So I completed all my VA exams read my narrative summary from mental health and my PCM before it was sent off. my MEB referred conditions were MDD,personality disorder,SI,anxiety,shoulder and mid back pain(degenerative disc disease). I've been going through this process for a year next month. In my packet the PCM assigned to write my narrative (whom I only met with once because my PCM was deployed at the time) wrote that there was nothing mechanically wrong with my shoulder BUT the paperwork from my pain management doctor said DEGENERATIVE DISK DISEASE, and my chiropractor said scoliosis and I was sent to a spine specialist who said scoliosis. NOW MY MENTAL HEALTH STUFF.......I started going to mental health after having my baby2010 (diagnosed with Post partum depression) BUT it never went away. I was depressed and suicidal with a plan. My therapist sent me to a civilian outpatient mental hospital 3times a week for 3 hours a day group therapy. I continued that program from Aug 2012 to April 2013. So my narrative summary from the VA says MDD on Axis 2 and personality disorder on axis 1 plus the anxiety issues,etc. (don't have it in front of me). When I read description it was basically for the 30% category BUT she listed other symptoms that fell in 70 and50% categories too. My case was sent to the PROVIDENCE ,rhode island VA on 13feb13 and NOTHING YET!!!!!!! ANY ADVICE?
MDD,personality disorder,Suicidal ideation,insomnia,etc. any suggestions on outcome"
- Thread starter Yawant2bme2
- Start date
Welcome to the PEB Forum!
Unfortunately, I am not able to provide any DoD IDES MEB/PEB processing timelines for the Providence, RI Regional VA Office. Similarly, the Seattle Regional VA Office has its challenges with backlogged cases.
In retrospect, I have Lumbar DDD combat-related issues resulting in ALIF L4-5 disc fusion failed surgery; PTSD, mild TBI, etc for mental health conditions; and numerous other physical medical conditions. That said, I comprehend your concerns in reference in symptomology of medical conditions.
To that extent, it's interesting to read that the mental healthcare clinician annotated MDD in Axis II versus listing it as "Personality disorder with MDD" or two separate diagnoses on Axis I. From my experience, an individual doesn't want to see anything but "deferred" "none" or lefted blank. Any Axis II diagnosis means existed prior to service (EPTS); therefore, no compensable DoVA benefits shall be awarded. Try to avoid this at all cost!!!
Based upon the VASRD, MDD should yield a 70% DoVA minimum rating as annotated by your symptoms. The DoVA will only rate the hightest compensable service connected mental health condition between "MDD, personality disorder, anxiety." Unfortunately, due to the underrating tactic, you will probably receive the DoVA 30% rating as based upon the DoVA C&P Exam clinician's results unless your medical condition qualifies for the minimum 50% rating under VASRD section 4.129. In reference to your shoulder and mid-back pain with DDD, there isn't enough information to provide a credible response.
Moreover, I received my error-filled IPEB findings in 71 days. Now, I am currently awaiting the FPEB hearing correspondence while I received feedback from the IPEB stating "Based upon this review, this board finds no basis for a change in its action in your case."
With that all said, please remain positively proactive and stay the course throughout your interactions in life to secure the best solution for yourself and your loved ones.
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
This is what the va wrote for MH issues: veterans level of depression exceeds what would normally be expected for an individual with personality disorder with onset of depression after the birthof her son. Her personality disorder is not considered a disability for which service connected benefits are payable as this is a constitutional or developmental personality disorders are developmental in nature of interest will back to adolescence or early adulthood therefore they are considered to pre-existing military service however her history of depression is in excess of what would be considered is existence of a personality disorder. review of mental health records indicate that the veteran was diagnosed with depression during the military and receive treatment for depression in the military. it is the pain of this examiner that the veterans major depressive disorder was incurred while in the military but is not the result of military enlistment. this opinion is based on review of the veteran CFL CPRS mental health records objective test results from this examination diagnostic clinical interview and training and experience of this examiner.
When I looked at the other section she wrote all the symptoms of the 30% but added: depressed mood, anxiety,near continous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively,flattened affect, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. ALl these extra symptoms are listed for a higher category so im confused.
When I looked at the other section she wrote all the symptoms of the 30% but added: depressed mood, anxiety,near continous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively,flattened affect, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. ALl these extra symptoms are listed for a higher category so im confused.
Your results are awesome!!! Why are you disputing them?
Indeed...I concur that it is confusing. lol. The sentence about 'military enlistment' is very interesting--I've never seen that. Perhaps, the doc meant 'military service'. Regardless, I think you are going to be rated for the depression--sounds like to me at 50%.
And your MEB packet has been sent to PEB, correct? If so, you're just gonna have to wait to see, first, if they determine fit or unfit. Or have you already been found unfit--you said your case was sent to VA on 13FEB?
For your back, you may do a search of this site for scoliosis discussions. I believe scoliosis can be rated.
lol. The sentence about 'military enlistment' is very interesting--I've never seen that. Perhaps, the doc meant 'military service'. Regardless, I think you are going to be rated for the depression--sounds like to me at 50%. And your MEB packet has been sent to PEB, correct? If so, you're just gonna have to wait to see, first, if they determine fit or unfit. Or have you already been found unfit--you said your case was sent to VA on 13FEB?
For your back, you may do a search of this site for scoliosis discussions. I believe scoliosis can be rated.
I was thinking the same thing is about not being caused by military enlistment was to say that is not adjustment disorder because it wasn't caused by my enlistment but it was incure d while being in the military. (wishful thinking). Ive already been found unfit. im just pending ratings
Do you know which conditions are unfitting?
MDD, and personalit dis,
Welcome to the PEB Forum!
Unfortunately, I am not able to provide any DoD IDES MEB/PEB processing timelines for the Providence, RI Regional VA Office. Similarly, the Seattle Regional VA Office has its challenges with backlogged cases.
In retrospect, I have Lumbar DDD combat-related issues resulting in ALIF L4-5 disc fusion failed surgery; PTSD, mild TBI, etc for mental health conditions; and numerous other physical medical conditions. That said, I comprehend your concerns in reference in symptomology of medical conditions.
To that extent, it's interesting to read that the mental healthcare clinician annotated MDD in Axis II versus listing it as "Personality disorder with MDD" or two separate diagnoses on Axis I. From my experience, an individual doesn't want to see anything but "deferred" "none" or lefted blank. Any Axis II diagnosis means existed prior to service (EPTS); therefore, no compensable DoVA benefits shall be awarded. Try to avoid this at all cost!!!
Based upon the VASRD, MDD should yield a 70% DoVA minimum rating as annotated by your symptoms. The DoVA will only rate the hightest compensable service connected mental health condition between "MDD, personality disorder, anxiety." Unfortunately, due to the underrating tactic, you will probably receive the DoVA 30% rating as based upon the DoVA C&P Exam clinician's results unless your medical condition qualifies for the minimum 50% rating under VASRD section 4.129. In reference to your shoulder and mid-back pain with DDD, there isn't enough information to provide a credible response.
Moreover, I received my error-filled IPEB findings in 71 days. Now, I am currently awaiting the FPEB hearing correspondence while I received feedback from the IPEB stating "Based upon this review, this board finds no basis for a change in its action in your case."
With that all said, please remain positively proactive and stay the course throughout your interactions in life to secure the best solution for yourself and your loved ones.
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
Well, after reading the error-filled IPEB findings, it was my decision to request that:
1. The PEB referred unfitting condition of "Herniated lumbar disc with subjective radiculopathy (MEB Dx 1)" be amended to reflect a "condition that is combat related."
2. A one-time DoVA Reconsideration of the ratings from the D-RAS for the two conditions the DoD IDES PEB determined to be unfitting: PTSD for potential rating increase to 70% minimum; MEB Dx 1 for potential rating increase to 40% maximum.
3. An IDES case file review for increased DoVA compensation to be granted service-connected total disability benefits based on unemployability as validated by specific pinpointed objective medical documentation.
Moreover, all other obvious errors within the IPEB findings with DoVA supporting documentation will be acted upon my official status as a military veteran.
Bottom line is that I shall exhaust all available appeal options to maximize my DoD & DoVA rating opportunities now versus trying to rectify an even longer DoVA timelined solution as an official military veteran.
Thus, possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer.
Best Wishes!
Talked to my Peeblo and she informed me that the VA has completed my ratings and it's just at AFPC to concur or non concur. She said they might be back next week.
This is good news in reference to the receipt of your DoVA ratings.
Now, the AFPC only needs to perform their specific military IDES adjudication.
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
The VA is the ratings authority...so there shouldn't be any "concur or non concur". In other words, they must accept the VA ratings.
The VA is the ratings authority...so there shouldn't be any "concur or non concur". In other words, they must accept the VA ratings.
And of course, once the Servicemember receives the findings, THAT's when the concur or non-concur will occur.