Depression and Veterans Disability | All You Need To Know
Download MP3Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a Shoulder Pain Exam.
Leah discusses the intricacies of VA disability ratings for depression among veterans. She explains that depression, a common mental health disorder among veterans, is characterized by various symptoms lasting more than two weeks as defined by the DSM-5. Leah highlights that both psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as mid-level providers like nurse practitioners and physician assistants, can diagnose and treat depression. She distinguishes between primary and secondary service connections for depression, with primary relating to incidents during active duty and secondary stemming from other service-connected disabilities. Ratings for depression can range from 0 to 100, depending on the severity and impact on life, with a 100 rating indicating severe impairment, including self-harm and suicidal tendencies.
Leah discusses the intricacies of VA disability ratings for depression among veterans. She explains that depression, a common mental health disorder among veterans, is characterized by various symptoms lasting more than two weeks as defined by the DSM-5. Leah highlights that both psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as mid-level providers like nurse practitioners and physician assistants, can diagnose and treat depression. She distinguishes between primary and secondary service connections for depression, with primary relating to incidents during active duty and secondary stemming from other service-connected disabilities. Ratings for depression can range from 0 to 100, depending on the severity and impact on life, with a 100 rating indicating severe impairment, including self-harm and suicidal tendencies.
Creators and Guests
Host
Leah Bucholz
Leah Bucholz is an Army combat veteran, board-certified Physician Assistant, former VA C&P examiner, and the founder of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting. Through her work in medical evidence review and veteran education, Leah helps veterans better understand the medical side of the VA disability process, including nexus letters, DBQs, C&P exams, and complex medical opinions. She is also the host of The Veterans Disability Nexus podcast, where she discusses VA disability medical evidence from an educational and evidence-based perspective.
