cherry picker

All, Does anyone know if the SMC (R1) exam is a physical exam (ROM DEGREES) or is it an INTERVIEW or combined? The thing that is confusing me is that according to the VA, this SMC (R1) exam is scheduled for 4 hours? I was told that a form 21-2680 is going to be used by the VA medical provider? I would like to prepare myself for the type of examination (verbal or physical or both). CP

Fellow Hadit members, I am reaching out for advice in regards to an SMC-R1 exam appointment for 100% PTSD, bilateral sciatica (40% L, 40% R, and lumber50%) coming up in 2 weeks. I am filed for SMC INCREASE (+) TO SMC-R1 for A/A due to the ongoing deterioration of my conditions. The reason for the increased file is due to my bowl and bladder problem, the limited mobility of my legs (have fallen, unable to do any minor activity), and my ongoing PTSD which has gotten worse. My wife and sons are taking turns assisting me with the day to day tasks (bathing, dressing, standing, in/out of the vehicle) and need to observe/monitor me due to my PTSD aggressive reactions, loss of reality, etc. I have been absent from work more and more due to the worsening of conditions. Being this my first SMC-R1examination experience, I would like to prepare myself and show up to the exam (4hrs per VA) with the right information. If it's not much to ask, please share your great advice in order to make this a successful outcome. 1. According to the VA receptionist, this SMC-R1 is for my legs and bowl/bladder problems. I am baffled as to how they will evaluation my bowl/bladder condition??? 2. Is this SMC-R1 exam the same as a physical C&P exam- the range of motion, PTSD symptoms, etc? 3. How can I prepare? What is expected during this medical exam? Do I need to take Lay letters, doctor's Opinion letters, my device that I use day to day to assist my daily activities? 4. Will it be recommended to have my wife or sons go with to the SMC-R1 exam as witnesses? I would like to make this a successful outcome and not give the VA a room for doubt. Thx all, CP

All, Would anyone share some advice towards an upcoming SMC INCREASE C&P EXAM. This might be an unwise question, but I am getting so many conflicting answers from different fellow vets. With the VA's C&P bigotry, I am trying to take a proactive approach to the upcoming SMC INCREASE C&P EXAM coming up in 2 weeks. 1). For a SMC INCREASE C&P EXAM (SCHEDULED AT A VA CLINIC), will it be wise to not show-up to the C&P EXAM? I have been advised that by showing up to these SMC C&P EXAMS will automatically lower my rating because I am able to leave the house. 2). Others have advised to show-up to avoid decrease of rating, but will have the probability of the examiner questioning why showing-up to the exam, if you have claimed SMC INCREASE for unable to leave your house? I have read in one of under 38 USC regulation that as the assistance is provided to the vet to leave the house, this is sufficient to prove the need for aid & assistance. If anyone has advice to how I should approach this SMC INCREASE C&P EXAM, I am grateful to any suggestion. Thx, CP