Successful Claims Advice For C@p Examination

[Guest jstacy]

I wanted to pass along a couple of hints for Veterans who will have future C@P exams.

All Veterans should go to the VARO and look at their C-file before going to an exam. You can take notes and write down where stuff is in the folders. I have several. It is better to get a copy if you know you are getting an exam.

1. Prepare for the exam like a test you had to take in school. Print the Exam details ( COOK BOOK) off the Website and try to memorize it as much as you can. Use Keywords.

2. Call the VA and Dial 0 to ask for the C@P section. Ask them who the Doctor is going to be for your exam.

3. Find out as much information about the Doctor as you can. If your getting a PA or Nurse Practitioner, record this information. ( The VARO easily rips apart the opinions of Non Physicians and does it very often)

4. When you leave the house for the exam, CLean up, Shave, slap on some old spice, Females slap on some Jovan Musk. ( Remember you are seeking a benefit that you have earned.)

5. Do not go into the exam with an attitude. Leave all chips in the car.

6. Break the Ice with the examiner when you meet. Tell them a good clean Joke.

7. Assist the examiner as much as you can. You should know the test material by now and it makes it so much easier if you Know what you are seeking. Ensure the c-file is there and being used.

Aslo pay attention to the use of measuring devices and by all means ask well thought out questions.

Once the examiner gets to know you and the ice is broken, Then you have a better chance of winning your claim. No one wants to spend time with a Knothead, If that is the case then the exam will be fast and furious and the Doctor will get out as fast as he can.

These examiners are the ones who hold the cards to winning a claim. Their presentation of your disability picture is the road to success.

Edited July 1, 2006 by jstacy

[Berta]

John- I like what you said here-

sure not time for an attitude and I think it is always best to present onesself as they really are-

some vet sites used to say -if a PTSD exam, look scruffy, dont bathe, dont tie your shoes-I feel if this

not the way one really is- they should not put on some show for a C & P-

Also you are right- nothing helps a vet claimant more than knowing what to expect at the C & P and being fully aware of their medical conditions and med recs.

If the VA doc is aware that the vet unerstands their condition and it's link to their service, the doc

might be less inclined to put some BS in a C & P report.

[john999]

If the C&P exam is for a mental condition I would skip the shaving and Old Spice. You are not going for a job interview. Your appearance is a factor in your rating. Every C&P exam I had the doctors always make comments about grooming. I would not put on an act but I would not get dressed up either.

[Testvet]

just be yourself, I have and I am 100% P&T for PTSD, the records speak for themselves, dressing up like it's sunday and you're going to chirch is a waste of time. Nor would I save some old nasty closthes to make them sick, just be YOUR SELF, if you have PTSD or other mental disorder your records for the past treatments and interviews and testing MMPI, CAPS etc will show the truth. now that said the VARO may very well low ball the award, and to that all I can say is file a NOD and appeal it, I was awarded 50% in May 2005 I have had GAF's of 30-35 for every appt since Jan 2003, I have not worked since June 2002, so when they awarded the 50% I filed a NOD in April 3 2006 they awarded the 100% P&T, persistence pays off, by the way my claim never left the VARO, I had the feeling if it went to the BVA it was going to be remanded for the VARO's failure to address the Edgewood issues, so I did everything I could to prevent the remand.