Need Help With Increase And C&p Exam

[Bound4heaven]

Greetings,

I contacted my local RO over a year ago to ask if I could get a letter stating that I am T&P (I am currently rated at 90%IU with T&P with Chapter 35 benefits and no future exams) The ro informed my that I was not T&P (I was but was unaware at that time) and I would have to apply for increase. I do file for increase and I was sent to my 5th C&P exam. The examiner was a N.P and extremely rude to me. She asked me questions that had nothing to do with my exam (Why do my wife and I adopt special needs children, and was I drinking I havn't drank in over 10 years) I informed her that was not while I was there. I have many bi-lateral foot issues and she asked me to stand on my toes and I informed her I could not and she became furious at me telling me I was combatant and she would make sure that was known. I knew after that exam last July it ewas not going to go well.

I got a copy of the C&P exam from the mnedical records and I was floored with the distorations and lies that were in the exam. She said in the final report that I was missed dignosed and my disabilities were not as severe as my other doctors in the VA. She went on to say that I was able to stand on my toes so by doing that I had no foot problems. I files 7 complaints with the patients advocate at the VA Medical Center. I even met the pwrson in charge of the C&P exams. I sent all information to the RO. I also receive SSD. The question I have is because of her comments on the C&P reports will I loose the increase? However the big issue I have is will they reduce my current benefits I now receive?

I have one last issue. With this increase I brought into play secondary disabilities from side effects I now endure from the 21 different medications I now take. I had a medication evulation done outside the VA and all the current side effects I thought were due to my disabilities were because of my meds. I submitted this report to the RO. I also had a IME done by Dr. Bash , however he is not done with it as of yet. My American Leigon cso wants the RO to make a decison asap, and use the IME for an appeal if necessary. Can anyone give me some advice? God bless you all.

[Jay Johnson]

Jay,

Thank you again so much for your help. Can you ever considered helping out at a vet center? you have knowledge that many veterans need, and will not receive. God bless you.

My pleasure:-) Honestly, I would love to help vets on a more one to one basis and learn even more about the process myself, but my wife is very dependent on me to be home with her and she is agoraphobic, so leaving the house is quite difficult (she usually stays in the car when we go to the store and I leave one of the kids in the car with her so she doesn't have a panic attack). Perhaps in time she will grow more comfortable, at least at home, and I'll be able to do more, but, for now, I'm kinda stuck in the house:-(

[mssoup1]

Jay,

Again thanks for your help. My husband has gotten an IMO on his eye problem before and the doctor stated that it was more likely than not that his eye condition is connected to his skin condition. With this being said, you would think his claim would go through fairly smooth. Well, the VARO wanted to know where this doctor got his opinion from, then denied the claim. We showed the denial to his doctor and he was floored. Had to go to the BVA and at that point he received an instant approval.

I do keep copies of everything. All correspondence to the VARO, documentation they send back to us and I have a complete copy of his SMR, medical records from the VAMC, including C & P exams and any IMO's. Each time he visits the VAMC, on our next trip we get a copy of any notes from his previous visits, unless we need them before hand. This way, we stay up to date. Can't get them the same day he goes as it takes them longer to get the information into the system. We are very fortunate because we only live about 25 miles from the nearest VAMC. I feel sorry for those veterans who have to travel so many miles just to get to the nearest VAMC facility. It's really sad.

By the way, I completely handle my husbands claims. I do read everything to him and explain it, then have him sign waht he needs to. It has been many years for me fighting the VAMC, but I'm too old to give up now. Guess I'll have a VARO denial plastered to my hand when they put me in the casket, but they can say at least I didn't give in or give up.

Anyway, thanks for your assistance and help.

Mssoup1