Stop The Meds For The C&p Exam?

[Warone]

Wondering if the VA and C&P exam considers the veteran is now dependent on Zoloft, Wellbutrin and Ambien to live a normal life without depression and anger, etc... I'm not such a butthole with a short temper when I'm taking these pills and I can get at least 4-5 hours of sleep every night. so the Examiner, just like my Psychiatrist writes, "Session with patient today was pleasant, he is in good spirits, no sign of depression, etc." In others words, while I'm taking these darn pills, my symptoms are masked. Should I worry about this when I file for benefits. Should I stop the meds so I can be my normal un-drugged self (short tempered, depressed, angry, worrisome, etc.) when I see the examiner? When I file. (Apparently not all of the worry is masked because I'm worrying about this stuff!)

[Loose Cannon]

Personally, I wouldn't go off the meds. Instead, make sure you answer all questions as if they were asking about you WORST days, not how you may be feeling at that specific moment. Also...Look up these drugs on the internet (or look at the papers that come with each prescription) for the adverse side effects. Have any? Don't forget to relay any side effects to your C&P examiner! Your decision of course but as for me...you wouldn't like me off my meds!... LOL ;-)

LC

[brokensoldier244th]

Ive heard both theories. However, Id rather go in with observable issues then 'tell' them how bad it is. From the POV of a VA examiner, or any examiner, of COURSE its terrible and worse when you aren't on your meds THIS MUCH. Problem is, we have a vested interest in the outcome. Rather than depending on the examiner to believe me, id rather go in with observable deficiencies-unless it is dangerous to myself to not take medication for a week prior. SSRIs are funny like that. Pain meds don't cause as much of a problem, for me.

[Hollis]

Well I am torn between the to. I have 5 QTC evaluations coming up before Jan 10. I have asked for IU and all of this is because of it. I know one is about my increase in PTSD 50% to 70% rating, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE 0-WHAT EVER % and a new claim for my HEART DIEASE, along with a new hearing test. So how can the examiner give you a good evaluation if they do not see how you are. As stated earlier, I will brush up on the side effects and relate what I have to the examiner, that is if I decide not to come off the meds..

But really how well can we trust these VA contractors to do a job they are paid to do with out being biased toward the VA who write them the checks

I will give a follow up once I get the rating from the VA, wish me luck.

[john999]

You don't want to risk your life for an exam.

[brokensoldier244th]

Only explaining the worst day would, at best, count as 'lay person' observation only. At worst it leaves the door open for the examiner to suspect over emphasis of symptoms. "Description" is not clinical observation.

[stillhere]

Personally I have never stopped my meds without first asking my Dr.

Stillhere