tinnitus File Sent For Medical Opinion?

[Jayg]

My claim is on appeal and I've filed an NOD. I called VARO to check on my file. I was told it had been sent to my VAMC not for a C&P exam but to get a medical opinion. I am told a C&P exam was requested 12/26/07 but so far nobody knows anything about it. Now this.

I have been posting here so some may by now be familiar with me, but to recap, I injured an ankle and was diagnosed w/flat feet in service. I am 10% for flat feet, 20% for the ankle and 10% for tinnitus with 0 but sc for bilateral hearing.

But I am ruint with arthritis. Diagnosed with "severe debilitating arthritis" and "osteoarthritis." I am so far denied on R ankle, both knees, hip, low back pain and peripheral neuropathy as secondary conditions.

I haven't gotten them to give me MRI yet but know to get that done.

But back to my file. I presume someone will order a C&P if needed. Otherwise, what would be the reason, what would they be looking for with this "medical opinion"? I'm guessing to see if there is connection of my secondary conditions. I haven't had this done with my file before now so I'm rather confused.

[Hoppy]

jayg

Many years ago the rating teams had a doctor assigned to them to answer any questions they had. When a file was sent to this doctor it would be noted in the file and in any decision what opinion the doctor made. In recent years I have heard some posts on hadit that the rating teams seldom have a doctor working with them.

This could be a similar type of request for medical input. If you ask me it is better than having them do nothing with your claim.

[donews]

The RO sent my claim out for a medical opinion in December on my Heart Disease claim.

The opinion just so happened to partially benfit me so I am glad they did.

I would agree with hoppy at least you know they are trying to work the claim.

[Jayg]

jayg If you ask me it is better than having them do nothing with your claim.

Thanks guys. Glad I decided to look in. The reply count was reading 0.

My initial filing to decision time was over 2 years. I know about nothing happening. <_<

But strangely, there's actually been considerable activity in the past several months. Got an ankle sc 20% and the flat feet 0% then got them increased to 10%. Got a SSOC denied all secondary conditions across the board then another shortly after 'suggesting' I needed my arthritis connected for TDIU.

Mybe this opinion thing is about that?

Like you say though, glad things are happening.

Edited March 21, 2008 by Jayg