C&p Exam Done By Nurse?

[cowgirl]

Getting C&P exam for hopeful increase. Does a Dr need to do this exam? thanks,cg

[Josephine]

Getting C&P exam for hopeful increase. Does a Dr need to do this exam? thanks,cg

From my experience, I will not venture to say that a Nurse is not qualified to do your C&P, but there is the chance, as in my case, the nurse may think that an increase is in order for you. The R.O may not like this decision and then send you to a medical doctor to over- rule the nurse.

If you have followed any of my post.

I went for a C&P by a PHD Pschologist with Generalized Anxiety Disorder with More likely began in service.

5 month later the R.O sent me before a Board of Two Psychiatrist. Ruling Anxiety Disorder not other wise specified. Axis 2 - Borderline Personality.

The Boards decision, we feel the veterans appears to have symptoms of a Personlity Disorder and that her Anxiety with depression was not began or worsened in service.

The R. O decision, we place our weight with the Psychiatrist as they are Psychiatrist.

Bingo - I am at the AMC on Remand by the BVA.

The Medical Doctor should specialize in the field of your illness.

Josephine

[sixthscents]

I personally agree that a specialist in the area carries more weight, than say a general practitioner, or other doc. not specializing in the area you are filing for. However, any doctor is better than none. Outside medical opinions are essential often in reopening claims under new and significant evidence. I would go to a specialist if possible, but would go to a nurse practicioner if was only option... So, its a weighted answer. An opinion by a general pract. is better than no opinion (assuming it supports your claim of course). I have found that VA docs, whatever their credentials seem .. well reluctant to disagree with another VA docs opinion. I have seen it, but more often than not they tend to skirt the issue if possible.

[john999]

I have found that C&P exam doctors will often just agree with what they read in the record. It is so much easier than actually doing a complete exam. These guys get paid piece rate you know. That is why you get the famous 10 minute exam for a complex medical condition like DMII. If you read up on your condition and mention your symptoms that might trigger a closer look you are better off than just letting the doc run through his thing and sign the report.

[Vike17]

Cowgirl,

If an opinion is needed, then a doctor must do the exam. Otherwise, it's insufficient for rating purposes. Now, if it's just an exam to find out the range of motion and so forth, then a Licensed nurse can do the exam.

Vike 17

Edited January 4, 2007 by Vike17

[Guest allan]

The VARO or BVA can "specify", what kind of C&P exam is needed & if they need to be a specialist in the field.

But that doesn't mean a dad burn thing.

The facility doing the C&P examinations, can use anyone trained to perform the duties. You get who "their" paying out of "their" budget, period.

I had a NP who worked at VA substance abbuse for over 15 yrs, give my first C&P examination for a "Neuromuscular disorder of unknown cause" & spinal disorders.

If you are lucky, you'll be assigned an MD. But, more than likely it will be an "Internal" medicine Dr. That's fine as long as your C&P is for that.

If your C&P is favorable, the RO may toss it out or completely ignore it & send your file out untill they get the one they want in order to deny.

[cowgirl]

Thanks for all the feedback. VA says nurse will do the exam. Am concerned about the idea that in order to get rating changea Dr needs to be involved . I have seen the opinion challenge; that VA docs shy from changing/or even agreeing with another VA doc opinion however strange that may be. Hmm. Will report back hree on how it goes. Meanwhile will be jumping thru da hoops trying to get IMO in advance and prepare "historical" SMR data and "after service" notes to show this SC condition worsening. Nexus probably not needed since SC is there, just in case shouldnt hurt tho, eh? Got my deer eyes in the headlight look on! cg