ptsd VA Requiring Second C&P Exams?!!!

[Mo]

Hello all. This is an update on my progress. 

10/23- Review of PTSD C&P Exam

10/31 - Lower Back C&P Exam

11/19 - Claim Submitted FDC on EBenny (all DBQs, Med Records, Forms,and Sworn Declarations uploaded)

11/23 - "Gathering Evidence" Status

12/1 - Spoke to RO and VA had submitted a 'medical opinon request from outside dr"

12/3 - Received call from "Veterans Evaluation Services" in MN stating the VA is requesting a local medical provider to conduct the same 2 C&P Exams!!!

Has this happening to anyone else? Could it be good or bad news?

I filed for Depression secondary to IVDS, Bilateral Radiculapathy of lower extremities secondary to IVDS, IU, and increase in PTSD. 

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

~Mo~

 

[TALON II FE]

I did the opposite:  They sent me to a contractor for my C&Ps in April and then in November had me reaccomplish most of it at the VAMC.  The VA Doc lowballed me.

[RUREADY]

they may try to recheck your ROM again since you didn't have

much on last exam.

[TALON II FE]

The VA Doc I had noted my ROM, noted pain on movement (even while he was 'distracting me') and then wrote that my movement was out of limits but that it "should be considered my NORMAL ROM going forward.  They rated me at only 20% for my back with another 3 0% ratings including a secondary connection for radiculopathy.  I have 3 levels in my neck plated and fused, only 20% awarded. 

[TALON II FE]

Also, even though they use IVDS and DDD as interchangeable, DDD means nothing to them when rating, only IVDS.  This was referenced on my award, since they used DDD, I did not qualify for the next higher level since IVDS was not noted.

[Vync]

Hey Mo,
Keep in mind that the VA weighs the value of medical opinions differently based on the medical expertise of the "medical professional".

From lowest to highest weight (I might be missing a few):
LPN
RN
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
MD Doctor
Specialist

Basically, all of the above are considered "medical professionals", but if there are two medical opinions, they will take the opinion of more experienced doc. Sometimes vets might have a Nurse Practitioner perform C&P exams and then another exam is done by an orthopedic surgeon. In the VA's eyes, the evidence is not equal. They will they the surgeon's opinion carries more weight than the NP. So, if you get an NP who screws up your C&P, if you can get a doc or specialist to counter the bad C&P, the VA is supposed to accept their opinion. Of course, this also depends on the VA actually processing the claim correctly, but that's another story entirely.

So, my advice is to check the specialty and/or title of the doc who examined you vs. the doc who will examine you. I had an Internal Medicine specialist opine against my spine claim, but I countered it with an IMO from a spine surgeon and won on appeal. Even though they are both specialist, they are not equal. If the VA tries to deny you, compare the specialties and titles. It can help.

[Mo]

PA-C did first exam. Scheduled for 12/18/15 with MD