Vync

Hey Carlie, I'm probably having a stupid moment today and not reading this right. I was reading from the other day, but did not open the publication link. If I did, I would have realized it was from this very same directive. My confusion revolves around , which addresses who can and cannot write statements supporting a VA claim. I interpret 'causality' to mean 'nexus'. It looks like the VA is saying they would be happy to help fill out non-VA paperwork. But when it comes to determining a nexus, VBA (C&P) can do this, but VHA docs are limited to documenting only the observed current medical status and functional limitations. Am I reading this correctly? Thanks

In the past, I have had my VA doctors fill out short term disability papers. Almost makes me wonder if this supercedes the other directive saying they are not supposed to write nexus statements...

If CB is successful with the CUE, would the VA automatically modify his EED or would it require submission of a CUE to backdate the EED?

"Whichever gives the greater benefit to the veteran." That's good to know...

Good info Carlie. This part is of particular interest and may help us understand why some facilities or doctors do this and some don't: "4. ACTION: Each medical facility Director is responsible for establishing and implementing a written facility policy addressing:" Has anyone here ever requested a copy of their facility's written policy on this directive? I am curious if they rubber stamped this directive or actually created their own.

It kinda works like that at my VAMC. I have been told that living in the same county or within a certain number of miles means no travel pay. I have lived in a different county for a few years and in Fall 2009 something changed and I started getting travel. If I pay deductibles for three round-trip visits, they stop taking out the deductible for any other visits within that month. I had an appointment with VocRehab, which is about 4 miles farther than the VAMC and they said they pay if you live more than a certain number of miles away - and they refused to pay me anything. If your VAMC does not pay by actual driving distance, I wonder if it would help if you give the VA your zip code stop number, which is the zip code + 4 number. That is what the post office uses to help deliver mail along different routes. The stop number would be a more accurate method. Then again, going on any of the map sites and computing round trip driving directions is more accurate. I wonder what they would say if you presented them with a copy of a printout of that...

Main VA MS site http://www.va.gov/ms VA MS Benefits site I have included a portion of the text, but note the first sentence I put in bold... I am not sure if they mean treatment of MS or treatment of any condition, but if you are not SC, it looks like you have an option for free treatment of it. http://www.va.gov/ms/multiple-sclerosis-veterans-benefits.asp The VA provides health care services to Veterans with MS from the time of diagnosis throughout their life, whether or not they have a service-connected or non-service connected status. If an individual had symptoms of MS in the military, or within seven years after honorable discharge, he or she may be eligible for service-connected disability. If this is the case, the Veteran should complete the Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension available online (http://www.va.gov) or at his or her local medical center. Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and United Spinal Association are good support resources.

Same problem here too, but my PCP doesn't help with any of my documentation unless it is for short/long term disability.

Not sure if you tried this, but check with the VAMC's Release of Information office to see if you can get copies of your C&P exam results. Mine were available as part of the VAMC's medical treatment records. Next, call or visit the VAMC C&P department and ask if they can tell you where your claims file is located. Be sure to keep calm while doing this, because no matter how upset you are with the VA, you definitely don't want to cause waves with these folks. I hope this helps

Possibly, but all of my settings are default. The error is a board error, not a browser error.

When I try to view attached pictures, like the ones attached to this topic, I get this error: "[#10171] You do not have permission to view this attachment." I'm using FireFox and already flushed my cookies and cache.

Has anyone here had any luck obtaining physical therapy for TMJ from the VAMC? I asked a while back and was told they don't do it my VAMC.

bump

Would this be grounds for a CUE? In the 1990's, one of my C&P doctors used the "Review of medical records" section from the exam results to list subjective details of me explaining in first person point of view what got hurt, when, where, etc... This C&P doctor never documented reviewing any records of any kind (i.e. SMRs, C-file), but opined the conditions were not related to service. Note: At the time, I had other exams from different doctors indicating they reviewed the records, even referring to specific details. They all opined in my favor.

What does it mean when a C&P doc diagnoses you with a condition, but in the same report opines there are no clinical findings to substantiate condition?

Berta, I am glad I was able to help.

But they do not provide lighters or matches...

Berta, I just tested it. http://www.index.va.gov/search/va/bva.html In the search box, I entered PTSD 2009 and it found "Found 13908 documents out of 537677 - Top 400 Returned". If it still fails, try clearing your browser's temporary files/cookies or use a different web browser. I used Firefox.

They need to have these in more cities

I think those in power should first work toward eliminating wasteful spending instead of slashing VA and/or SSDI benefits.

Teac, What was the wording on your award letter?

If you guys don't have a copy of your C-file, now would be a good time to request it.

Sounds a lot like that Article 99 movie

I wonder if this will come out of his personal budget or his office's budget...