RFE (routine future Exam)

[bojack]

I need some help everyone. My ptsd and tbi been rated and service connected about 6 yrs now and I have been ordered to attain RFE routine future exam this coming Friday. I just found out today. 

I have never been to RFE before. Are they trying to lower my rating? I just had to hire lawyer to get my job back due to work trying to fire me 2x so far for being unfit for duty saying I have been involved way too many fights and broke my hands 2x at work. I have all the legal documents about the fights and been going to VA hospital every other month and take multiple medications as well. Do I have to take those documentation and files with me to c&p exam?

 

is this normal from VA to conduct re-evaluation every 5 years or so?

[Guest]

2 hours ago, bojack said:

I need some help everyone. My ptsd and tbi been rated and service connected about 6 yrs now and I have been ordered to attain RFE routine future exam this coming Friday. I just found out today. 

I have never been to RFE before. Are they trying to lower my rating? I just had to hire lawyer to get my job back due to work trying to fire me 2x so far for being unfit for duty saying I have been involved way too many fights and broke my hands 2x at work. I have all the legal documents about the fights and been going to VA hospital every other month and take multiple medications as well. Do I have to take those documentation and files with me to c&p exam?

 

is this normal from VA to conduct re-evaluation every 5 years or so?

IMHO, please try to understand that I am trying to help you.  If you are getting into fights at your work maybe it's time for you to consider not working. Due to your PTSD it could be just a matter of time before someone really get hurt or worst.  For your employer you are a liability waiting to happen.  For re-evaluation, VA can/will re-evaluate a veteran with a mental health disorder from time to time.  This is not a bad thing if your condition remain the same or getting worst from what it sounds like.  I don't know anyone who wants to quit their job but for safety factors it may be best for you and your employer and fellow employees.  Yes, I do understand that there are real jerks out there that like to push your buttons and it is better to separate yourself from them instead of going to jail, been there done that.  People can really get under your nerves but you have to do the right/best thing for you and your family.  

[GBArmy]

Hi bojack Listen up to pete; he really is giving you the straight scoop. Actually, going 6 years without a re-eval is a long time; it possibly indicates the VA up until your recent employment thought it had stabilized. It is not unusual for the VA to reschedule MH disabilities because they can change over time. It doesn't sound like your symptoms are getting better. Everyone wants to work; we need the money and it gives us a sense of worth. But as pete is saying,  you can't earn any money in jail for assault, etc. You have to get yourself in a position where you are less likely to trigger events that will result in bad things happening to you. You need to get the VA to give you an occupational eval. You may find out that you just are not capable of functioning in a working environment right now. I would also reconsider dropping out of your legal agreement with the lawyer. If working is not right for you, for at least the near future, you shouldn't be fighting to keep your job. If your reeval C&P shows you should be keeping or increasing your disability rating, you should also look into getting SSDI. That will take a year or more but provide some replacement income for you. Please get some counceling to help you be realistic on what is going on in your life. We are here to help; many members have "been there, done that" and can offer excellent advise if you ask. So keep on asking brother.

[broncovet]

I dont know what happened when you GOT your PTSD rating, but fighting at work does not sound like you have actually improved all that much.  

When you go to the exam, go early, and have the answer to this question:

Hello, Veteran.  Im Dr. K, how are you today?

     If you got in a fight at work 2 times this month, and your boss is threating to fire you, the wrong answer is:

"Im fine, doctor K, how are you?"

     If you tell the doc you are fine, then go on to describe all whats wrong with you, you are backpedaling.  

Instead, answer that question something like:

      "Better today.  Last week was terrible.  I got in a fight....(now describe your worst day..when things went wrong).  

Of course, always tell the truth, but always answer on what happened on your worst day, dont describe your birthday party yesterday where you had a great time.  

 

[broncovet]

I will dissent from Pete, even tho I respect him a lot.  IF YOU CAN work, I say you do that, but dont work in a high stress job with coworkers who you get in fights with.  

Perhaps some other work would be less stressful, or, as Pete says its possible, or even likely that  "working any job" wont fly.  

Before the VA awards 100 percent or tdiu, they will want to know if you can do any job..not necessarily "just" the job you are on.  

As an example, if you are young and have SC knee or back issues and cant do your job anymore, the VA wil often expect you to retrain in "sedentary" work.  

You can get evaluated by a Voc Rehab specialist to see "if you are" likely to be able to be retrained in a field that would be better for your disabilities.  Sometimes, they may offer training.  I went to school through Voc rehab in computers, for example.  

I dont know your situation and work history, and it may well be correct you are not able to work like Pete said.  But I suggest at least looking into alternative work which would be less stressful.  

For ME "not being able to work" is a downer.  Many men need to feel they accomplish something, and, for many, their job is super important.  

I would not admit to not being able to work.  I kept trying..except potential employers saw it...I just didnt see it because, many people cant see their own faults, but they see faults in others.  

It was the right thing for me to do (not working any more) but not for everyone.  If I could work, I would be doing so now.  

Most days, I go out in my garage and make things.  I deal with zero people, so Im not stressed.  I dont sell my projects, I give them to family members.  I had made things in the past, for a living, but I always had to deal with people.  Now, I dont deal with people I just make things and give them away.  They are happy when they get a gift I made, and Im happy I made that for them.  I earn zero, but do get self esteem from making stuff, and I deal with 0 angry bosses, 0 angry customers, 0 angry coworkers.  I dont have to build stuff the way the customer wants, I build it the way I want to and if someone does not like my gift, I give it to others who do.  Im not on any schedule but my own.  I complete these projects on my own schedule, and dont have to ask my boss for a day off.  Or a month off.  I have very little stress, and I dont have any arguements with my table saw.  We have a mutual agreement.  I keep my fingers away from his spinning blade, and he cuts up my wood for me, provided that I keep his saw blade sharp.    We never argue, both of us respect those boundaries.    I usually brush off the sawdust for him, but, if I dont, he does not get mad that I left him dirty for a week.  

 

[ShrekTheTank]

Hey Bojack,

I am right along with these guys above!  Having an altercation to the point of a fight is not good, and I would defiantly try to find out why it is pushing you to that point.  The VA has a great VOC rehab program to get you into another line of work if that is something you want to do.  

I totally understand wanting to keep work as it keeps us busy and gives us a sense of worth.  I know I will always try to work no mater where I am at, but for me the physical part can get to be too much!  So I have to do a lot of self care and really make sure I am not over doing it now days, and it takes a lot of getting used too.  I was always the guy who did everything, two people to lift that?  Nah I can do that with one hand behind my back.

Like they said above be honest in your answers and get the help needed to deal with what is going on!

[awgv001]

9 hours ago, bojack said:

I need some help everyone. My ptsd and tbi been rated and service connected about 6 yrs now and I have been ordered to attain RFE routine future exam this coming Friday. I just found out today. 

I have never been to RFE before. Are they trying to lower my rating? I just had to hire lawyer to get my job back due to work trying to fire me 2x so far for being unfit for duty saying I have been involved way too many fights and broke my hands 2x at work. I have all the legal documents about the fights and been going to VA hospital every other month and take multiple medications as well. Do I have to take those documentation and files with me to c&p exam?

is this normal from VA to conduct re-evaluation every 5 years or so?

I have a re-exam coming up for the same things (except migraines, not TBI yet) - I have been SC'd for 5+ years for ptsd and several more for the migraines, and yes, the VA considers these ailments periodically because of the varying treatment options/and us finding our own way to getting better...

That being said, many of us don't get better through the treatments, and become unstable without regular medication....and just because you are "ok" with the meds doesn't mean that the ailments don't exist anymore, or having changing severity...If you have been receiving treatment regularly, then you have fairly undeniable proof that you're trying....and that most likely your ratings won't change...this is ALSO an opportunity to show the VA that symptoms have potentially worsened and can grant you an increased rating without you having to file for one, which is my approach to these exams. I'm actually happy to be going to mine so that I have the best opportunity to clarify on my contentions having learned more about the CFR and ratings criteria so that I can explain my case better than just "I could be better or worse"

Try not to take is as a personal shot like the VA is trying to attack you. Not everything with them is doom and gloom.

Expect them to re-evaluate you until you get an award letter stating "there will be no future exams" for the contentions you are sent in for.