  it may can answer your question.

https://www.grimesandteich.com/when-can-the-va-consider-the-positive-effects-of-current-medication-when-determining-a-veterans-disability-rating/

[brokensoldier244th]

They use your progress notes from your appointments and the schedule of disability ratings to see where your progress intersects with the available closest rating.