Waiting on Rating at Winston Salem VARO

[flores97]

Hello, fellow vets.  I recently received grants on two issues from the BVA,  systemic lupus erythematosus with memory loss/mood disorder secondary, on Aug 17 2015.  I had filed the original claim Jan 7, 2010.  My question is, does anyone have an idea on average wait time for the rating phase out of the Winston Salem RO?  I know each claim is different, just trying to get a general idea.  Another question is, I have been to VA Urgent Care for Lupus Flareups 11 times in the past eight months, i was wondering if i need to forward those records to the RO to ensure correct rating.  Any help will be much appreciated and thanks in advance, and thanks to ALL Vets for your service!

[bluevet]

10/2013, I got a New DX that I thought was a Secondary CAD issue and filed a FDC 01/14. VA jumped on it and scheduled a C&P for 04/14, PDQ, right. Meanwhile, I determined that the New DX was not 2ndary to CAD but more likely to my SC SA. Filed New FDC right away.

Sooooooo, went to the C&P and VA Staff Dr starts discussing something all together different than both my recent FDC's. He's sitting there with a Hypertension DBQ requested by the VA Rating Dept. My FDC was for Pulmonary Hypertension, not regular Axx Hypertension, BIIIG Difference. Then I told him I was wrong regarding the New DX being 2ndary to CAD, it was more likely due to my SC Sleep Apnea. He agreed!

He proceeded to tell me that he could only address the issues requested by the VA Rating Dept and had to complete the VA Rater's requested Hypertension DBQ. Catch 22, that wouldn't help me at all, right.

At that point we discussed the VA's NEW DBQ policy regarding requirement of VA Drs to complete a Condition Specific DBQ when requested by a Veteran, at the time of the appointment. He concurred, if I were to request a Pulmonary Hypertension DBQ addressing a 2ndary linkage to my SA, he would be required by VA Regulation, to complete it.

I Did, He did and I was awarded a PH SC 2ndary to SA 08/14. The SC Award arrived about 4 days after the Denial arrived for the 1st FDC. The Award listed the C&P PH DBQ as the deal maker. In the end, the rating Dept still got the rating wrong, used Hypertension guidelines rather than PH.  I got the IU award 06/14 so there's no real $ involved now but I'll wrestle with them for the correct PH SC % over the nest year or so.

Semper Fi 

This is the first time I'm hearing about this "NEW DBQ POLICY". Can you point me toward more information about this?

[Gastone]

Not really "new," been around now for about 3 or so years. Vet's really didn't have access to the VA Rater's DBQ's up until about 3  years ago. VA put out a reg at that  time regarding VA Dr's requirements when requested by a Vet to complete a Condition Specific DBQ. Some VA Dr's (Specialists) occasionally try to push you to request the DBQ from your Primary Care Dr but if you request it from a VA Specialist, they are required by VA Reg to complete it during your appointment. The Dr is required to give you a copy and to Fax a copy to your VARO rating Dept.

I've personally never had a problem getting DBQ's completed (3 from Specialists, 1 from the C&P Dr) over the past 3 years. I always take a copy of the DBQ and the VA Reg with me. Haven't come across a VA Dr that wasn't aware of the reg.

When it comes to a Mental Health issue (PTSD Etc), your treating Dr is supposed to hand off your DBQ request to another Psychiatrist due to trust issues being damaged. All other VA Dr's are required to follow the DBQ Reg. Use VA Healthy Vet Secure Messaging to lay a "Paper Trail" of your DBQ request.

 

Semper Fi

[pwrslm]

What reg is it?  I was denied DBQ's from my PCP and the Spec, and they refused to give me any appointment to get the DBQ done.

[Gastone]

It comes down to the old, "Don't Take NO for an answer," deal. If the VA Dr says NO and you say OK and walk away, you lose. That's why you need to MHV Secure Message the Dr requesting a Specific DBQ and attach a copy of the VA Directive regarding the Dr's duty to complete the DBQ.

I get a chance this afternoon, I'll get the VA Directive info for you. I think it will come up if you try googling it.  Do a search here on Hadit also, I'm sure the topic has been discussed in great depth over the past couple years.

The main thing, NEVER Accept NO from any VA Employee without seeing it in writing!!!!

 

Semper Fi

[Gastone]

This may be it, VHA Directive 2013-002. Instructions for VA Staff Dr's, when requested to complete a DBQ by a Veteran.

Same Day Service!

 

Semper Fi

[flores97]

Pwrslm,  VHA Directive 2013-002 IS the one your looking for.  Google yuku forum topic VHA DIRECTIVE 2013 Requesting a DBQ from your PCP, there is a link to the directive, which states that if a vet requests his PCP OR SPECIALIST  VA Provider to complete a DBQ for a condition the veteran is already being treated for, the DR is LEGALLY obligated to do so, if the DR cannot complete the form the same day, they must schedule a follow up appointment specifically to complete the DBQ, just as Gastone stated earlier.