Do Not Miss C & P Exams

[carlie]

This is from a BVA decision and clearly shows how the VA views

it when a claimant misses a scheduled C & P examination.

The Veteran was scheduled for a VA examination in connection with his claim for an increased rating for his residuals of

s/p circumcision. However, the Veteran did not attend his examination and declined to be rescheduled for an examination.

The Board emphasizes that it is well established that the duty to assist is not always a one way street.

A Veteran seeking help cannot passively wait for it in those circumstances where he may or should have information that is essential in obtaining putative evidence.

See Wood v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 190, 193 (1991). Insofar as the Veteran failed to report for his examination and indicated that he was unwilling to attend an

examination, the Board is of the opinion that no further assistance is required in this regard.

[Wings]

Wings call the VAMC in Reno and have them tell you why the appointment is scheduled. I actually know what the weather is like at the Donor Pass and probably would not make the trip either. Is Reno the closest VA?

Hi Pete! Here's a copy of the Letter I sent to the FB Office FEB 4, 2011 (below). They finally responded JULY 6, 2011 --and told me NO. I wanted the FB Card which provides $125.00 that could be used to see a local PTSD counselor once a month. Next thing I know, they have me scheduled for a mental health clinic appt. in Reno. %$$#$. I am going to appeal all the way to Regional. I think at 100% P&T, they are supposed to like follow some regulations ... Going to call them this morning. HUGS! ~Wings

VAMC Reno

1000 Locust Street

Reno, NV 89520

Attn: Fee Base Office

Subject: VA Fee Base Card

Dear Sir or Madame, Please consider my application for a VA Fee Base Card. I am a 50+ year old woman veteran with PTSD and other health concerns. I have been service-connected at 100% TDIU, permanent and total, since December 1999.

In the past, your office has issued me a Fee Base Card for local, routine medical care, not to exceed $125.00 per month. I have been responsible with that privilege.

The drive to Reno VAMC is a (6) hour round-trip, winding up and down mountains over snowy and icy winter roads. The car ride aggravates my anxiety and panic attacks. I fear for my life, and worry that I will not make it back home to care for my school age daughter. If something happened to her, I would not be able to reach her fast enough to make a difference.

For me, the $125 Fee Base Card reduces my PTSD "stress" over the dangerous, winter Donner Pass, and makes going to an occasional, local medical provider safer --and overall more cost effective for the VA.

Sincerely,

Woman Veteran

2-4-2011

[Wings]

Hi Pete! Here's a copy of the Letter I sent to the FB Office FEB 4, 2011 (below). They finally responded JULY 6, 2011 --and told me NO. I wanted the FB Card which provides $125.00 that could be used to see a local PTSD counselor once a month. Next thing I know, they have me scheduled for a mental health clinic appt. in Reno. %$$#$. I am going to appeal all the way to Regional. I think at 100% P&T, they are supposed to like follow some regulations ... Going to call them this morning. HUGS! ~Wings

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The good news: it was not a C&P Exam. My VA Clinic called MH and made an appt. for me. I cancelled it because it would mean going to MH INtake in Reno --so that I would be eligible for VA Mental Health Telecare to the VA Clinic (45 minutes away). I do not want telecare mental health. ~Wings

[john999]

Is 125 bucks what Fee Base usually pays per month or does it depend on your SC conditions? I can't see a dentist for 125 bucks.

[Wings]

Is 125 bucks what Fee Base usually pays per month or does it depend on your SC conditions? I can't see a dentist for 125 bucks.

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$125.00 would allow me one (1) visit per month with a female counselor. If they will not spend that much money on me, maybe I could really rack up some hefty ER Bills --you would think they would pay a little money for a lot of prevention --they think ssa backwards! ~Wings

[Pete53]

I had a battle with Fee Service. Ask for an administrative hearing. Since the hearing is usually the same people who are saying no I recommend that you ask that a shrink be on the panel. If you lose or not happy with decision you have only 30 days to appeal straight to BVA.

The deck is rigged but you can win. Good luck and by the way Fee Service is limited to 125 but with prior approval it can be higher. For example if you needed labs for meds or something like that and Fee Service can also be used to pay for meds.

VA uses Fee Service to also deal with other stuff they pay for health aide and a nurse for me way over 125 a month.

[Wings]

I had a battle with Fee Service. Ask for an administrative hearing. Since the hearing is usually the same people who are saying no I recommend that you ask that a shrink be on the panel. If you lose or not happy with decision you have only 30 days to appeal straight to BVA.

The deck is rigged but you can win. Good luck and by the way Fee Service is limited to 125 but with prior approval it can be higher. For example if you needed labs for meds or something like that and Fee Service can also be used to pay for meds.

VA uses Fee Service to also deal with other stuff they pay for health aide and a nurse for me way over 125 a month.

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Thanks Mr. Pete, I'll think about it. It's maddeneing to expose my PTSD to bureacrats. ~Wings

P.S. DO NOT MISS C&P EXAMS!