Why RAMP is not living up to expectations (Just my newbee 2 cents)

[firedog974]

Hi all, 

             New here, but want to share my experience with RAMP.  I came here looking for advice/ info/ direction, and it looks like some of you have had similar experiences with RAMP as I have had so far.  I have been in an appeal for almost 3 years now, I elected a DRO review.  During my appeal, I made contact with an old platoon mate who agreed to write a buddy letter on my behalf.    Since this was considered "new" evidence, the lawyers' office helping me said I should opt into RAMP as I now have new evidence.  I took their advice and went the RAMP route.  The VA received my RAMP package Aug 2018. Since then, nothing has changed.  When I call, they simply tell me my RAMP paperwork has been received but not processed.  I have been told, "I'm sending this to my supervisor to get resolved" only to call the next week to see nothing has changed.  While I understand I am well below their 125 day "approximate" window, I am at 90 days, making 125 seem impossible since I'm not even in the RAMP system.  This is typical VA in my opinion..... "it will be done in 125 days!"..... but it will take you 180 days to get into the system.  I'm pissed and think I should have stuck with my DRO review.  Maybe my experience is out of the norm, or maybe this is the latest trend in the VA lies....  Any input is appreciated. If I'm off base, please let me know.  I'm just in a world of pissed off right now,....

[firedog974]

On 2/28/2019 at 12:24 PM, Patton said:

Hang in there you will get thru it. 

Thank you! I not only got through it, but it was the best C&P exam I have ever had, and the doctor was one of the best shrinks I’ve ever dealt with. I REALLY was stressed about it because I have had some horrible experiences with VA docs (I came very close to getting into a physical confrontation with one). this doc was not only extremely patient, but gave several suggestions on moving forward. I was very impressed, and actually felt better after the exam than I did before it (never had that happen). Of course, he was not a VA doc, so that may have something to do with it.  Now it’s back to the hurry up and wait game to see where I end up. I’ll let everyone know how it pans out when it’s all done. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Patton]

That is great to hear!

The first C&P Exam (non-VA Doctor) I had left me confused, as he did not want to talk about my issues. Anytime I would try to talk about my issues, he would cut me off and redirect the questioning about my childhood. I got denied, so I refiled, and got a second C&P Exam with a VA Doctor. She was great, and had taken the time to read my file before my Exam. She understood why I am having issues and helped me understand how to deal with depression / anger. We even laughed at some of the stupid things I have done over the years. It lasted for over 2 hours. I am rated at 30% and I am good with that.

I just had a third one for Insomnia (it is filed under Mental Health) with a non-VA Doctor. She took the time to talk about all my sleeping issues and even suggested a few Doctors to see since I am new to the area.

 Best of luck, 

[Berta]

I think some vets are considering their options , when they get a lousy C & P exam.

They can complain to the VA via IRIS complaint,

they can complain to the VES, QTC, LHI (sp) outfits who contract out (and pay) these C & P doctors,

they can complain to the White House hot Line 1-855-948-2311

or they can get an IMO/IME that refutes, from a specialist , every medical error in the C & P results,

with documented evidence.

 

[cnocmmz]

On 11/26/2018 at 5:39 PM, firedog974 said:

Hi all, 

             New here, but want to share my experience with RAMP.  I came here looking for advice/ info/ direction, and it looks like some of you have had similar experiences with RAMP as I have had so far.  I have been in an appeal for almost 3 years now, I elected a DRO review.  During my appeal, I made contact with an old platoon mate who agreed to write a buddy letter on my behalf.    Since this was considered "new" evidence, the lawyers' office helping me said I should opt into RAMP as I now have new evidence.  I took their advice and went the RAMP route.  The VA received my RAMP package Aug 2018. Since then, nothing has changed.  When I call, they simply tell me my RAMP paperwork has been received but not processed.  I have been told, "I'm sending this to my supervisor to get resolved" only to call the next week to see nothing has changed.  While I understand I am well below their 125 day "approximate" window, I am at 90 days, making 125 seem impossible since I'm not even in the RAMP system.  This is typical VA in my opinion..... "it will be done in 125 days!"..... but it will take you 180 days to get into the system.  I'm pissed and think I should have stuck with my DRO review.  Maybe my experience is out of the norm, or maybe this is the latest trend in the VA lies....  Any input is appreciated. If I'm off base, please let me know.  I'm just in a world of pissed off right now,....

I did the same thing for my appeal.  I did get he same response and spoke with a VA rep and finally case is under the claims column vice the appeals column in E-benefits.  It has been moving back in forth from "reviewing evidence to Prep for decision" . It is recently in the Prep for decision column as of this AM.  Of note, when I went under the RAMP appeal system, VA sent me out for another C &P exam (weird in itself) and I am told that I do have sleep Apnea and that the DOC during the C&P agreed it was attributed  to my mil service.  . Now, I was already at 91 points, so , I am hoping this decision whenever it happens  will get me to 100%.  I have been dealing with the VA for 15 long  years!  Sooooo tired.

The only advice I can give is to hang in there and they will get to your case much sooner that the DRO review.

[firedog974]

On 3/5/2019 at 10:04 PM, Patton said:

That is great to hear!

The first C&P Exam (non-VA Doctor) I had left me confused, as he did not want to talk about my issues. Anytime I would try to talk about my issues, he would cut me off and redirect the questioning about my childhood. I got denied, so I refiled, and got a second C&P Exam with a VA Doctor. She was great, and had taken the time to read my file before my Exam. She understood why I am having issues and helped me understand how to deal with depression / anger. We even laughed at some of the stupid things I have done over the years. It lasted for over 2 hours. I am rated at 30% and I am good with that.

I just had a third one for Insomnia (it is filed under Mental Health) with a non-VA Doctor. She took the time to talk about all my sleeping issues and even suggested a few Doctors to see since I am new to the area.

 Best of luck, 

Thanks for the nice words. Mine is kind of an uphill battle, but I’m ready for it.  Here goes my long winded rant.... I have been diagnosed with PTSD over the years by different, non VA docs (ironically, during marriage clounceling sessions). I never really sought out real help until about 5 years ago, and didn’t take to it well. I finally asked the VA for help about 3 1/2 years ago and was told by the C&P doc “we have no record of this BS.” Needless to say, that exam did not go well. I was denied, and filed an appeal. Since that time, I did my own research and found I have little to no records of my service in the army. I served in the army from 1992-1995, army reserves from 96-97, and Marine Corps from 97-2003.  When I look at my service record from the Marine Corps, it has everything... certs of commendation, fit reps, licenses I held, rifle range scores, ect... I looked at my army records, and all that is there is an enlistment contract! I was blown away. I did my own research, and tracked down my LES’s that show foreign service and hostile fire pay, as well as a roster for recipients of awards for operation restore hope. At the same time I found a platoon mate who I spoke with and wrote a statement concerning the issue I was asking the VA to give me treatment for. I have submitted it all, and am waiting to hear. I went from gathering of evidence to pending decision today, just a day after my C&P. Hopefully that is good. If I loose, the good news is I have managed to reconnect with a lot more of the guys I served with (including my plt Sgt) all of who were there during the incident. I have not asked for a statement from them yet, but I will if I need to. It is kinda hard asking for statements, because it makes you (at least in my opinion) sound weak. But I will ask for them if I need to. I hate this whole process, but I am really happy I had a good shrink this time. I am just ready to put it all behind me and move on and get better. Not that it means much, but admitting all of this here is a bit liberating, and makes me feel better. 

Sorry for the long rant. 

[firedog974]

14 hours ago, Berta said:

I think some vets are considering their options , when they get a lousy C & P exam.

They can complain to the VA via IRIS complaint,

they can complain to the VES, QTC, LHI (sp) outfits who contract out (and pay) these C & P doctors,

they can complain to the White House hot Line 1-855-948-2311

or they can get an IMO/IME that refutes, from a specialist , every medical error in the C & P results,

with documented evidence.

 

I think the new C&P and the other independent docs who submitted stuff will be in my favor. I wish I would have had this info a few years back, because I certainly would have filed a complaint on one doc!  Thank you for letting me know, I will use it in the future if needed.