Retrieving copies of VES C&P exams from Regional Office?

[HONDOII]

So is it a hit or miss on visiting my primary Regional Office and requesting copies of VES C&Ps that have already been rated and approved?  The DAV rep assigned to me refused to print copies and told me to visit the VARO for copies if I REALLY needed them.  My claim is still open because of a couple deferrals but the exams I care about have closed out.  The office is only an hour away but I'd rather not sit in traffic if we can't officially request contracted C&P exam results by visiting the VARO and getting copies on the spot.  Assuming the alternative is a FOIA request? 

Edited June 18, 2019 by Mrpdbo

[GeekySquid]

7 minutes ago, Mrpdbo said:

The last time we spoke, he told me flat out "no" in regards to printing out copies for me.

those people are afu

This link is to the DAV national commander's bio. there are some phone numbers on it. I would  call and complain.

https://www.dav.org/wp-content/uploads/Dennis-Nixon-DAV.pdf

Then I would find another VSO and tell them so. I might even call the papers if you have one that does good reporting on vets issues. Also call your State Veterans Committee and let them know what is going on with DAV.

I did all the above and keep bothering them. Of course I was in a wheelchair stuck at home so had lots of time on my hands.

 

[HONDOII]

@GeekySquid, I truly appreciate your efforts.  I definitely will be giving that number a call just to gripe about the lack of uniformity the organization possesses on basic requests such as this.  I think I'll try my luck with another VSO located in that VARO to see if they can assist and if not, submit the Privacy Act Request.  Alternatively, my DAV rep has no problem reading the responses to sections of the DBQs I ask about so I might just have him read me each and every DBQ section's answers while I duplicate it on my own DBQ sheet. Maybe he'll get annoyed and decide to just send me copies, haha.

Again, thank you for your time and efforts.  I hope your recovery is permanent and you can be rid of that wheelchair for good!

Edited June 25, 2019 by Mrpdbo

[GeekySquid]

1 minute ago, Mrpdbo said:

Maybe he'll get annoyed and decide to just send me copies, haha.

please do annoy the crap out of him.. I would also tape the conversation... for notes and to have a record of his attitude...i know CA is a two party state, but its not like you will publish the recording so who will know?

Do talk to the other Service Agencies in the VARO you need to go to . If one says they will help change your POA to them ASAP. it will mean waiting until that goes through but it is worth it.

Even with all that I would still order a new c-file. considering the wait time, it is best to start now.

[jfrei]

I’m sure it was said but you go to your local VA hospital records department and they have you hand fill out the request I think I had to wait ten days after the exam for them to print out the records on the spot..

[GeekySquid]

57 minutes ago, jfrei said:

local VA hospital records department

@jfrei

someone else said their VAMC printed records and I asked them just to be sure.

You are saying you got your C&P DBQ's from the HOSPITAL not the RO?

It is not that I don't believe you, it's that VAMC, VA Benefits and VA Administration are three distinct legs of the VA system and don't really play nice with each other on so many things.

I have a medical appointment tomorrow. If you say you got your C&P DBQ's from your VAMC I will go in a couple hours early and make that request, see if mine does.

Last time I went to records they acted like there were doing me a favor acknowledging I existed, so this will be a hoot. My VARO is crap so this will be even funnier if I get what I need through the VAMC Records office.

[jfrei]

You are right it’s that if your C and P was done at the Hospital they print it but I believe you have to wait ten days and VeS exams you can’t have any current pending appeal with the exam I think you can have a pending claim, but you still have to wait two weeks after the exam. Just ask the guy at the RO when you can get get a copy theyll tell you on spot..