LHI? Anyone had any experiences previously?

[ShilohLee]

I was contacted and sent to LHI for ratings increase on PTSD.  I was of course on edge just because and then going to a unknown contractor bothered me a bit.  But as I read on here they listed the doctors name and credentials which I used to investigate the doctor and liked what I found.  I showed up to the appointment and expected the appointment to last at least half as long as they paperwork called for which was about an hour and a half.  Appointment time was 0800 hrs and I was back out the door and in my car by 0825.  Now to the nitty gritty.  It was not bad at all.  The doctor had reviewed all of my stressors prior to me coming in and we did not speak of them at all not even in passing.  What I would have given to know that he had no interest the previous three days would've kept me from crawling the walls and being even more anxious than normal.  

Primarily it was spent doing a down and dirty DBQ where he asked about changes and I presented my notebook and letters from family and the one friend I have left.  Before I knew it we were at the end and had in my opinion not really delved in deep as I had expected or experienced in my initial PTSD assessment.  I knew it would be somewhat shorter but it was short enough that I was thrown off and even told him "it is in my best interest to go into as much detail as I can with my notes"  and was quickly told that it was not necessary.  This alarmed me and the whole time I was wondering in the back of my head if this wasn't some sort of Hatchet job and now was convinced that we had a problem.  But he reassured me that if I needed to go ahead and talk about the symptoms more then by all means go for it.  I know that I must've had the strangest look on my face maybe even the slightest bit of homicidal maniac....All I kept thinking was something is wrong....wrong wrong and more wrong. BOHICA BOHICA oh no here it comes. Its been barely 20 mins how could this be so quick?  I mean we are going up for 100% from 70% quite a bump and change in status.....

He told me that for what it was worth he was approving or submitting the paper for the increase.  Also said he was not sure why I did not have it already from the first C&P, but we all know why don't we?  Now I figure he could have lied and might have but I don't see the upside really...not that its not possible....either way...  

Now that don't mean nothing and I wont believe that or anything else until I see it when I check my bluebutton records or a brown envelop shows up in my mailbox.  

But what if....Could I finally be done fighting them and maybe get my 100%?  I mean one little NOD and three years later another C&P could I be so lucky not to have to play whack a mole all the way up to DC?  maybe just maybe....

When I was leaving I ran into the guy that was waiting along side me for an 8:00 appointment and he said " this is a new one on me" I agreed, he was there after submitting a NEW PTSD claim down the FDC (fully developed claim) route 3 weeks ago.....Three weeks ago he submitted his stuff and was there same day as me doing a C&P maybe things are picking up speed finally...maybe

Edited October 4, 2018 by ShilohLee

[broncovet]

Well, if LHI is doing a great job, VA will probably want to close this loophole which would permit Vets to get benefits to which they are entitled.  

[broncovet]

Ok, so did you read his report?  Did it show you had "Total occupational and social impairment", the criteria for 100%?   Did he ask about your employment?  

[Buck52]

ShilohLee

Before you had this C&P you should have come to hadit and read the What and how to get through a C&P Exam & what to expect and things you don't need to say and things you do need to say ect,,,ect,,,.its to late now to do that  but you can always contest a C&P Exam. and request another if you feel some important things were not read or look at?

.you obviously need this C&P Report to see what the examiner mention  it could be good or it could be bad?

[vetquest]

Shilohlee, I had a similar experience with a contract C&P.  The doctor told me upfront she was not there to reduce my benefits and was going to be fair with me.  I got a copy of the C&P and it was a very well written report that lead to an increase from 50% to 70%.  She seemed very concerned about my chances of suicide also noting that I was at risk.  I have had two contract C&P's, the other one for my physical conditions, and they were both well written and much better than I have had by VA doctors.

[pwrslm]

I have had 2 good experiences with LHI this year.

Edited October 4, 2018 by pwrslm

[ShilohLee]

lol, yeah if it was in our favor too much I would not have been allowed to go.

Strangely it must have went well as I was checking vets and ebennies and found my appeal had been granted for an increase ptsd rating (which I don't get im already at 70) and award of TDIU as well, not sure how I could get both or if that's even possible.  I am grateful to the doc although still haven't seen her report I keep checking blue button but no dice as usual.  Waiting for the envelop to see effective date and back pay bennies for kids ect is gonna drive me up the wall all I can do is hope Nashville Regional don't hose me too hard