darkhorse

I guess I was a little too direct. There are those that do manipulate the exams in VA's favor but you're correct, not all of them. Check is coming from the VA, not the Vet. DH

Probably don't have qualified Comp&Pen examiners at VA hospital. The contracted out one's are paid to do botched exams so they keep their contract. Dh

I would send a copy of this and any other evidence that supports your claim to the VA. DH

Do you feel comfortable with the evidence they have to give you a grant? IMO, Comp&Pen...etc DH

Berta's right. It would be better for you to just get them what they need to grant your claim. If you start getting your Congressman involved you might get a faster decision but not the decision you want. I'd rather get a later grant than an early denial. DH

Because there are certain Vets that vote against this bill. I don't know why. It would be beneficial to everyone. I have an exchange two blocks away. DH

My doctor keeps a file of all my outside VA medical records. Not sure if she scans them in but I know she has hard copies. This how it works for me. DH

Even if over 26,000 the extra income is not taxable if the income is VA disability Compensation. For tax purposes this is only for earned income...Unemployment, employment, etc. dh

ROI = "Release" of Information. NOT "Input" of Information. They don't have the authority to scan stuff into your medical file. Maybe a VA doctor could, don't know that answer. DH

Reason I ask is because 100% of mine (4 total) have been done by MD's. DH

I always sign the 10-5345a when I go to VAMC. I never have signed a ROI form. Maybe there the same. Don't know. DH

pa's??? 75%???? How do you come to that calculation? DH

whichDH Ok, I see your situation now....OOOOOOPs, Sorry DH

It's already determined by the VA what the examination is for. Very unlikely the examiner would change the reason for the exam. If exam is for back problem you can't come in with a request to have the exam changed to something else. I would show the doctor the letter though and maybe he put this in his report as related to your lumbar disability claim. May add weight to the rating. DH

Amen to that. I really think the VA makes my depression worse than anything. By the time they end up making a decision on my IU claim I will be a basket case. DH

I would send a copy of this to my Senator and say something like, "Sir I thought you would like to know there are rules and regulations that aren't being followed at my local VAMC. On my exam is the statement (i would highlight) "Do not give a copy of this exam to the Veteran." According the VA Rules and Regulations any vet has the freedom to obtain a copy of medical records according the "Freedom of Information Act." My VAMC is blatantly not following rules and regulations and should be known and looked into. I am submitting a copy of my exam for proof of my allegations. DH There's no reason we should not be able to get a copy of what we already know about ourselves. There is a reason this statement was in there and it's scary and infers a hidden agenda.

Unless it's a QTC exam just get your doctor to print it out. At the end of your appointment just ask. The first time around my doctor didn't know where to look for it though. I let him know there is an icon on the left side of screen about 3/4 way down that says "EXAMS". All he has to do is click on that and "WAMO" all your past and current exams pop up unless it was a QTC exam then they would have controlling authority. DH

Since your primary physician has access to computer healthcare records he or she can print it out right there for ya. You then can bypass all the admin BS. I usually walk in and just say Hey if you're not busy could you please print my recent exam for me. My doctors have no problem but I would think it just depends on your doc. Otherwise, you probably have to go through the process of signing a release and waiting about 2 weeks to get it. DH

Your situation went smoothly but it's different for every disabled vet and each claim is different. recons may have worked for you but may not work for others since each claim is different. Don't judge how everyone else needs to conduct their business just according to how it worked for you. Again, I'm happy for you and I want you to get everything you deserve. Just keep your mind open that appeals, DRO reviews, vso's do work for some when a reconsideration wouldn't be effective. Humble yourself a little and think outside the box. DH

The copy that's in your C-file is considered "administrative document." The one that's in your VAMC medical file is considered a "medical document." When you request a copy of your c-file all you do is request it "in writing." Just a letter will do because it's considered "ADMIN." If you want a copy from your medical file then you have to a "release of information" because it's condidered "MEDICAL." Hence, the only difference in the medical and administrative aspect is where the document is located AND how it's used. DH

Me neither, never heard of having to wait until after the rating to get exam. Kind of defeats the purpose and this would benefit the VA since you can't correct any mistakes before they rate. Sometimes it can take months before they rate anyway. I go to my VAMC and just sign a release. They then mail it to me. I also check to see if my shrink is in the office. If he is he usually will print it out right then and there. Guess it just depends on your relationship with your doctors. DH

If you're 100% P&T I think college is paid for your dependents. I don't have children so I might be wrong. Maybe someone else can add something as far as educational benefits. DH

It's a win for your attorney too. 10-15% of $250,000 is a big chunk of money but well worth it when you receive your award. I bet you're estatic. When you get your money sit back and relax and think about what your plans will be with this much money. DON'T GO OUT SPENDING LIKE CRAZY. LOL DH

Congrats on you big payout.. Bronco, why would they triple check when it would be in the Vets best interest? :P DH

I think i'm out of luck though since I was never treated or diagnosed basal cell in service. :P dh