C&P for increase

[Navy4life]

Hi there!  Long time member but haven't been around in awhile.  I filed for an increase for PTSD in April 2018.  Received C&P last week and my rep called me today to let me know I went to 70% from 50%.  My overall 90% rating stays the same but it puts me at 94% now.  I intend to file for one more claim in the next few months and if that goes well, I will go to 100%.

My C&P exam went well.  It was about 30 minutes total but examiner told me I was progressively getting worse.  Not sure I wanted to hear that but it's the truth.  I am in therapy for over four years now and I am mentally exhausted from it.  I just hate feeling like this all the time.

What I wanted to mention is that you should always wait until the decision is completed and not try to guess your outcome.  My rep was able to read the exam, it was done at an LHI contracted facility and while the examiner checked the box for 30% under Occupational and Social Impairment, his remarks and overall assessment are what increased me to 70%.  My point is to not always freak out and think you might get reduced based on the Occupational/Social Impairment box.  The entire C&P exam, along with all your history of therapy is what will help you in the end.

 

[burnedoutvet]

I don't even read C&Ps anymore or care for anything except my decision letters. 

[Navy4life]

8 minutes ago, burnedoutvet said:

I don't even read C&Ps anymore or care for anything except my decision letters. 

Yeah I learned a long time ago to not worry about them. This one with a contracted facility too. My rep was able to see the exam in the system on Friday. While it concerned me that the 30% box was checked, the overall comments sounded in my favor. Plus my experience from the past, I know that isn’t what the rarer basis their decision on. 

[broncovet]

I think its okay to see the C and P exams but remember:

Worry never robs tommorrow of its sorrow, only today of its happiness.  

Think in terms os "actionables".  What "action" can you take to fend off an unfavorable c and p exam?  There are several actionables, such as challenge the exam, get an IMO, IME, etc.  

Sometimes the best "action" is to do nother, or at least wait.  It isnt a good idea to intervene at every step because sometimes the things we view as a problem are not one at all for the VA.  

Edited June 12, 2018 by broncovet

[Navy4life]

Exactly!  Too many times I see Veterans that freak out over a C&P exam and want to contact the doctor and tell them what they wrote was wrong and want them to change it but in all reality what they did right was okay and favorable.  Not all C&P exams are favorable, I get it but you have to wait for the final decision to then move forward with an appeal, if it is even needed.  I learned long time ago, NOT to read the C&P exams.  That is just what works for me.  If I had seen this most recent C&P exam for me, I too would have freaked out and it would have been for nothing.

[Buck52]

A lot of times in my opinion it depends on what the C&P Was for &what type of examiner we get,  just a General C&P you just go in there and answer the Examiner questions and just see how he conducts the exam....Most Veterans are not stupid and can see and tell when there getting a worthless examiner and can half way expect a botched up C&P & yeah it (usually means denial)

And some times we can prepare our self for a Botch C&P  by asking questions to the examiner and making sure he has read a certain favorable part of your evidence   by say something like  Sir Excuse me did you read the part about Dr Smith commentary,? He is the urologist specialist that eaminne me and gave his professional opinion? if the examiner says no then ask him to find that part and read it , it should be of records so you should see it on your computer...or something close to this what ever the case may be  ect,,ect,,, just be nice is all you need to do.

if veteran  gets one of these type examiners then is the time to do something about it but some times the examiner will ignore our request.

Again usually a denial is in store  so don't be surprised when you get it in the mail  just be prepared for your next Move.

  So After denied  send in NOD on time, ask for Review of records on your denial claim(DRO Review/or Hearing at your R.O.... its unfortunate that we will need a rebuttal from a Private Doc  (IMO) but that's the game the VA Plays  We just have to be better at than them.

  its always best to get your claim solved at your RO Level and not have to get in the  long line of Appeals.(obviously)

[broncovet]

I think its okay to see the C and P exams but remember:

Worry never robs tommorrow of its sorrow, only today of its happiness.  

Think in terms os "actionables".  What "action" can you take to fend off an unfavorable c and p exam?  There are several actionables, such as challenge the exam, get an IMO, IME, etc.