Ace

[Scout Swimmer]

I, along with a few other persons I personally know, have had our claims go to ACE and I noticed we all had commonalities.

1) We were all denied.

2) We all had bad initial C&P's that didnt favor us, then promptly we had all future C&P's cancelled.

It seems the second we had that negative paperwork on us, the VA sent us to ACE, cancelled our other C&P's as to block any possibility to get a favorable opinion from another examiner.

Is this the newest tool the VA uses to deny Veterans their compensation? It would sure seem so!

Edited November 24, 2014 by Philgrenier

[Vync]

Potentially possible.

[Mikemmlj]

Can you explain what ACE is?

[rootbeer22]

Phil:

As I hear form other Vets...you've got to learn all you can about the system by getting advice from folks on this and other forums. The folks that win claims are the ones to read the regs and fully understand the specific rules of evidence so they cannot be denied. At this point, you should just hang in there and not let the system get you down. I got some bad advice origianlly at first but have regrouped now. One key thing is to get a copy of your C-File so you can see what the VA is seeing interms of your evidence. You can request your C-file thru your Regional Office. Some, folks request them and get them in a few weeks other fight for a year to get them. I've come to the conclusion that a lot of it is the "luck of the Draw" and whom gets your file to work. Some are good others are not. But perserverance and education is the key from what I've seen so far. I thought I did everything right (and submitted 14 DBQ's) but I'm heading to the 6 months mark now and my claim is still just under "review". I was told to put all of my contentions in by my VSO at once. Later, I learned that my claim is in the "slow lane" now because of the number of contentions I submuitte? Given better advice, I would have split my claim up? I'm not a patient person and this is tough for someone like me but I've become very educated on all of the processes...there's lots of great folks to help...just start a forum and ask for help in what you need...good luck...hang in there..

Edited November 24, 2014 by rootbeer22

[Notorious Kelly]

ACE gives VHA the option to review a Veteran’s existing medical records instead of performing an in-person or telehealth examination to complete a DBQ, expediting the disability ratings process by eliminating the wait time to schedule and conduct an in-person exam. http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9048/ace-eliminates-need-for-some-in-person-disability-exams/

First I've heard of it.

Agree with Root Beer that this is luck of the draw on claims.

Edited November 24, 2014 by Notorious Kelly

[Scout Swimmer]

Root, my ducks were in a row. One of my contentions was IBS presumptive. I had 2 diagnosis from gastro specialists of chonic IBS, and the C&P examiner (a mere PA), found that

1) Eventhough I had symptoms while in service, I wasnt suffering from IBS, but most likely gas

2) If it was IBS, it was to be rated not 10% disabling (Thus illiminating the presumptive criteria).

Keep in mind this examiner never even questioned me in the C&P about this contention

The VA had what they needed for denial and just to be safe, cancelled all future exams.

ACE is their new toy.

[Vync]

I would hope Gas would be considered part of IBS because, if severe enough, could land someone in the ER.