Initial Mental Health Evaluation

[ASU_0331]

So finally bit the bullet and started working with local VA mental health clinic.  To be honest, it is a complete and total pain in the ass dealing with a system where face to face communication for me would be ideal in evaluation, but because the VA is still all about COVID masking and social distancing, everything takes place over a damn phone or video conference.  In my opinion, complete and total shit show.

But anyway, anxiety regarding keeping my wife and daughter safe and being able to keep them safe/provide for them with my multiple health issues got to the point that it was hurting my relationship with them and my work.  I am always running scenarios, just like when running an convoy security/escort security, except now the focus is always my wife and daughter.  So I went in started the process of seeing what they could for me.  After all the intake sessions, they suggested prescription based treatment, but I have no desire to go down that road at this time and instead asked for referral to non-drug treatment.

The question is regarding a couple of scales they talked about with me after questioning; specifically the PHQ-9 Depression Scale and the GAD-7 Score.  I scored 18/20 respectively on those two scales.  Other than highly suggesting getting on drugs for treatment, they really didn't indicate what these meant.  Anyone able to help me understand this and if any of this is applicable to a claim that I should file?  Also, does filing a MH claim with the VA get released as information for "extacurricular" activities?  I am an avid hunter with a bull elk hunt in November for example and don't want to be relegated to becoming an archery hunter only.     

[ASU_0331]

Crazy fast update; C&P for all lower extremity issues scheduled for 08/24 and 08/25.  Nothing scheduled for the anxiety/depression claim despite being combined.  Not sure if it is prove the pain exists and is service connected for the lower extremity issues before diving into the anxiety/depression issue.  When I filed, specifically pointed out that the anxiety/depression were linked to my already rated 90% disabilities, not the new ones I am claiming.  

[Rattler]

On 8/16/2022 at 7:32 AM, john999 said:

Oh, how true that is Dustoff.  C&P doctors don't need much to start to mine you answer and come up with you being a personality disorder.  They might ask you how you got along with your parents or how you did in school.  The correct answer is "Great".  Trouble with the law.......never.  I love everyone and everyone loves me except for the three eyed demon that lives in my closet.

Can I send three eyed demon that lives in my closet to your house so yours can have company? They have given you good advice don't tell anything expect the worst of your symptoms.  There is a local  peer support person who gives real good talks on how to get you benefits. It kind of goes like this.

First he tells you to review your military medical records or if you know you didn't report it. (like most of us did because you know sick call was discouraged) If you injured your self and didn't report it there is a way around that.

Second he tells you to go out to the Mayo Clinic web sight and look up the injury / sickness and write down your symptoms so you can tell the VA Doc.  

If you went on sick call tell the VA Doc that I injured my knee on 7-7-1977 when I fell in taring. and saw the medical clinic at my base. 

If you hurt you knee by stepped into a hole as you got out of a Humvee when you were on patrol tell the Doc that.

The VA Doc should be putting all this in the computer. (if he/she is any good)

The idea hear is either way you are creating a VA record to file your claim with.

Some of the best advice I have been given.

Note: I would not try this with a C & P Exam as you need it in the record when you see one.

Edited August 27, 2022 by Rattler767

[john999]

Regarding anxiety and depression related to chronic pain:  Every decent doctor knows these things are related except the VA.  They want you to prove it.