Regarding Cognitive Dysfunction

[Rockhound]

When I finally get my consult with the VA Neurologist, how difficult would it be to get him/her to enter a medical statement into my electronic medical records, that is if he/she agrees, that due to my difficulties with cognitive dysfunctions, I would be unabel to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation?

Is this the kind of statement that they are required to make, upon request, since it deals with a Veterans functionalality?

Rockhound Rider

[poolguy11550]

Let the neurologist do his exam and relay to him your limitations accurately. Build some trust with him the first appointment. Its been my experience that VA doctors tend go cold when asked right away for statements related to claims. After you see him a few times then ask him for his input on issues that pertain to your cognitive issues and employment. He may refer you to occupational therapy and that is where direct statements will be made toward your limits.

[carlie]

rock,

I do not feel this is the type of statement they are "required" to make,

unless this is requested by the rating decision maker.

jmho,

carlie

[hotcoffee2]

Rockie

Both Social Security and the VA use a battery of psychological tests to determine deficiencies in motor skills and cognition. the neurologists as a rule will ask you a series of questions like spell 'world' backwards, what's todays date, subtract 7 from 100 unill you reach xx number' stuff like this.

these are the rudiments of a mental status exam--to see how well you are oriented.

i found that most VA's don't have the psychologist personnel to do this testing. these tests measure executive thinking, manual dexterity and a boat load of other stuff. sorry it has been a long time.

are you being seen in mental health? chances are you can ASK for this. and they could refer you to nearest academic hospital that has it or possibly fee you out. have you been on any psy meds long? look up the med and it's side effects and then go into the mental health clinic and say that you have xyz symptoms now for 9 months and you believe it has effected your cognitive function.....ask it you can get tested.

this may not apply to you, but up here they give personality tests. i have a a bunch of those, but they gave me a new one that suggested i was schizoid. i freaked. evidentally i'm schizoid because i prefer my own company and do not socialize allot. in short, im introverted. schizoid years ago in psychiatry had thought disorder crap associated with it. i quit the psy broad that was going to see me and i told here i forbid the test from being entered on record.

for anyone reading me lately, i find myself giving the quick and dirty way of getting medical help or services from the VA. the myriad of complaints in this forum have convinced me that talking the bull by the horns....instead of being taken by the VA, is worth doing. at least worth a try.

[timetowinarace]

It would be very difficult to get a neurologist to make a statement regarding functional capacity problems due to cognative dissorder without psychology/psychiatry evaluation. They do not assess cognative disfunction. They will however refer you to someone who does.

When disability claims and statements to support them are brought up to new doctors they become very guarded in their assesments.

While being treated for headaches and such for my TBI, I explained to the doctor about my poor employment, school, and social problems and told him I wanted to know why I had these problems. This became the referal to a neuro-psychologist. I told her the same thing. After being tested and evaluated and told the results about my cognative dissorder I asked, "Okay, what do I need to do to get back to work". She informed me it was quite impossible for me to function in a work envirnment. Ever. She suggested filing for disability (SSDI). I had never mentioned this option to her.

I've done this (and I'm sincere about it) for all my treating Docs. I truely do not want the problems I have and ask that they be fixed. When they cannot fix me they are more than happy to help me obtain bennifits so I can live.

Sorry about the long 'story'. My short opinion is to seek medical help for better quality of life and if a doctor cannot help then ask for their support in obtaining bennifits. Few will deprive a person of bennifits if they cannot medically help. I agree with poolguy's post.

[Rockhound]

First off, I have already had the neurological tests that showed cognitive dysfunction and was probably due to trauma. She told me it would be up to the neurologist to determine the cause.

I am already disabled sufficiently from NSC issues that have led me being awarded SSDI. I need to access those issues that are or could be SC, to determine if those conditions are sufficient by themselves to keep me from working at any job.

My history with VA specialists has led me to believe that once you have seen them once, your not likely to see them again unless your condition worsens. Their not like seeing my psychiatrust every three to six months or if my psychiatric problems need immediate attention or scheduled visits to my PCP.

So you see, if it is a one shot deal, I'm not so sure I have the time to develop some repore with the neurologist like I am able to do with my PCP or Psychologist. The paper testing is done, with nothing definitely saying what the results ment as to my ability work at a substantially gainful job. The led me to believe that the neurologist, who is a DR and specialist would have to make that determineation. Of course the VHA is good at passing the buck.

Rockhound Rider

[poolguy11550]

Maybe this can work for you- At my VAMC I have found that simply dropping your doctor a short letter describing any worsting or changes in your conditions will prompt them to set an appointment with you or at least a phone call. I have done this successfully with my VA prime care, Neuro, psychologist, pain, OT, and PT. There are VA regulations that specifically deal with corresspondece handed in from patients. I can tell they dont really like this approch but it works. Ultimitaly, your healthcare is up to you, no VA or privet Dr's are looking out for your interest 100%. My advise to you is to insert yourself in process, sooner or later the statements involing your claims will come if that is truely the case. But I'd be weary of only seeking out only claims related issues with your VA Dr's. It could end up burning you.