Frustrated With Va

[mary kay]

Hi Brothers and Sisters and Merry Christmas to All,

I retired in Jun 2008 and was rated at 100% due in part to a right knee replacement in Nov 2007. The decision stated my rating would be reduced to 90% pending an new exam. I just called VA and all they had was an exam was due but they did not know when. Several items were missing from my CP claim - the bilateral factor for both knees being replaced, large scars from the knee surgery, and chronic issues with subclavian steal and degenerative joint disease. I sent a NOD to VA and received request for additional info which I provided to include specific CFR citations, then received a letter stating they were scheduling a physical exam, then another letter stating they needed additional information (the same as the 1st letter). The lady at the VA could not specifically answer any of the questions so I'm turning to the experts on this site. My questions are

1- can they reduce compensation without a medical exam

2- what can I do to get exams scheduled

3- does anyone know of a good Veterans Service Officer in the San Antonio, New Braunfels area? Thanks much B)

[jbasser]

Mary Kay, My first act would be to get to an outside Orhhopedic doctor, Or an Occupational specialist to be examined. I prefer t he occupational doc as their experties in your ability to work and maintain your ADL's are usually indisputable.

The best way is to call a local SSA attorney and ask them who they use for IME, make the appt and get it.

If you are not working and If you have not filed for SSD, do so.

ALso, they have to have a reason to propose a reduction unless it was already factored in whent he decision was made.

The VAMC will contact you when the requested exam exam is scheuled.

Good Luck

J

[carlie]

mary kay,

Welcome to Hadit.

It sounds like your 100 percent rating was assigned as a temporary rating

due to surgery.

Is this correct ?

carlie

Edited December 11, 2008 by carlie
sp

[poolguy11550]

Hi Brothers and Sisters and Merry Christmas to All,

1- can they reduce compensation without a medical exam

2- what can I do to get exams scheduled

3- does anyone know of a good Veterans Service Officer in the San Antonio, New Braunfels area? Thanks much B)

1. Yes they can but generally back to your 90% rating.

2. Nothing or at least if I were you I'd attempt to stay off their radar.

3. It up to you, but your at a place (hadit.com) where you have an endless supply of great advice that surly passes any VSO.

[Ricky]

Mary what was the exact wording on the rating? Thanks

[hollywoodnc]

Hello Mary Kay!

Carlie said it best...

It sounds like you have a "Temporary rating".

I received a Total Hip and was on convalescence @100% for a period not exceeding 13 months. I was then reduced back to 30%. (That's a shock to the system!)

It sounds like you fall under this.

[mary kay]

Thanks All!

Found a wonderful VSO today! I appreciate each of you responding. What a wealth of knowledge