VA did C&P and now sent to VES for second C&P?

[WBrennan]

Good rainy morning everyone!

I have a claim in for an ankle problem secondary to my SC left knee.  My ankle currently suffers from Ankle Impingement due to repeated sprains and in my MEPS exam it was noted that I had previously broken my ankle.  My knee condition causes me to favor my right ankle.  My MD and VA noted some limited ROM as well as instability.  The doctor at the VA noted her opinion that it is LESS likely than not (<50%) that it is secondary to my left knee SC disability.  I am kinda ok with that. Weeks later my claim moves to Pending Decision Approval for a few days then back to Review of Evidence then back to Gathering of Evidence. Weird but whatever.  Then I see they want to schedule a C&P exam (Still have two open claims) and I figure it was related to that.  It turns out, the VA is sending me to VES for a second C&P exam.  I think they are requesting their medical opinion.  This is where I am baffled.  I thought since the VA Doc said LESS likely than not it would go quickly to a denial.  I am confused about the second C&P for my ankle.  The VA paperwork for the C&P exam is well documented and accurate.  Thoughts on this? Good? Bad? Just getting support for the denial?  thanks!!

[WBrennan]

Exam went well.  Claim is for secondary and the request I think was for direct service connection.  Will see in about 30 days.  Will update everyone once I know.

[WBrennan]

VA says they haven't received the VES exam stuff.  Will check back next Friday.

[WBrennan]

I called the VA today. VES still hasn't sent over the results.   I will follow up with the VA and VES next Friday and update everyone then.

[WBrennan]

Today it is in Preparation for Decision and the minimum date moved from 10/5/2019 to 9/8/2019 so I should know something pretty soon.

[WBrennan]

I did call the VA and they received the exam noted from VES on 8/29/2019.  So it looks like about a 2 week lag.  My claim moved back to Under Review.  VA says it could be for reading of the exam notes or to review the pay statement and doctors letter regarding plantar fasciitis.  Either way, the date is still 9/11/2019 to 10/4/2019.  Fingers and toes crossed.

[WBrennan]

The VA has sent a request to VES for an IMO on the claim.  This is getting weird.   I will follow up with the VA in a out 2 weeks as that seems to be VES's turnaround time...