C&P for Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood

[Ademily87]

I served in the Navy from Jan 2007 - Jan 2011. I was diagnosed with adjustment disorder with depressed mood in my first year. I was having issues adjusting to the military life. It is documented in my STR as "Personality Disorder: Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood". From there on, there were other things that happened during my service (not combat related) that just made it harder and harder to perform my duties and live a normal life. I did not pursue treatment or counseling during my time in service, because I was afraid of being kicked out, and didn't want the label of having a "personality disorder" for the rest of my life. I was raised to be very "private", I guess you could say. Never been one for talking about my problems to anybody else. Instead I just do exactly what you shouldn't do; let it build and build until I break down, and start all over again. I am now the father of a beautiful 5 month old baby girl, and have a loving wife. Still, I can't get out of this slump. The thought of doing something to myself that would cause my little girl to grow up without her daddy is too much to bear, so I have started seeking treatment for my mental health issues. 

I applied for disability through eBenefits in March of this year for "adjustment disorder with depressed mood". I have no diagnosis other than my service records, because I can't get in to see my Doctor until mid-June. I have a C&P Exam this Friday through LHI. Will this count as my current diagnosis or will I still need a diagnosis from another Doctor? 

Any advice or pointers for my C&P examination? It is an in person exam. 

 

 

[ShrekTheTank]

So since the VA is the only one who can do PTSD, which I assume they will be looking at then this will go towards it.  The VA has the duty to assist you.  So they will look at your records, I would bring them with you to the appointment.  The doctor will ask you all sorts of questions about your issues.  Now you need to be honest, but you also have to tell them what a bad day looks like.  What you are thinking.  Anything which is affecting you.  Let them know you have an appointment to go see your doctor.  

So with seeing LHI, these things right now take time to come back.  My last one was 3 months, so you have time to submit what your doctor tells you to your claim.  If you are seen at the VA your notes should be uploaded within 3-7 days to the bluebutton on myhealthevet.  or you can ask your doctor for a copy.  

If none of this ends up working you can and should appeal.  Find out what the issues was (come back here and post so we can help).  We have all fought the VA for a long time and there is amazing advice on how to win.  

I am very glad you are seeking treatment.  I was also raised this same way and I know how hard it can be to go to someone and talk about your deepest issues.  To show emotion.  How to be vulnerable in front of someone.  There are tons of resources at the VA, the crisis line is great and the VA will get you in sooner if there is an issue.  

We are all here to help in anyway we can.  Stay strong and keep fighting.  

[Ademily87]

C&P exam went as expected. Went and got a copy of the DBQ. Examiner said there is no evidence that the condition existed in service, and was less likely than not related to service. 

It clearly says in my STR where I was diagnosed and treated for chronic adjustment disorder with depressed mood. In multiple areas in my STR it is on a "problems" list. I even submitted a photo copy straight from my record as evidence when I initially filed the claim. So he either didn't look at my STR at all, or missed it when looking through it. 

I had no idea of this. I brought a copy of my entire medical record to the C&P exam in case he needed it, but he never requested it. 

Instead, he blamed my current condition on my parents divorcing when I was 17 years old, which had little to no impact on my life whatsoever. He mentioned nothing of the issues we discussed that I dealt with while serving active duty, which caused my current condition.

I submitted a form 21-4138 after reviewing the DBQ, pointing out that the examiner possibly didn't even look at my STR. 

Checked ebenefits today, and the claim has updated to "preparation for notification ". Now I just wait on my denial, and start over again. 

[broncovet]

Welcome to hadit, and welcome to the VA "hamster wheel", where the VA likes to "spin" Vets until they get exhausted and die.   (Years ago, someone published the number of Vets who lost out by dying while waiting on benefits, I wish I knew that number now.  ITs a carefully guarded secret by VA)

Now, here is the key to getting off the hamster wheel.   Remember, when VA is paying your doctor, he writes down what the VA tells him to.   This means the key to getting off the hamster wheel is to hire your own doc, not use the "so called free doc, supplied by VA".  Its one of those things which reminds me of a "free" cell phone offered by Verizon or ATT.  From actual experience, I can not afford a free phone.  I would much rather pay for one.  Trust me, they get the cost of the free phone back, many times over, in your phone bills over the next 2 years or less.  

In short, get an IMO. 

   Shrek is correct in that "the only doc competent to diagnose PTSD is a va doc" (according to VA).  But it did not sound like you are seeking ptsd anyway, so almost any psychiatrist or mental health doc can diagnose mdd, bipolar, etc.  And, they can likewise opine that your (mental health disorder) is at least as likely as not due to an event in service, or aggravated by service, OR secondary to an already sc condition.  

     If you dont have the money for an imo, sometimes you have to get creative.  Hill and Ponton law firm is reputed to "up front" the cost of an imo, "provided that" they think your case is otherwise strong.  

     The term "adjustment disorder" is lithuanian vaspeak meaning "were gonna later deny you mental health benefits cuz we dont like paying them, even tho you should be getting them."  If you want VA benefits, get an IMO doc to REALLY diagnose you with what you really have such as mdd, bipolar, etc.  Its pretty much completely bogus label.  

      Several years ago, there was a big uproar by Veterans advocates and Vets explaining pretty much what I said in the previous paragraph.  So, VA responed, pretty much:

      "We didnt do it (mis diagnose mental health disorders to get out of paying benefits), but we wont do it any more, we promise, this time."

       So, naturally this means its "business as usual", misdiagnosing Vets then denying them benefits, then denying they actually do that.  

      

Edited June 4, 2021 by broncovet

[pacmanx1]

 

1 hour ago, Ademily87 said:

Checked ebenefits today, and the claim has updated to "preparation for notification ". Now I just wait on my denial, and start over again. 

I agree with the above, now that the VA is opening up to appointments again. It is in your best interest and your family’s best interest to start seeking treatment for your condition. As stated above a psychiatrist, psychologist or a social worker specialist that deals with mental health disorders can diagnose you. VA has them all and all of them can give you the IMO that you need.

Please don't feel bad nor discourage, I had one claim that the VA denied, no evidence, not military related, not service connected for fifteen years until my claim went to the CAVC. The CAVC remanded my claim listing multiple SMRs in my military records and not one, not two, not three but five inadequate C & P exam that did not completely evaluate my condition and forced the BVA to grant my service connection.

Because this will be a new/recent decision, you can file one of the new appeal requests that should come in your packet. It is best to try to get a new medical opinion that your current mental health disorder is at least likely as not (50/50 probability) caused by or the result of your military service.  Don’t give up.

[john999]

Adjustment disorder is a thing the VA relies on to avoid a DX  of PTSD.  They used to rely on a DX of Personality Disorder to avoid paying.  I know they pay for Adjustment Disorder but what happens if they say you have adjusted......redution.

[McRay]

@Ademily87  I think it's extremely difficult to go through the process required to get MH benefits. For me, there's something depressing about going through the required steps of statements, C&P exams, denials, psych appts, waiting, etc... Or maybe just admitting something's not right. The trick is to hang in there and not give up. Like @broncovet said, an IMO is key and there are law firms that will front the cost if your case is strong enough. Get treatment at VA and it will help you and help your case down the road. There's a lot of good information and knowledge here -- and a lot of success stories. Good Luck!