VA Forms For Your Claim

[@TheVinny337]

Great information! So clear and concise. Thank you

[@VAClaims-VHV]

Thank you!

[@sm14852]

Thank you. You mentioned the form to fill out for combat related PTSD, but what about non-combat related PTSD? Also, I was diagnosed and treated for PTSD while on active duty; however, the VA C&P Examiner diagnosed me with Major Depression Disorder (MDD) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD); therefore, I was VA rated at 30% for MDD and GAD. Afterwards, for 15 years, my VA Psychiatrists and Psychologists diagnosed and treated me for PTSD roughly 95% of the time and roughly 5% for MDD and GAD. I am now submitting an increase claim for MDD and GAD. (Note: The VA's 38 CFR and M-21 lumps all mental health diagnosis and conditions under mental health, so I'm submitting an increase claim for MDD and GAD). Question: Do I include the VA Form 21-0781 considering that I submitted a claim for MDD and GAD and the majority of the after-service treatment was for PTSD.

[@VAClaims-VHV]

No you do not need that form. You need to just submit evidence to show you have gotten worse with medical evidence. What is your currently mental health rating %? Yes, you can only have one mental health primary rating, other than an eating disorder but have many symptoms which is what you have.

[@sm14852]

@VAClaims-VHV Thank you. I am rated at 30% for MDD with GAD. I asked my VA Psychiatrists and Psychologists (for 15 years) why they diagnosed and treated me for PTSD, and they stated my historic and current symptoms aligned more with Chronic PTSD, rather the MDD and GAD, that the VA C&P examiner stated 15 years ago.

[@VAClaims-VHV]

@@sm14852 you need to STOP looking at it that way. You need to simply look at that you are 30% and the next higher rating under Mental Health rating is 50%. You need to prove you warrant the next higher rating with medical evidence to support the increase claim.

[@sm14852]

@VAClaims-VHV OK, thank you.