repeated exams

[vern2]

My friend Just had  many Exams in December, including Audiology, General Gulf War exam and knee and shoulder and foot exam. This was done by VA C & P. The problem is that repeatedly the examiner seemed to be confused as to his status, Reserve or AD or whatever. He is AD and has been throughout his career. Anyway, he called the VARO and now he has to go to QTC and repeat all the exams that he just did less than 60 days ago. And he has to travel at his expense over 85 miles one way to the exam location. Seems wrong. He is staing that as an AD person he can not file for travel pay. I am not sure if that is correct, but he is angry that has to repeat all the exams over again, with many, many x-rays as well. Any thoughts on this process? He is enrolled in the BDD claim process.  He has already discovered that he can not get record of his hearing since last one done by sub-contractor to QTC.

BTW, now they want to examine both shoulders and both knees, even though he was not claiming both shoulders and knees.

 

vern2

[broncovet]

Smells fishy.  I got paid travel pay for C and P's.  

If that is the worst VA wants him to do is repeat his c and p exams, even if he has to buy the gas this time, well, he should consider himself very lucky.  

They often compare one joint with another to see what the "normal" is.  That is, if one knee hurts, they compare it with the better knee.  Some people already have limited ROM.  

[Vync]

I'm not as familiar with the BDD policies as traditional C&P's because BDD did not exist when I was in the service. They just told me to take my STRs to the VA.

 

https://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/docs/claimexam-faq.pdf

Quote

Q: My claim exam is scheduled far away from where I live; can I get help with paying for my travel?

Yes, if you are scheduled for a claim exam or C&P exam, you can request travel reimbursement. Mileage is calculated from your door to the exam facility. Your travel pay request will be submitted to the beneficiary travel office.

 

I am not surprised that they want to examine both limbs instead of just one. They can perform a comparative analysis between the two. In many cases, if there is a problem with one limb, the other limb compensates for it. Sometimes the opposing limb might show some signs of wear and tear because of this.