bulldogpete

Found out yesterday my claim was deferred because they needed clarification. They wanted to know simple questions like which foot hurts etc. When I called I was able to give all the information over the phone and they said that should take care of it. I have a couple of questions about this. 1. Why did they defer all claims if they only had questions about two individual claims. 2. I don't understand why they have questions at all. I clearly wrote what my problems were and what they wanted to know was already brought up in my C &Ps.

Also forgot to add, I am currently diagnosed with Migraines and Occipital Neuralgia, by two other doctors, both specialist in that field.

I don't know who I would contact, her clinic was not at the VA, they sent me to private practice clinic.

She only asked the following questions. How long have you had headaches? How bad to they hurt? Where do they hurt and for how long? What medication I am on? I answered her questions and told her I was taking Firocet for my Migraines and Occipital Neuralgia and pain medication for my other problems. I explained to her that was what I was currently diagnosed with. She told me she felt my headaches were caused by the medication and then got up and started to walk out the door. As she was walking, I told her that I have had the headaches for years and years and I have only been on the pain medication for less than a year. I also told her I only take it a couple of days a month. She had not response and walked out. I was extremely polite and was not in anyway disrespectful. Again, I don't see how she can make a diagnosis in that short of time. I explained to her how, I get sick to my stomach when I have the headache, my vision gets blurry/sensitive to light, and I get sensitive to sounds, after hearing what I said, the only part she took into effect was that I was taking Firocet. I just wish they could send me to a different doctor. I am going to take the advise and get her report, before I act though.

I forgot to add, that I have already submitted all medical evidence from my private doctors.

I had a C & P last week for headaches. The doctor only spoke to me for 4 mins. She kept asking me which doctor sent me to him. I kept telling her the VA., it appeared she had reading nothing in my file. She said the VA sends the file to her after. I clearly saw the VA file on her receptionist desk, it had my name and social on it and it was about 4 inches thick. I got the impression she really did not want to talk to me, or care enough to read anything in my file. She hardly asked me any questions and then when I told her what other specialist in her field diagnosed me with, she told me she felt they were wrong. I have spoke to a team of doctors and they have spent hours with me and have ran numerous tests, she spent about 4 mins with me and knew nothing of my medical history. Now, I don't know what she is going to write, but do you think I should send a letter to the VA voicing my concerns, or possibly requesting a new doctor, or should I wait and see what she is going to state. Thanks in advance.

Reference you question about a "good historian", I found this on an insurance site. "If you are willing to document, including use of the confidential insurance injury claim diary, you will become a good historian for your doctor. And being a good historian means that you will be able to make your doctor's records positive, effective for insurance claim. Thus, with thorough and accurate medical records and your documentation and your confidential personal injury claim diary, you will have made the foundation for a sound presentation of your pain and suffering and the extent to which your bodily injuries interfere with your work, hobbies, and your general enjoyment of life. That is how you start on the road to achieving a maximum dollar settlement of your own personal injury insurance claim." Sounds to me that it just means you document your medical history well.

Thank you for fast reply. I won't!

Got a letter from the VA a couple of days ago, wanting me to take several C & P examinations. I have already submitted all medical documentation from my private doctors, is this good or bad news that they want me to take these exams. Since they scheduled these, does that mean they feel my conditions are related to my military injury and they are trying to decide the extent of the disability? Thanks in advance for your help.

Thank you for the very informative and well explained answer. I appreciate all who have responded and helped.

When I do decide to get another IMO, what is the best way to go about it. Do I just call them and ask if they will review my records and write an IMO?

Wanted to add, several of my current doctor's wrote in my medical records "The patient was involved in a military accident, X years ago. As a result of the accident, he had a documented injuries to his neck and back. He has been having progressive pain ever since the accident." Then they list the type of treatment I have been recieving for these injuries. I gave them all copies of my military records. Will this help any? Also, I attached several medical studies about what causes one on my medical conditions and how it relates to my military accident. Will medical studies help out any?

They are not as precise as you have laid out., but I am hoping are good enough. Both are laid out similar. They basically say, "He was involved in a military accident on "such and such date". I have reviewed the medical documents taken on "such" date and all other records taken since. " The list all my current diagnosis and problems. The chiropractor letter gives all the tests he has given me and then he wrote, "It is my opinion that the patients current problems are caused by injuries he received in the military on "such and such" date. Then he references injuries that are show on my Xray and CT scan taken on date of military accident. The second doctor lists the same thing, but he says "The patients current medical conditions are likely associated with the injuries he received during his military accident. He also reference's impressions on my xray and CT scan." I am more worried about the second doctor's statement. As it only says "likely associated with". I am hoping that may be good enough. I am pretty sure, I could get him to write another one, if needed. He was unsure of the correct language. I just don't know if I should wait and see what the VA says about it though. That way if they shoot down, I can have a better idea on what is needed. Thanks in advance.

Called today and they already have it and someone is working on it. Probably won't call again until a month or more from now, unless I get something in the mail requiring me to.

I have not tried going to the VA to get medical treatment. I did not know I could if I was not receiving VA disability. How would I do this? Would they charge my insurance? Also, I was sent a letter by my private insurance stated they wanted info on my military accident, so they could try and bill the VA. Is this something I should give them now, or should I wait until the VA makes there decision. I am afraid if my insurance gets involved in might slow things down with the VA.