ArNG11

True this is the way they do business. However, don't give up. If its in your records, SMR's, you have proof of the injury or disease, if you have treatment, in service and post service, then you have the evidence you need for continuing treatment and current problems. Fight for your case. Read the CFR and aqauint yourself with the regulations and law. Don't give up or settle for anything less than you can prove and deserve. It's going to be a fight, I kid you not and make no mistake about that. But use the tools to get the job done. There are people here that will help. Give the VA hell. !!!!!!!!!!!! Get your records, it is imperative that you do so. Start getting you medical records together and be precise on your claims. Get IME and IMO to blow their bogus evaluations out of the water. Stay in the fight until the end.

I don't think I agree. Look if its due or proven by medical evidence then I would go for it if you believe it is worth it. The VA is bound to try to lower your ratings eventually, that is what they do, unless your rating is protected by the 20 year rule I believe it is, others can chime in if I am incorrect, then they will drag you and bingo you are cured by some miracle that medicine and science still have not figured out. This is just me, take it with a grain of salt but think about it. Statistics and tactics don't lie. JMHO.

I have to agree. In order for you to be successful against the VA you have to keep them aware of things. All I warn though is make sure you cover your bases and watch your six. Not everyone there is a helpful and looking out for you as they seem.

That is fantastic news. It may not be the whole full course, but patience my friend. Your persistence and dedication will pay off. One day at a time, one victory at a time. Don't stop and don't give up. Fight till your last breath. You and your family are worth it.

63Sierra. I got no such report from them. I asked for the findings. I even got the report from the FOI office. I think it was a joke to be honest with you. Sort of like when they do a C&P exam. They are supposed to go over all the records but they don't. Deniability. I agree with you though. It was a big experiment if you want to call it that. They have done this in the past for decades. Atomic war, Vietnam, Gulf War, you name the conflict, there is something always lurking in the background and it takes decades to prove it. But I take comfort that there are so many of us. They WILL NOT SILENCE US ALL. So help me they won't silence me. I'm fighting and I'm taking names. They WILL acknowledge and follow the LAW, follow REGULATION and factor ALL the evidence.

This is true with exams performed with QTC's. Not that you have a choice, but it is easier to get the exam reports when they are performed at the VAMC. I got mine within 12 hours after the exam. It pays to be friendly to the Release of information office. If they stupid cite the law. Freedom of Information Act and so forth. They become really helpful after that. I think since it was done at a QTC it will have to wait until a decision is made on your claim, however, you can visit the VARO and just ask for a copy of the medical report. They will not like that, because they will have to take time out of their day to make a copy and come down to deliver it. Also consider that in asking for a copy while they are rating and making a decision could cause delays in your process. The system is already screwed up and there is so much stacked in the favor of the VA, however, play it smart, be a little patient, they tend to dig themselves into a hole and don't realize they are killing themselves. JMO.

Just be smart. Research your condition, memorize your evidence. Recite it from medical records. Eventually they will get the point that you are educated veteran not to be messed with.

My opinion on c&p and regular doctors appointments have are both the same. They downplay and only annotate what could be held against you. These are not just my opinions, they are first hand experiences with the OKC VAMC the local VA clinic. All I suggest is that you cover your bases from all facets. They can say they are pro veteran and feed you the line of crap, but experience and actions prove otherwise. Don't get me wrong they're may be good ethical doctors out there, however, my experiences prove otherwise, there a few and far in between. Patient advocates are a useless stop gate as well.

The problem with the recorder is this, if they allow it they, the doc, must acknowledge or you get them to acknowledge that they've been made aware you are recording them for it to stand I court, however, that being said, theres no legal requirement for that to be exposed to the press. Just saying, it's a little in the gray tactic area but doctors should take their oath seriously and do what's right for the patient. JMO. But that's how I feel.

I actually have a suggestion. Bring in a digital recorder. Trust me it will make them think twice of trying to give you the shaft. If they are any kind of medical professional, you know the ones that take the Hippocratic oath to care for their patients, then they will conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner. Personally I have seen very few sadly. I guarantee they will change their song and dance and treat you fairly or they will tuck tail and go running to mama. Protect yourself, utilize the tools you have access to. Get results. JMO.

OMG. I would get your ducks in a row and prepare for a long fight. However, as many have stated, keep the pressure on. You have the evidence, you have everything you need to make the VA squirm and they will. With the effective date going back so far, man, you will be sitting prettier sipping on a margarita and giving a friendly wave to the crooked VA pukes who do this kind of thing to countless veterans. You have a great case I believe. Bring out the big guns, hire the best attorney, they will smile with the amount of retro involved. Not that money is the issue, however, it does bring a smile to people faces to have some extra security. You have them zeroed in and it is time to call for fire. Don't call fire for effect. Aim to destroy! Bring them hell. They WILL acknowledge the LAW, REGULATIONS, AND E V I D E N C E by shear force my friend, it helps when you have a smoking gun like this to their temple.

I have to write. With any condition, if you are to stand a chance, it has to be in your records somewhere. It has to mentioned in your SMR's. They don't acknowledge private medical records even if you fling it in their face. I speak from first hand experience. Bypass the PCP, if they ignore it. Make friends with the records people. They will be a good method for you to get medical evidence in your file. Then when the regional office gets your records from it's own systmem the voila. There it is. Ofcourse keep in mind they will ignore it as long as possible. The biggest thing I think is that if it is not mentioned directly for any specific disease or illness, in this case sleep apnea, go for the symptoms, daily fatigue even after rest. Feeling sufficated or waking up in the middle of the night. hyposomlence, things like that. They will ask about medications and sleep posistions, the only sure way to diagnose it is with a sleep study. I would insisist on a full night study not a split study. It is possible that you will not hit REM and alpha, beta, and so forth sleep waves. In any case I hope that this is helpful information.

John I can't agree with you more. As I have experienced this first hand. They do underestimate me and they have not realized my resolve. They WILL acknowledge ALL the EVIDENCE, ALL the REGULATIONS, and the LAW. So help me they will. I took an oath many years ago and until a several weeks ago I let my sorrows overwhelm me. and forgotten. " to defend this country against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC" I will fight. That is what I was taught to do. That is what I SHALL do. Till my last breath! Courage or not this is my life mission now.

Unfortunately that is the truth. They fall under this dilemma. Who is paying them? I have to say though at least he or she told you. That give's you a means to find and outside medical opinion, however, if it was written down on record and you have a copy of it, hmm I dare say that is a good " IN YOUR FACE" piece of evidence. Folks they can only ignore and break the law if you let them. Fight! We have tools. We have knowledge. We as veterans are not taking handouts or concessions. We are entitled to benefits according to law and regulation for the sacrifices we made for this country. REMEMBER this. It will motivate you to pursue what you are rightfully entitled to. Be precise for what you claim and have the supporting documentation to back it up. Don't ask for little things that you know are not due to your service. that can't be proven. It questions your character and they will exploit that even if you weren't meaning to. JMO

Out of curiosity, until I look up the stats, how long did it take this individual to go through the process?