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    Appointment for Compensation and Pension exam

    Rcvd ltr yesterday for C & P exam appointment, any suggestions for me when I am there? Any need for my wife to go along for it for any input? Seems strange that I am 20 miles from a VA hospital where I am being treated but they are sending me to a out patient clinic 60 miles away for it, but then again how often does the government make sense.

    My claim has been in since march, does this seem like about average time? slow? quicker than usuall? just wondering? I asked the PVA rep but he didn't answer my question just told me to "go prepared to outline how severe your MS is. How it is affecting your upper and lower extremities as applicable, bowel and bladder conditions".
    Plan for the future, but not too hard; it’s not your decision anyway

    #2
    If this is the first exam, I'd bring a rough time line of your symtoms (in case they ask) and a list of general questions (in case you have time to ask them). More than likely, you won't need these lists but sometimes you get a cool Dr. who wants to know what you think.
    Being its a C&P exam, I think they're only looking for a basic work-up of your claimed illness. Do you exhibit the "right" symptoms to justify further testing? Don't sweat this part, its out of your control.
    You should also ask yourself an honest question so you have the answer before the exam: what are you expecting in terms of care and compensation? The Dr. might ask you a variation of this question, it helps to have a short, coherent answer.

    Most of all, just be yourself. If you're cool, be cool. If you're worried, be worried. You want the docs to have as accurate of a picture of you as possible and hiding stuff or "enhancing" stuff just muddies the water.

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      #3
      Thanks Bob, I was just looking at the ltr and see that I am seeing a PA so I can get a pretty good idea the type of questions I will be asked.
      Plan for the future, but not too hard; it’s not your decision anyway

      Comment


        #4
        Had the C & P this am, all went well, PA seemed to be fairly educated regarding MS, asked a few questions which the way he asked them was feeling me out to see if I really had the sx I said I have or not, He found 1 thing in my med records that the Nuero had missed and added it to my claim. When he was done he said my records back up my claim for SC and that no further tests would be req and I should hear from the regional office in 6-8 weeks . Lets keep the fingers crossed.
        Plan for the future, but not too hard; it’s not your decision anyway

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          #5
          Well it has started, I got word yesterday thru the grapevine that the PA who did the exam contradicted the write up the VA Neuro and did not recommend SC finding. PVA rep will be contacting VA to have it reviewed for a second opinion.

          It amazes me how a PA can say that a Neuro who specializes in MS is wrong regarding his findings, I could possibly see it if he was with an outside civilian practice or hospital but he is one of them. I spoke to him yesterday while have my TY infusion and he was quite suprised when I told him.

          Hurry up and wait.
          Plan for the future, but not too hard; it’s not your decision anyway

          Comment


            #6
            Bad Deal

            Scooter I agree with you how can they go against your neuro?
            And they made you feel like it was a done deal from what I read, that is sad. I don't know how those people can look at themselves in the mirror everyday knowing they have our lives basically in their hands.
            I hope you get this resolved real soon.. Good luck...

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              #7
              Scooter, I am so sorry that you have to go through the VA BS. My C&P for A&A was in Nov 2010. The Doctor wrote those things I was unable to do, yet the Rating Agent determined that since I use Wii for light exercise, and vacuum, when I'm able to (which is rare), I didn't need A&A!

              I recently had one of my "severe walking episodes", and had my daughter video it on my cell phone. Actually, I have those episodes many times during the day, but never thought to video it. Had it not been for a gf of mine, I would not have thought about using my cell phone.

              Now, not only does my Neuro know what's been going on, sent a copy with my NOD!

              Hopefully, you can get another C&P, if not you will have to wait for a decision, then file a NOD. If, you can film what is happening, that will help you greatly!! Video, video, video... a picture is worth a thousand words!!!
              MS, it's a brain thang!
              Proud to have served, U.S Army WAC

              Comment


                #8
                scooter 24....i noticed a couple of things. first, the PA had no authority to tell you your claim would be SC. his job is to merely collection information.

                the adjudication officer (at the
                Regional Office) is the one who will make the decision. if (s)he doesn't find an SC, then you file of NOD via your PVA rep. but see what PVA rep says about this.

                i guess he was going to get a second opinion?? that makes me wonder if he was going to talk to an adjudicator himself??

                the best thing you can do - and it's the hardest - is file the claim and then 'forget about it.' it will drive you crazy if you let it. stay in touch with your PVA rep. if you think your PVA resp is not doing his job, then come back here and tell us about it.

                i would say an answer within 6 months would be a very quick one, even if your case is cut and dried.

                dealing with VA is VERY frustrating, but i think it will all work out in the end. the two main issues for you is: 1) do they accept your MS diagnosis? and 2) do your first symptoms fall withing the 7 year window for service connection?

                the only silver lining is that when it is approved you will get back pay. but try to make it easier on yourself and don't stay wired about it. not easy to do, i know. been there done that on more than one occasion and over many years. good luck and keep us posted about what's happening. best to you...from an old Army nurse....
                If i can walk and talk, and see and pee, i'm having a great day!

                Comment


                  #9
                  Got a call today from PVA rep and he said the VA is scheduling me for another C & P exam, he said it is to clarify the first exam, anybody else have this happen to them? At least that means they didn't turn me down right away.

                  Any hints or tips for the second exam?
                  Plan for the future, but not too hard; it’s not your decision anyway

                  Comment


                    #10
                    If I had to guess, a lot of people got shook up when it looked like the Feds wouldn't be able to pay their bills.
                    Just treat it like your first exam and be yourself.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Looks like they are sending me to DC for it?is there an VA MS center there?
                      Plan for the future, but not too hard; it’s not your decision anyway

                      Comment


                        #12
                        You mean Walter Reid? They might have an MS specialist Neuro there or else they are looking at other possibilities (like trauma) to rule out.
                        Otherwise, one of the main beaurocratic VA offices is in town (in my old territory when I was an office systems/printers/copier tech for Kodak) but I doubt they're sending you there. If it IS where they want to see you, be sure to take the Metro because parking is a nightmare (Huntington station is a good place to park on the Virginia side. Its just outside the beltway).
                        http://www.dcmetromap.net/

                        Comment


                          #13
                          I thought they closed Walter Ried a couple of weeks ago?

                          Still waiting on the ltr from the VA where and when I'm going, right now just going by a brief email from PVA rep. He said to plan on being there 2 days plus travel time. Have to see if there are any good public golf courses in the area and make a little vacation out of it.
                          Plan for the future, but not too hard; it’s not your decision anyway

                          Comment


                            #14
                            they did close it, waithing letter myself to have an increase in other conditions i have its the same old same old hurry up and wait

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