NVLSP and bad C & P exams

[Berta]

https://www.nvlsp.org/news-and-events/press-releases/nvlsp-dismayed-over-gao-report-on-va-disability-exams-and-the-need-for-impr

NVLSP Dismayed Over GAO Report on VA Disability Exams and the Need for Improved Performance Analysis and Training Oversight for Contracted Examiners

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 16, 2018

WASHINGTON – National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) executive director and co-founder Bart Stichman was dismayed at the findings of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report on disability exams conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the need for performance analysis and training oversight for Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) contractors.

“This report confirms our worst fears that the VBA examiners are ill-prepared to properly assess a veterans’ disability.  A bad assessment can have catastrophic consequences on a veteran and his or her family,” said Stichman.  “Veterans served nobly and expect their government to take care of them when they have suffered injuries or illnesses due to their military service. This is no way to treat our veterans.”

“Moreover, the recommendations put forth by the GAO do nothing to help our veterans right now who must deal with the negative consequences of the bad exams already conducted by these contractors, who are getting paid $6.9 billion dollars for their “unsatisfactory performance.”  According to the VBA, only one contractor met its target of 92 percent of exam reports with no errors. The vast majority of contractor scores were classified by VBA as “unsatisfactory performance” with quality ratings as low as 62 percent."

“The efficacy of the exams and the training of the examiners has to be a priority.  Timeliness hardly matters if the exams are poorly conducted,” said Stichman. 

“The outcomes of these exams have life-changing impact on our veterans, especially those who may be suffering from post-traumatic stress.  All the veterans who have been denied disability compensation based on these faulty exams since these contractors were employed should have their claims reopened immediately and a new exam provided by VA in house.”

“These contractors are a prime example of the waste in the system that should be eliminated and the money spent directly on our veterans. I applaud Congress for holding a hearing to examine the report findings and hope more can be done to help our veterans be treated fairly.”

About NVLSP
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1980. NVLSP strives to ensure that our nation honors its commitment to its 22 million veterans and active duty personnel by ensuring they have the benefits they have earned through their service to our country. NVLSP has represented veterans in lawsuits that compelled enforcement of the law where the VA or other military services denied benefits to veterans in violation of the law.  NVLSP’s success in these lawsuits has resulted in more than $5.2 billion dollars being awarded in disability, death and medical benefits to hundreds of thousands of veterans and their survivors. NVLSP offers training for attorneys and other advocates; connects veterans and active duty personnel with pro bono legal help when seeking disability benefits; publishes the nation's definitive guide on veteran benefits; and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the VA, military discharge review agencies and federal courts. For more information go to www.nvlsp.org."

MEDIA CONTACT:  Patty Briotta, office 202-621-5698, cell 703-517-1796, patty@nvlsp.org

(Maybe this will be the impetus for NVLSP to start a Class Action against the VA- I dont know- I will try to find out ore as well as the GAO report they refer to.I thought this was important enough to put in the main forum)

[Buck52]

Paul one thing I need to let you know..if you use the VBA at your VAMC  You may want to try to call them before leaving to go there and make an appointment or ask them if you come on a certain date  that you can be seen?

  because its better to make sure they can see you that day   a lot of veterans use the VBA for help,  I was just lucky that day they seen me,  I never had an appointment with them  just a walk in. so you might want to call them before headed out.

And I am not sure they still do it this way? they may not if they changed their policy or how or why they won't help you get your C & P Exam Report.

I've never had to go see them after I got my PTSD C&P Report from them

Edited November 27, 2018 by Buck52

[paulstrgn]

Buck that is great advice, I don't want to show up and they tell me they are only seeing appointments or there is a super long line waiting to be helped. I will call and see if they take appointments or if not when is the best day to show up.Now he trick is finding a phone number to the office. The VA website for Roanoke does not list a phone number...they are not very customer service oriented...surprise surprise!

[Buck52]

Roger that Paul

you may need to just call your VAMC And ask then to connect you to the VBA Office.

[paulstrgn]

Buck I will call them today and ask if they can transfer me. Thanks Buck for the advice