ptsd C&p Today-went Well

[Guest jangrin]

Hello,

Went to C&P today with my husband. We arrived at the Temple, Texas VAMC and the doctor came and got my husband and I from the waiting room. The exam began exactly on time and lasted approximately 45 to 50 minutes. We found the doctor to be very personable and attentive to the problems my husband has been experiencing.

He was receptive to the things I could contribute and did offer suggestions for possible solutions to some problems. We found him to be informative and in general a very caring man. He did say that he read the C-file over before the appointment and in fact he did seem to understand some history about my husbands case.

We both felt the exam went well, I really have no idea what he is going to write in his report but at least I felt that he listened to our imput. His opinion may be different than ours, but at least he took the time to read the file and ask intelligent questions. We will have to wait and see what he wrote in the report.

Also, while at the clinic, everyone was very pleasant and courteous to us. The staff was very helpful and even the doctors talked to us (about electronics???) while riding in the elevator. We had a very good feeling about the staff and facility when we left today.

One more C&P scheduled on the 9 of March and that should once again be the last of the C&P exams unless they need to duplicate them for some reason. I hope not. Having a good day made waiting another month for the final exam a lot easier. I hope the last exam goes as well as this one.

As you wait for results we continue to wait also, but being treated decently sure makes things much more bareable.

No matter what the outcome it was a good day, indeed.

The final exam is my husband's PTSD/depression exam, all advice and instruction is very appreciated. This I know will be the hardest for him. A lot of very intense memories and strong feelings involved. Thanks in advance for any advise.

Chuckles & Jangrin

[jbasser]

Jangrin, Im glad everything went well and you got one of the good Docs. I hate to hear the bad stories often posted on this site as I know they are true but its good to hear positive information once in a while. I too have had nothing but good experiences with the VA Doctors.

I hope the Results are favorable and the battle ends very soon with some retro and a vacation.

It wont be too much longer now. Be sure to get a copy to share in a couple of weeks. This will tell you a lot of information and even give some clues to the level of service connection, using the information provided compared to the regulations listed in the directives.

John

Edited February 10, 2007 by jbasser

[john999]

Jangrin

Don't be too shocked if the C&P doctor comes to conclusions that seem out of line and ignore evidence. Even when they smile at you it means little because they are there to do a job. It is good that the doctor read the file. That is a plus. I think they are there to minimize possible ratings. They take their best shot and you get the IMO's to take a shot for you. Hopefully, you get the benefit of the doubt. For the psychiatric exam just have your husband go as he normally dresses and appears. It might help if he does not look too neat. This is an occasion to dress down for.

[LarryJ]

I am glad your C&P went so well.

Maybe I can talk the VA into letting me go to Temple for my next C&P.

I think I've talked the AMC into allowing me another C&P, and I told them that I would be happy to travel wherever they wanted me to travel, to get a decent exam.

To be honest, I didn't even know there was a VAMC in Temple. I figured I would have to go to Shreveport, or Muscogee or Houston.

Temple sounds good. Anywhere other than Dallas..........or, maybe I should say, anywhere other than where this particular examiner is located.

[Guest jangrin]

Jangrin

Don't be too shocked if the C&P doctor comes to conclusions that seem out of line and ignore evidence. Even when they smile at you it means little because they are there to do a job. It is good that the doctor read the file. That is a plus. I think they are there to minimize possible ratings. They take their best shot and you get the IMO's to take a shot for you. Hopefully, you get the benefit of the doubt. For the psychiatric exam just have your husband go as he normally dresses and appears. It might help if he does not look too neat. This is an occasion to dress down for.

John,

Yes, you are correct. I do think that his report could go every which way. This C&P exam was for gastrointestenal problems. The VA Doc called it IBS, and my husband said he thought it was caused from meds. The VA doc kept saying it could be from various different things but at the end of the exam, and reviewing all the medications I think he also agreed it has been caused from the medications.

He also understood my husband trying to get an appt. in our new home area. The wait is long. He asked about the DMII and neuropathey but that was not what the C&P was for. C&P was only for the gastro stuff. I think he will say that it could be caused by many things and that he might recommend to defer a decision until my husband can get back under regular treatment again here at our new home area.

But to be honest, which ever way he writes his report, the experience in the office was a positive one. Thank God. The stress has really been getting to us, and this helped our attitude and got us back in a positive mode.

He was typing the report while we were there and he made notations about being unable to sleep, up 2 to 3 times per night. Having to stay close to bathrooms and carry extra clothes, etc. I think the report was finished yesterday as he seemed to do the report as he interviewed and did his exam. I will get a copy next week i would think. It certainly should be interesting.

[Guest jangrin]

I am glad your C&P went so well.

Maybe I can talk the VA into letting me go to Temple for my next C&P.

I think I've talked the AMC into allowing me another C&P, and I told them that I would be happy to travel wherever they wanted me to travel, to get a decent exam.

To be honest, I didn't even know there was a VAMC in Temple. I figured I would have to go to Shreveport, or Muscogee or Houston.

Temple sounds good. Anywhere other than Dallas..........or, maybe I should say, anywhere other than where this particular examiner is located.

LarryJ,

I don't know if they would let you pick, but if you called the number and told them you were going to be in an area for an extented length of time maybe they would schedule it where you said you would be.

My husband has another C&P exam next month in Austin. We did not not had good results there in the past and we are somewhat concerned about that one.

Although the exam time went well there is still no guarantee as to how the report will turn out.

[Josephine]

LarryJ,

I don't know if they would let you pick, but if you called the number and told them you were going to be in an area for an extented length of time maybe they would schedule it where you said you would be.

My husband has another C&P exam next month in Austin. We did not not had good results there in the past and we are somewhat concerned about that one.

Although the exam time went well there is still no guarantee as to how the report will turn out.

Jangrin,

I am happy that the C&P went well for your husband. I was allowed to pick my area for a C&P as I live in Va. but my file is in West Virginia. I could choose any of the surroundings states. Larry be sure to notify Mrs. Dunlap or L. Gintel of your preference. I have found that both of those two work very hard for the veteran.

Always,

Joephine