My So Say's One Thing And Hadit Experts Say Another.

[jecsb4]

Happy Veterans day to all Vets and Family and Friends of Vets,

Ok, My claim is being re-looked at per my request at the RO level. I guess they didn't like the additional evidence the VA Dr. wrote for my claim (Non C & P Exam) and they sent me to a C & P conducted by a private Dr. contracted by the VA. This Dr was only a general practice Dr.

From what I can tell, everyone here at Hadit say's to get a copy of the C & P. I went to my SO and asked about this and he said that would delay the claim.

I filled out the VACC requesting the full 60 days so I could submitt additional evidence, and I only have about two weeks left. I am waiting on a Dr. to write up a favorable IMO for me and I am cutting it close to the wire, but I should get it just before the 60 day timeframe.

Since I didn't request the civilain C & P via the Freedom of Info Act, I don't know what that contracted Dr. wrote and even if I requested it now, I would get it to late to counteract and issues in my apppeal.

I guess I don't understand why the SO would say not to bother with getting the C & P?

Thanks.

[Pete53]

The VA Hospital C&P Department should be able to give you a copy. If the Opinion is bad why waste months to find out when you can get started on rebuttal now?

[LarryJ]

First of all, if you don't know already, then find out which VA Medical Center you would be going to, if you were in need of care.

This is the VA Medical Center that would have custody of any medical exams (either "in house" or contracted out to an outside professional) and would be the repository of your C&P examination(s).

It is a medical facility and, as such, is where your medical information should be, regardless of the origin of this information. And, as it is a medical facility, it is governed by Federal "Privacy" rules and regs (the HIPPA rules/laws). You will most likely need to make an appearance at the Medical Records department of this hospital and request your medical information (C&P, if that is all you've had done) and, at the time of your request, you will be required to sign a FOIA (Freedom Of Information Act) release request.

The fine person residing behind the desk at the Medical Records office will type your name and patient number (SocSec#) into the computer thingey on her/his desk and, BINGO, some printer nearby will spit out your C&P. Read it. If it sounds good (i.e., if it says something akin to "this veteran's in-service injury was at least as likely as not the cause of the veteran's current condition", then take a good deep breath...in and out....in and out....that's it...feel the calming....visualize world peace.....hear the surf.....smile....that's it.....ummmmmmm

[jecsb4]

Update -

I found the QTC paperwork and it has some words to the effect that if I want some medical info to contact the VA and not to contact QTC or the contracted Dr.

I will go to the VA MedCntr and request a copy asap. Thanks all.

[tssnave]

J - my experience w/ a VA C&P clinic (not private contract doc) lines up w/ Larry's post. I called the major VA hospital that the clinic is a satelitte office of for a copy of the C&P exam (the clinic said call VA) and they faxed me a release form, which I faxed back that day, and had a hard copy in my mailbox within a couple of days. Talking to the clinic was a waste of time and it took some surg nurse to tell me where to call.

Could you give me a little background on your claim? I have been off the board for a week or so and don't recall reading any of your posts. I don't understand why the VA would need to verify information from their own VA doc. Was he a specialist or your VA PCP?

"I guess they didn't like the additional evidence the VA Dr. wrote for my claim (Non C & P Exam) and they sent me to a C & P conducted by a private Dr. contracted by the VA. This Dr was only a general practice Dr."

Thanks and good luck getting a copy of your C&P exam. It really is well worth it so you're IMO can address any surprises there might be in it.

Keep us posted and if you have time, please give me a brief timeline and run down of your claims history.

Thanks,

TS Snave

[carlie]

They were closed on Monday - I'd go 1st thing Tues. am.

Your SO is incorrect. Don't put it off, go get your copy of the C&P

exam so you know where you stand.

jmho,

carlie

[cowgirl]

Smiles at Larry! Good response. Two things, when I requested my information in person, although I didnt have to show any ID (scary) I simply signed the form with government issue black click pen with silver middle band, probably left over from WWII, which I left on the counter, it still took over 2 weeks to recieve the files, they mailed it, their policy states such. Now to the part just before breathing; what does that mean, service connection or uhm, simply double talk? thanks.cg

The fine person residing behind the desk at the Medical Records office will type your name and patient number (SocSec#) into the computer thingey on her/his desk and, BINGO, some printer nearby will spit out your C&P. Read it. If it sounds good (i.e., if it says something akin to "this veteran's in-service injury was at least as likely as not the cause of the veteran's current condition", then take a good deep breath...in and out....in and out....that's it...feel the calming....visualize world peace.....hear the surf.....smile....that's it.....ummmmmmm