Qtc Exam Coming Up For My Back. How Do I Prepare? Need All The Assistance I Can Get.

[pilgrim01]

I retired in Nov 2008. At times I would get numbness and tingling going down the back of my right leg to my right foot. While in service, my doctor gave me some neurontin and sent me on my way. Well, after I retired in Feb of 2009, the numbness/tingling came back. My NEW doctor said "the first thing I am going to do is check your back". The problems were found! I filed a REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION in April 2009. I sent in copies of my X-rays, MRIs and doctor's notes. Keep in mind, I didn't go to the doctor while in servie for MY BACK, I went for the NUMBNESS and TINGLING of the right leg going down to my right foot. I had X-rays and MRIs done only to find out I have "MULTI-LEVEL LUMBAR DISC PROTRUSIONS CAUSING BILATERAL FORAMINAL STENOSIS AT MANY LEVELS AND SPINAL STENOSIS AT TWO LEVELS". My doctor wrote a letter to support her diagnosis which I also sent in with the RECONSIDERATION (I filed for LUMBAR CONDITION WITH RADICULOPATHY). In my MRI and X-ray records it says that there is nerve damage to a few of the nerves. I've been to Physical Therapy, didn't help. I went to Pain Management, but I am not quite ready for someone to be sticking needles in my spine, so I am sticking to the medication for now.

Well, today, QTC (the exam people) called me at work and said I should be receiving a package in 2 - 3 days for an exam. I know it is for my back, so what should I look for? What or How should I prepare? I want to make sure I get what I deserve on this claim (I am currently rated at 40%, I would love/need just to cross the 50% threshold!) I welcome any and all suggestions and advice. Thanks!

[carlie]

Just go in and stay focused on your disability at hand,

what the C&P is for.

Don't start rambling about other things.

Take someone with you if you can or want to.

jmho,

carlie

[pilgrim01]

Thanks!

[john999]

The best way to fight A QTC exam is to get an exam of your own from a doctor who understands what the VA's rating process. QTC tends to low ball disabilites. You need your own doctor to reflect the true nature and extent of your back problem. All you can really do with QTC is to present yourself on time and submit to the exam. After you get a copy of the exam you can then get your own doctor to rebut any findings made by QTC you don't like.

[LarryJ]

Tell the truth.

When asked "How are you today?"

Tell the truth.

If you are "okay" or "fine", then go home, before the exam. If you are not "okay" or "fine" (and, I have to suppose that you are not, or you wouldn't be there), then tell the truth.

I would make sure and tell the examiner about the pain in the leg that you went on sick call for in the military and the recent diagnosis vis a vis your spine, for it is, of course, connected. (they are supposed to have read ALL your SMT records, etc., but..........)

[Pete53]

I look at How are you today as a question that should be answered most of the time I feel like and elaborate on your general well being or not. You have the right to be general if you qualify it.

By the way most people who have serious health issues suffer some sort of depression and you should be very honest about how you feel about your situation.

Good Luck

[john999]

If the doctor wants you to do any movements that hurt tell them it hurts and you can't do it as soon as you feel pain. Don't let them bend or manipulate you if it hurts. You have to cooperate, but not to the extent that you reinjure yourself. They are going to probably want to see your range of movement.