My C&p Today

[Toposurveyor]

Let me start with the fact that I have been very satisfied with the service at our VAMC. Generally, I don't understand some of the complaints I hear from others who use the same facility. I have always been treated with respect and felt that the Dr.'s & staff were concerned about the veterans they served.

Today , I had a C&P for peripheral neuropathy, lack of feeling in feet. I have seen the examining Dr. before when I requested a rate increase due to meds needed to help control my DMII, which was successful. Today, it was an early exam, 8 am. I checked in 10 min. early. At 8:10, I was told he would be as much as 30 min late. Thats fine, I had the time to wait, and I thought it was necessary to do so. When he arrived about 8:40, we headed for his exam room. Questions were asked and answered, both by me and by him. In the middle he had a cell phone call. It only took a few min., maybe 5 for him to talk. It sounded like a personal medical matter. Still I don't have a problem with it. When finished with his exam, I asked to discuss something not on the original reason for this exam. I was told that I should always make the reasons for my appointment clear and include anything that is to be checked, after all, there is just so much time alloted for the exam. I wanted to talk about the increasing lack of feeling in my finger tips. He did make a few tests and when done infoprmed me that he was going to reccommend that I have a sensory exam done for my feet. Nothing about the fingers. And we were done.

When I got home I called my VSO and let him know what happened today. Unfortunately, I had to tell his answering machine. I'll know more when I get a copy of the notes from this exam.

Ed

[Pete53]

Welcome to the club.

[Vike17]

Toposurveyor,

One thing to keep in mind is that C&P exams are not treatment sessions for any medical problems. They are exams for matters that a veteran has claimed for service-connection. Generally, the C&P exam is will only address the issues that the regional office informs them of. So if you only claimed peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities, then that's what will be addressed at the C&P exam.

Vike 17

[Guest terrysturgis]

Toposurveyor, are you Service Connected now? Can you tell us what percentages? The reason I ask is I have been through the system for DMII and PN and maybe I can advise you on what worked for me. My DMII is 40% and the PN is 40% bilaterial lower body and 20% bilaterial upper body. I have achieved 100% P&T.

The PN exam should have included a lot of range of motion testing. The Battle Creek VAMC has always treated me well and I really have no complaints either. As always you need to go to the FIO office and ask for your copy of the C&P. Take care. Terry Sturgis

[Toposurveyor]

Vike17,

Yes, I understand what you say. I was advised to include the other problem I was experienceing by my new VSO. He had advised me to bring up the other matter after we did the exam for PN, bilateral feet. I still believe that, having previous experience with this Dr., if he would have alloted the full time allowed, we would have discussed my second problem better.

Terry Sturgis,

I am now at 20% Service Connected. Any additional information you could provide would be appreciated. The Dr. did rotate my feet at the ankles, touch various spots around my feet and lower leg, and put a tuning fork at my ankles. I do go to the FIO office after any visit and request a copy of the notes. We generally have to wait about 10 days for info to be mailed. The clerk advised me that the C 7 P's seem to be taking longer though.

I appreciate the comments from all of you.

Ed