Riplip

Hell all, I've been waiting for this exam for 4 months now. I have multiple items being looked at. Scar on left hand, chronic fatique, Sinus issues, shortness of breath, back and neck pain. My question is on the back and neck pain. From what I read is the rating for back and neck pain is all on range of motion. My pain is from muscles spasms and tightness. I suffer from Service connected vertigo and I am always tense and my muscles in my neck and back and shoulder blades knot right up. For years I've used a hook tool and a TENs machine from my PT therapist. For the last year I've had schedule professional massages every other week to break them up (paid by the VA). The thing is I stretch my neck and back multiple times a day and there is no loss in range of motion for me. Is there anything else they pain attention to other than the measurements? Sorry for the long read. Thank you

I talked with the hotline and they made notes, I uploaded a form directly to my file and my lawyer has also made notes. I'm confident nothing will happen through the VA against the examiner because they are doing what the VA wants. I went a little into the private sector and filed a claim with the Better Business Bureau against there practice as well. If anything it will give them a negative mark. I'm ready for whatever they throw at me.

Thank you for your wisdom.

Thank you Brokensoldier. Is that # in the right side of that screen shot the one I call?

I can't find anywhere to upload the 21-4138 form. Doesn't provide a location when I hit on my claim. I am just in the claim status on VA,gov. Is this the right spot? Thanks

May I ask what the # is that people call to report things and talk about their claim?

Brokensoldier, I will do just that. I'm actually blown away. Thanks

OK, this is kind of a question I feel I know the answer too already but here we go. I had a C&P last week for limitation of right ankle. I gave the examiner copies of all my records. We went over them, she agreed with me and made it sound like a very positive exam. All my paperwork was in order and pretty cut and dry. My lawyer sent me a copy of her notes and its completely opposite of what it was. She checked the least likely box and her notes stated Separation exam shows exam not found, shows only an exam from 2011 when veteran separated in 2000. I gave her a copy of exam notes from August of 98 from Guthrie medical center at Ft. Drum stating ankle pain and Achilles tendonitis. I gave her a copy of my separation exam stating my ankles get swollen and hurt after much stress. What gets me is how can they do this? Now I have to wait for a HLR or a Appeal for years because of this? I feel this should be against the law and I should be able to press charges against the examiner....I'm sorry about the vent but is it really this way where we can't do anything to help ourselves? Thanks for listening. Any input is appreciated as well.

Sorry I didn't have my password at home over the weekend. None of my claims are at appeal status yet. Just a couple supplemental and now there will be some new shoulder and ankle claims now that I have my records backing them. I guess the firm has done work because they have submitted a few for me already. I haven't had any C&P exams set up yet but I expect that to come up soon. I guess I'll just let it play out.

My lawyer is a VA accredited firm. I just thought now that I signed with them then if I go from 90%-100% they get the 20% of back pay not matter how it is achieved. So far they haven't helped at all except for filing what I asked and gave them to file. I feel like its working with my old VSO lol.

So after about 15 years looking for my records I stumbled across them while looking through other paperwork that had nothing to do with my time in service. Must have been mixed up with some of my moves. I'm proud that I have got 90% rating on my own without any records. I kept getting denied for things that they said never happened I hired a lawyer. Now I have all the info to finish what I started but I also have a contract. I believe I am stuck to pay the per son for not doing anything? I guess I really don't care at this point but finally having a real chance at 100% with medical records to back it up feel great. Anyone else ever been in this type of situation?

Well, I shall try this Pushbroom. I tried a couple times before and exactly like you said. My VA said they will only issue them if it is life or death and if the power goes out I'll only snore. Go figure. I've used the CPAP every single day since they issued it to me.

Well I have finally caved in. After many years of fighting without SMR's I have finally hired a lawyer to fight for me. I am tired of it. I know I have lost years in my life dealing with the stress of the VA. I got myself up to 90% but the last 2 tries for Sleep apnea have been denied and I'm over it. I only say this here because I know I am not the only one but 20% of any award or backpay is worth it for me. I am not looking forward to more shitty C&P exams where NP and barely trained people get to over rule an actual Dr. in the field for years but I am going to win this fight (hopefully). Just now it is going to be with help. Keep fighting my friends.

Bronco, yes I am in the same boat with VA always asking me to call. I am 70% for hearing loss which is quite a bit. I have the hearing aids, caption phone and all the accessories. I have a CPAP and I use it every night. I can't upload the letter because it says file too big

Well after 4 C&P exams and like 14 months I got denied for Secondary sleep apnea. They gave me a 4 page decision letter so I need to read it like 8 more times to try and figure it out. I'm going to start looking for law help and figure out if i want to try HLR before appeal or just jump right in. Hoping a good lawyer can help with that. Any recommendations would be appreciated as well. Thanks