6 replies to this topic

[csgosoul]

I am 70% disabled, Been on Mental Health drugs for years-Been diagnosed with PTSD from MST, OCD, Severe Depression, and now, Spasmodic Torticollis. I can't find it anywhere. They want me to do Botox injections, and I am really scared to do it. I already have difficulty swallowing, and they are really pushing it. I have applied for IU, but, my DAV person said it would help if I had a letter from one of my VA doctors. Have not heard anything about IU yet. I just got the 70% for severe headaches in January-I could not believe how fast they did it. Had Psych exam , and within 1 week had decision!
but I have to go for exam again in 2013. Wondering about chances for IU, Because of all the meds I am on, I can't do anything-My Anxiety is so bad, I don't leave my house.

[jvretiredvet]

From the repository of all internet knowledge ... Torticollis http://en.wikipedia....iki/Torticollis .

Though, I am a bit confused about got the 70% for severe headaches ... The Rating Criteria for headaches allows only 0-10-30-50% (DC 8100, http://www.benefits....rt4/s4_124a.doc ) So, what else is there? It might be helpful to know where that extra 20 came from, before any more specific recommendations can be made.

A future exam is not an absolute bar to IU but it does make things somewhat more difficult. While you say Because of all the meds I am on, I can't do anything-My Anxiety is so bad, I don't leave my house , are the medications for service connected conditions, or for things that are not service connected?

I presume you met the criteria for IU of a single 60% or a combined 70% or more with one service connected disability rated at least 40% ... though, it'd be nice to know what your specific disabilities might be and whether you'd meet the criteria 38 CFR 4.16(a)(1) - (5) http://www.benefits....PART4/S4_16.DOC .

I am 70% disabled, Been on Mental Health drugs for years-Been diagnosed with PTSD from MST, OCD, Severe Depression, and now, Spasmodic Torticollis. I can't find it anywhere. They want me to do Botox injections, and I am really scared to do it. I already have difficulty swallowing, and they are really pushing it. I have applied for IU, but, my DAV person said it would help if I had a letter from one of my VA doctors. Have not heard anything about IU yet. I just got the 70% for severe headaches in January-I could not believe how fast they did it. Had Psych exam , and within 1 week had decision!
but I have to go for exam again in 2013. Wondering about chances for IU, Because of all the meds I am on, I can't do anything-My Anxiety is so bad, I don't leave my house.

[john999]

Have you taken any anti-pyschotic drugs? The army gave me something called stelazine. It caused me to have muscle spasms that included my neck that were very painful.

[Berta]

Did you make the point ,under Remarks # 25, on the TDIU form, that your SC med side affects hinder your ability to work?

DO you get SSDI for the SC conditions?

If not have you applied for SSDI?

I am assuming that the TDIU was not awarded in the 70% award, but in fact, was deffered?

[csgosoul]

sorry, should have been more specific-here goes: major depressive-50% (most recent) Service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to the service-connected disability of compression fracture of thoracic spine with chronic upper back pain and spondylosis- it says my condition can improve, therefore they do not consider it permanent. only had it since 2003.
I started at 20% for the compression fracture and upper back pain, then received 20% for headaches related to the upper back pain, altogether 70%. All the medication I am on is due to the depression and pain, which makes it impossible for me to retain work. That is the reason I applied for IU-which I just applied for through my DAV- no C&P scheduled yet. I have already been through VA Voc Rehab, and I will not be able to do that job either. It is a horrible feeling when you don't feel productive anymore. My age is playing a role too. I have MST also, But nothing to back it up. I should add went to pain clinic recently-The Doctor thinks I might have Spasmodic Torticollis-had to look that up-never heard of it. So they scheduled me for an MRI, and they want me to do Botox injections-Not sure about that yet. Any input would be helpful. thanks

[csgosoul]

Have you taken any anti-pyschotic drugs? The army gave me something called stelazine. It caused me to have muscle spasms that included my neck that were very painful.

No, Haven't had that.

[csgosoul]

Did you make the point ,under Remarks # 25, on the TDIU form, that your SC med side affects hinder your ability to work?

DO you get SSDI for the SC conditions?

If not have you applied for SSDI?

I am assuming that the TDIU was not awarded in the 70% award, but in fact, was deffered?

I have not applied for SSDI because i don't have enough points.