Question About Dx

[Owingsia]

So when I was active duty I was DX with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) now that I am out I am being treated by the VA and they have changed my DX to Bi-Polar 2... They have also DX with PTSD however, they are saying that my PTSD is actually exacerbated by the Bi-Polar 2.


Ok so here is my question. My claim was for PTSD and Depression. I am still waiting on them to decide my % etc...
With them changing my DX from MDD (Service connected) to Bi-Polar 2... doesnt that then mean I have no claim for MDD and thus my Bi-Polar 2 is not service connected and can not be rated as such? I was told that since I was never DX or RX for Bi-polar 2 while active duty and even though the DX for MDD was wrong... that because it has changed since I got out that means it is not service connectable?

 

[FieldArtilleryGuy]

Fight bi-polar. It's not uncommon to be diagnosed with bi-polar when you have PTSD, and at one point military and va where told to diagnose bipolar rather than PTSD. If you didn't have bipolar before the military you probably don't have it now. Don't get me wrong it is possible you have it but never got diagnosed, but if you have PTSD don't let them screw you over. At the same time if you can get the argument that it is military related then you can still claim it. I don't know what the chances are for success, but if you get regular therapy who knows what might happen. It sounds like they are saying the original diagnosis was wrong so it should still be connected but with the VA who knows.

 

[Grizzly]

You have PTSD and Bi-polar. While they are not the same thing they are still classified as depressive / affective disorders.

Since is seems like you were misdiagnosed while in the service then that should be your nexus to it being service connected. But the fact that you still have PTSD then it would be interesting to see how the rater sees it. In theory nothing should happen to affect your rating to a lower %.

Keep in mind the general rating for mental disorders use the same rating formula. You can only be granted a disability for one of the mental disorders. I think as the law states they have to base the rating on the most disabling of the disorders.

You should be able to look at your C&P Exam and see what the Dr. wrote and then reference your DBQ with 37 CFR Book C, Schedule of ratings for Disabilities. That should give you a close idea.

 

[vikingr24]

Also bear in mind, bipolar is one of those misdiagnosed disorders. It really takes a good psychiatrist well versed in it to diagnose you. With Bipolar II, you have fewer episodes of mania or hypomanic attacks. To be diagnosed with II you need at least one hypomanic episode in your life. That's pretty tough to diagnose when the psych may have never seen it. Bipolar II people when they are not depressed or manic, live practically normal lives. That's what the rater will probably go by in the Bipolar consideration. The PTSD diagnosis will probably help you more, at least from a % point of view.

You still have the Beast and that's not good. If you have Bipolar II on top of that, take care of yourself. Watch those depressive episodes.

 

[Owingsia]

Also bear in mind, bipolar is one of those misdiagnosed disorders. It really takes a good psychiatrist well versed in it to diagnose you. With Bipolar II, you have fewer episodes of mania or hypomanic attacks. To be diagnosed with II you need at least one hypomanic episode in your life.

They are saying that my recent "trigger" event for PTSD and my choice to separate from my wife is
Hypo-mania, instead of being related to PTSD and Major Depression... they think I am Bipolar II and the PTSD isnt all that bad and was only exacerbated by the BPII event.....

 

[FieldArtilleryGuy]

I don't know you, and I'm no expert, but it sounds fishy to me. Have you thought about going to a civilian therapist? Even a VA one just to try and fight what they are saying.

 

[vikingr24]

I agree with Arty. They studied me for bipolar and the whole time I thought they were full of $hit. I went to a few other guys and they agreed with me. Actually I felt a whole lot better after that.

Bear in mind, bipolar tends to run in families. So if you don't have a family history of it....

I really would question that bout of hypomania. A divorce and marital problems has caused many a troubling time for all of us. It almost goes with the territory. I'd get a second opinion especially when they are saying type II which they will declare you are almost normal. Just MHO.