Va Acknowledges Back Injury From 1969. C&p Coming.

[Papa]

About two months ago I got this generic letter from the Houston RO informing me that an exam with QTC was being set up to see what my current condition of my disability was. I had zero idea what disability and/or exam they were talking about. QTC was puzzled since I was not in their system, but told them that the VA had informed me that they have sent all my medical records to the QTC Doctor that would be doing the exam. QTC said that was impossible, so I let it go. I called the Case Management people in DC, and the following week got a call from the Houston RO that told me that the exam was for my Back and related issues. I then received a letter informing me that they need medical records from my foot doctor, and they specified him by name. So, how could they not already have this info, if they knew his name, but that is beside the point. What is strange is that in the past, I was given the Alemda St. address in Houston to send documents of any type. However, this time, I was given a PO Box to send it to.

The person that I talked to at the VA said the exam was a good thing as they now see that I, in fact, did injure my back in 1969, while in the service, and have had continous issues with it.

I have had several claims for my back starting in the early 70s for my back, but was always denied. The VA would always deny based on my Back was not injured while in the military. It has taken them over 40 years for them to finally see in my SMC that I injured my Back. This will be my first physical for my Back. My Pain Management Doctor had told me that it would be hard to compare my latest MRI for my Back to when it was injured, since the AF Doctors did no Xrays, no meds, nada. So, since, I did not have Xrays done back then, am I screwed, or will I come under benefit the doubt?

Papa

Edited June 5, 2012 by Papa

[SP4RVN1971]

I hope for the best Papa, It's about time dam'it!!

They will try to bleed us to death!!

[john999]

Papa

I don't think you are screwed. I think you should stay on this case since the VA admits you were injured in service. They admit you have had continuous issues with your back over the years. Get your foot in the door even if they only rate you 10%. Do not give up on this regardless of whatever some VA doctor might say. They don't make the ratings. I would do anything to win this claim including hiring Perry Mason.

John

[Papa]

I have already run into some issues, The VA sent me a letter wanting information from a Foot Doctor by June 23rd. I sent that yesterday, receipt, of course. Today, I got my QTC c&p notice for an exam on June 11th. The exam states that the VA wants the following conditions examined: lower back, right and left knees. It also states "claim type" reopen. Does this mean when I first put a claim in?

Also, when I talked to the VA in Houston, I told them that my last two "Doctors" did not meet my expectations. He told me that an Orthopedic Specialist would do the exam. Well, the Doctor that will be doing the exam is a GP, family practice. She got her medical degree from Mexico. She lives in Del Rio, Texas. That is a very long drive. My PD examiner, also a GP, was from north of Midland, Texas. Where the hell does QTC find these people? San Antonio has 1.5 million people, and they can not find a Doctor here? Has anyone ever challenged an exam based upon a Doctor's lack of experience in a particular area? She may be great.

I have K&K as my Lawyers, and will send them a copy of the QTC notice, and the forms that I will need to fill out. Filling out the form will be hard, since, I have PD.

Papa

Edited June 5, 2012 by Papa

[john999]

K&K knows that you made claims in the 70's but were denied because SMR's were not available? It is not like you are reopening this claim with new evidence that was just generated. The evidence was there all along but just not part of the ratings. I bet the VA is going to try and say your effective date will be 2012 and not 1970 something. They are going to pretend the claims in the 70's never happened. You know what I mean in order not to pay retro.

[Papa]

I have been trying to fill out this QTC medical form. They want a ton of info, but only gives you a small space. I thought about added an attachment, but thought they would "misplace" it. Another thing that is troubling is that my PD really keeps me from writing, I now squibble. I have until June 11th to have this completed, and got it yesterday. Has anyone NOD due to the person performing an exam was not qualified in the area of the exam being performed? Just wondering.

Papa

[john999]

Papa

Focus on the QTC exam! Sribble if you have to scribble, but get it done and get to that exam. I know your are pissed off and nervous but the exam is the thing. Do the best you can with the exam paperwork but get to that exam come hell or high water.

John