Va Rater Asks Examiners Opinion?

[thomasc]

So I was reading over my C&Ps report and the VA rater is asking the C&P examiner to provide "an opinion as to whether or not the veterans service connected disabilities render the veteran unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment." Does this seem like a question the VA rater should be answering the C&P examiner according to new FL 13-13?

I have attached a Page from C&P, take a look at highlighted area, Thanks.

Edited February 8, 2014 by thomasc

[thomasc]

I understand Doctors being asked to determining my level of disability, but they don't know anything about my work history or employment. The VA raters are able to find out if I am employed or unemployed so why as Doctors?

[jbasser]

Actually a Doc with an Occupational Specialist attached to their name as in Occupational Medicine are the gold standard for Disabilities. This is more evident in SSDI cases than the good old VARO. But an opinion from one of these docs will trump any other VA docs opinion except for people with MH issues.

Basser

[lotzaspotz]

You would think so, basser, but then why is the VA so reluctant to accept SSA opinions about unemployability due to service connected MH conditions? I'm also fighting that battle at the moment. SSA states award due to results of mental residual function capability exam. It was the only formal exam the SSA performed. The MH is also service connected, yet the VA denied TDIU.

We're headed to the Board.