Martell

In my claims case C&P exams have created obstacles toward a favorable decision. Since 2006 when I filed my first claim C&P exams have been less than favorable; I have been examined numerous times and every exam has led to a claim denial. In the VA's SSOC letters stating reasons for denial their diagnosis to my service connected injuries have been quite the opposite to the orthopedic Nexus and support statements which clearly and accurately describe the severity of my condition. I have had three reconstructive foot surgeries (left and right feet) which have left me with severe and limited range of motion, severe chronic pain due to the joint fusion of various joints, the neuralgia/neuropraxia pain from the multiple incisions, and the hardware implanted (screws, plates and rods). I recently had an additional C&P exam, again, it was inadequate, it just involved a quick visual observation and manipulation of my feet, this has been the routine for the dozen or more exams I have had at the VA hospital. There were three exams in which the examiner mentioned it would only be a question and answer exam, then months later I receive the SSOC letter indicating a pseudo diagnosis and denial of claim. I have submitted surgery reports, x-rays, ct-scans, MRI scans, nexus letter and additional support statements from my orthopedic surgeons; statements which illustrate the erroneous and less than accurate C&P diagnostic reports from the VA examiners. My VSO is clueless in my opinion, so in my case with C&P exams it's been deny, NOD's appeal, more C&P exams, deny, re-appeal and so on and on. I'm considering continuing the process with an attorney, I just think I need another pair of eyes to look at my claim. It's very hard to get a fair rating for service connected injuries, they give you 10% and then you have to battle for more. I am a combat Vet, 18 month tour in the NAM, 70% PTSD, 10% for bilateral physical injuries. I think I'll continue the process with an attorney. My combined 80% rating was obtained by going to Psychiatrist, orthopedic surgeons outside of the VA.

Well, it's been a few months since I posted the "Veterans Appeal and RAMP" question, thanks for the opinions posted as to whether leave my claim in the "Legacy" system or switch to the new RAMP system. I had a lengthy conversations about the subject with my VSO; after reviewing the status of my claim VSO's advised was not to switch to RAMP, my claim has been in the books for several years, it has made good strides in the "Legacy" system and we're getting close to the BVA hearing I requested, he felt the risk in going with RAMP was rather high in his opinion and the administration is not providing answers, the system is new and unproven successful. He said there are still too many unknowns with RAMP and was concerned with errors, mishandling of file, displacement and loss of evidentiary documents resulting in further delays and adverse issues that often occur. We are very familiar with the often "evidence missing" excuse to further delay or deny one's claim . VSO officer was adamant (in my case) in not switching my file to RAMP. Regardless, the newer claims being submitted by our young men and women will automatically be processed in RAMP, apparently there will be no choice in the matter since "Legacy" will eventually be terminated. So no RAMP for me, I do hope for success to those that opted to go with RAMP. Let us know whether or not the system does speed up or perhaps delay your claim process. If you have a Veterans Premier Account go to VA Vets.org, in the web site you can see the status of your claim. Good luck all in whatever path you choose. Thanks all and keep posting on the (RAMP) subject. I will post Thanks all. Martell.

Well, it's been a few months since I posted the "Veterans Appeal and RAMP" question, thanks for the opinions posted as to whether leave my claim in the "Legacy" system or switch to the new RAMP system. I had a lengthy conversations about the subject with my VSO; after reviewing the status of my claim VSO's advised was not to switch to RAMP, my claim has been in the books for several years, it has made good strides in the "Legacy" system and we're getting close to the BVA hearing I requested, he felt the risk in going with RAMP was rather high in his opinion and the administration is not providing answers, the system is new and unproven successful. He said there are still too many unknowns with RAMP and was concerned with errors, mishandling of file, displacement and loss of evidentiary documents resulting in further delays and adverse issues that often occur. We are very familiar with the often "evidence missing" excuse to further delay or deny one's claim . VSO officer was adamant (in my case) in not switching my file to RAMP. Regardless, the newer claims being submitted by our young men and women will automatically be processed in RAMP, apparently there will be no choice in the matter since "Legacy" will eventually be terminated. So no RAMP for me, I do hope for success to those that opted to go with RAMP. Let us know whether or not the system does speed up or perhaps delay your claim process. If you have a Veterans Premier Account go to VA Vets.org, in the web site you can see the status of your claim. Good luck all in whatever path you choose. Thanks all and keep posting on the (RAMP) subject. I will post Thanks all. Martell.

Hello. I have had a claim in process for the last 2 years under the current "Legacy" appeals process, I submitted VA Form 9 and additional evidence, now waiting for a BVA hearing. I recently received a letter from the VA informing me of the "RAMP" program. The letter included a form titled "RAMP OPT-IN ELECTION" offering invitation to participate in this new program which it claims that by choosing to participate in it (and leaving the current Legacy program) it may lead to an earlier resolution of my claim and/or appeal and may help avoid delays being experienced in the current claims process. I have many concerns in opting out of the current claims process, will opting into RAMP which is a new claims program more than likely untested create more issues and confusion and further interfere with my current claim in the books. Apparently as it says in the form, if one decides to opt in into the RAMP program you cannot go back to the current "Legacy" program. Just wondering what opinions anyone has about this new program. Any forum members receive the new program offer?, did any forum member opt for the RAMP program?. Just trying to obtain opinions, pretty hard to make a decision, the new process may complicate and create disarray with claims that are currently in process. Opinions regarding this important topic are appreciated.