hypertension C&p Exams

[chuck08]

When my brother retired in May 2006, he filed a claim for disability for his hand/joints and hypertension. During his C&P examination, the examiner said he did not need the medication for hypertension. He received a rating of 10 percent for his hand/joint.

I am concerned because I will be retiring later next year and take medication for my heart (angio plasti/stent) and hypertension. My cardiologist stated I will always need the medication. My question is, can an examiner state I no longer need to take my medication duirng/after the examination? Is this normal behavior for an examiner?

[rigo]

The only reason why the C/P doctor stated that your brother didn`t needed the hypertension medication was to denied this condition. I wonder if he wrote it in the evaluation. if your brother would of stop the medication and something had happened to him, he would of being liable. I just can believe he did that, what an ass... Rigo

[Berta]

Has the VA actually stopped prescribing these meds to him?

These guys here are right-

I believe it is right in the C & P regs- the C & P doctor cannot treat the patient , hear new complaints or additional disabilities,or make suggestions as to the vet's care- they are only supposed to follow the C & P quidelines.

The VA might use this as a plot to deny-if it goes into the C & P report- they have even denied HBP SC to vets I know- because the HBP was "controlled" by medication-

DUH- the fact the vet needs the meds is evidence they have HBP.

EVen a vet rep I know got a decision like that.

His HBP is due to DMII from AO in Nam.

He was denied because the meds control it.

If they get away if other crap like that they could deny any disability if the vet is medicated for it.

Also I have seen the word "essential" hypertension used in med recs-

meaning they don't know what the cause is, and dont look far enough to find the cause and this too can help VA deny a claim if the claim is for HBP as secondary to an SC condition.

[chuck08]

Thank you everyone for your wisdom and insight. At least there is a sanity check for comments made by an examiner, i.e. telling an individual they no longer need a prescribed medication because they are not the Primary Care Physician or specialist.

This being my brother's first C&P exam and processing for retirement, he treated it like any other medical exam. He said the examiner asked questions about why he was taking the HBP meds; I guess he didn't answer the questions to the examiner's satisfaction? The question of what is causing your HBP/what is the link? This is the same road I have to go down next year.

He is taking his medication as prescribed by his physician. He has since filed a NOD for his Hypertension.