DBQ used by the examiner

[mclevela0726]

Hello all,

I was comparing the DBQ used by my examiner from a C&P exam in 2012 to that of the DBQ used by my examiner for a recent C&P exam (2017) for the same condition and it appears to me that the recent C&P examiner used a DBQ that was an older version (for lack of a better word).

For instance, the DBQ (VA form 21-0960m-14) used in 2012 has Radiculopathy list under section XII, whereas the DBQ used in 2017 has Radiculopathy listed under section VIII.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't the examiner have used the most recent [or the least the same from 2012] DBQ during the recent (2017) C&P exam and reporting?

Thanks

[Vync]

Welcome to Hadit!

Officially, C&P examiners are supposed to use the most current versions, but it would not be surprising to learn that their systems might not be up to date. Sections may get changed around between releases, but it is more important to take a look at the content within those sections and compare them to the rating criteria. This can help ensure you have been rated correctly.

I hope this helps!

[mclevela0726]

It helps to kind of put my mind at ease for this. Thanks.

I have to apologize, I've been nothing but a ball of nerves since getting the call I had an upon coming C&P exam. Normally, this may be exciting. But, this was an RFE and now I'm concerned.

I could sit an say that the examiner lied, etc., but they're entitled to their opinion, right. And we all known that everything's been said before.

Anyway, the disability they were looking at was granted in August 2012 at it's current rating. However,  after seeing my latest C&P report, I can't help but think about a possible reduction in the future.

This is compounded when I think of how I just started going to pain management as sort of a last ditch effort to control the pain. Unfortunately, according to members of my health team "I've run the gauntlet" with regard conservative treatments.

And to top it off, the VA Choice program wasn't paying the bills, so they were trying to collect on me. So, the only injections I've received so far were just diagnostic. Radiofrequency was in the future. But, now that's up in the air.

Sorry to rant. Just worried the outcome won't be favorable!

Thanks for welcoming me!

 

[mclevela0726]

1 hour ago, Vync said:

Welcome to Hadit!

Officially, C&P examiners are supposed to use the most current versions, but it would not be surprising to learn that their systems might not be up to date. Sections may get changed around between releases, but it is more important to take a look at the content within those sections and compare them to the rating criteria. This can help ensure you have been rated correctly.

I hope this helps!

I will mention this, the reason I bring it up is because the examiner did a test that now won't likely be seen by the rater! Disheartening to me!

[Vync]

On 11/27/2017 at 1:42 PM, mclevela0726 said:

I will mention this, the reason I bring it up is because the examiner did a test that now won't likely be seen by the rater! Disheartening to me!

I have a feeling the rater will end up seeing the results of your exam. Changes are periodically made to exams and sections do get moved around.

A while back, I dug through my records to check the results of some old C&P examinations from the mid/late 1990's. Back then, the instructions and questions were on one document and the results on another. What made it even more crazy was the fact that the results forms were in my C-file, but the questions were not. Imagine looking at an exam result which read like this, "D. 10 mm".

[Navy04]

As long as the C&P Doc puts in the right info that is accurate, and will help you down the road sounds fine to me. Good luck

[mclevela0726]

Answer from an attorney on the matter:

"C&P examiners work for the VA, not for you as the patient.... don't forget that. They are charged with accurately filling out the DBQ and that's it. You are entitled to a copy of the completed DBQ and if its at variance with actual exam results, that's good grounds for an appeal. Let VARO Atlanta know if you feel the examiner improperly or inaccurately performed the C&P. VA is well aware of the sometimes subpar performance of C&P examiners and that's a different issue."