Medical Treatment Records Vs. Ime

[Ron II]

I hope someone can answer this.

I had an Echocardiogram evaluation in January 2008. The doctor's report I sent to the VARO includes the following sections:

INDICATIONS FOR STUDY

FINDINGS

CONCLUSION

Now, an 1-800 representative tells me they need the treatment records from the cardiologist.

Heck, there are no treatment records other than the Echo--I have left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Isn't the signed IME adequate for a rating decision? Do they need the actual charts, printouts, etc.?

Thank you,

Ron

[Rockhound]

k you should slow down a bit. The VA/rater is asking for the treatment records, not records that show what you have. He is probably trying to find out how long you have been treated for your condition, what medications you are taking, How is your doctor treating your left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

If they SC, then if your not getting any treatment, then they would give it a 0% rating, but depending on the treatment history, they could rate it higher. I am not saying this is a positive sign they will SC this condition, but like I said, treatment record is different from needing actual charts, printouts, etc.?

Question: Are you taking any meds for this, are you or were you recommended to exercise, change your diet, and have you. If you are overweight, have you asked for, been advised to and are attending a weight program the VA offers and are showing a weight loss.

Anything your Dr. prescribed, recommended and you are doing, that can be varified by records, to help treat your problem.

Rockhound Rider

[john999]

I would not believe anything the 800 number people tell me. Did you get a boiler plate letter from VA saying they want all your medical records. You can give them the name and address of your doctor and they request the records.

[carlie]

Ron,

Don't they also have your 2008 Cardiology Stress Test with your

MET's evaluation. I have a strong feeling you have sent and they

have received everything they need to provide a proper rating

and haven't fully found and/or acknowledged your evidence.

It could all be misplaced within your file and they aren't looking

through the whole file - many times they just look back to the most

recent blue sheet and don't look through the whole file, or it could be

stuck on a shelf somewhere, or in another claimant's file.

It sure seems to me like you have provided everything needed.

jmho,

carlie

[Ron II]

No, it was not a boiler-plate letter this time--it asked for the treatment records from the heart specialist. The IME shows that I have LVH which warrants 30% SC. Why would they need more?

I'm on my way to Denver with everything I have PLUS I'm stopping by the cardiologist and providing him with written authority to send all my stuff to the VARO (if they can't give it to me on the spot).

Thanks for the help of all...

Ron

p.s.

Thank you too Carlie your post was added while I was writing--I am PO'ed again! Sorry for the tone of this post.

[carlie]

Ron,

Calm down before you get there and don't raise your voice much ---

I've seen Security called on a claimant for raising his voice and

it wasn't pretty.

carlie

[Ron II]

Ron,

Calm down before you get there and don't raise your voice much ---

I've seen Security called on a claimant for raising his voice and

it wasn't pretty.

carlie

Thanks Carlie. My son insisted on going with me for that very reason. I was "nice." I did get a little excited when the supervisor with whom I visited told me I wasn't even rated for a heart condition. What???!!! I suggested he review the SOC.

Then he said that there was no connection between LVH and my current pacemaker condition and he quoted 38 CFR etc. I then finished quoting the remainder of the section he partially quoted and he agreed with me (for what it's worth).

I provided the entire packet from my cardiologist which I picked up prior to departing for the VARO.

All were date stamped.

I feel better because I have done all I can and the things I've learned on Hadit during the past year

came into play today. I probably could have been buffaloed if I was not familiar with 38 CFR etc.

My thanks to all...

Ron

[halos2]

Also even though you sign a release of info for them to get all the records don't trust that they do it. It is always wise to get copies yourself, as you did, to hand in to them too, and of course make sure you always keep a copy of anything you give to them too for your files. They try to use trickery but it is best to be one up on them as you did and wise to take back up with you too, as your son.

Good luck with your process.

Thanks Carlie. My son insisted on going with me for that very reason. I was "nice." I did get a little excited when the supervisor with whom I visited told me I wasn't even rated for a heart condition. What???!!! I suggested he review the SOC.

Then he said that there was no connection between LVH and my current pacemaker condition and he quoted 38 CFR etc. I then finished quoting the remainder of the section he partially quoted and he agreed with me (for what it's worth).

I provided the entire packet from my cardiologist which I picked up prior to departing for the VARO.

All were date stamped.

I feel better because I have done all I can and the things I've learned on Hadit during the past year

came into play today. I probably could have been buffaloed if I was not familiar with 38 CFR etc.

My thanks to all...

Ron

[carlie]

hit alpha,

This thread has nothing to do with a C&P exam.

Please stay in the topic or begin a new thread.

Thanks,

carlie

[allan]

"I'm on my way to Denver with everything I have PLUS I'm stopping by the cardiologist and providing him with written authority to send all my stuff to the VARO (if they can't give it to me on the spot)."

I would like to add something here for all Vets.

During a DRO review, the officer stalled my claim for 14 months waiting on health records. If you have to stand there and wait for someone to get them and print them out, do so. You will save yourself the excuses of," we never got them", "we'll have to request them again since you didn't supply them", "this may take several months". "nope. still didn't get them, they must have sent them to the wrong adress".

Go to every medical center you've been examined at & get them youself, if at all possible. Don't wait to have them send the records to the DVA. Theres a good chance it will fall through the cracks with everyone involved, but you.