VA plans to outsource all compensation and pension exams

[Buck52]

https://www.stripes.com/news/us/va-plans-to-outsource-all-compensation-and-pension-exams-1.649356

[Fat]

In my opinion, the only detriment would be timeliness of getting C&P exam due to having to find/schedule exams.

In the one I remember, the C&P examiner primarily included the private doctor nexus opinion with their own examination opinion.

Results have been positive, but it has been four years since I had a non VA C&P exam.

Veterans just remember, verifiable medical evidence is the key. A diagnosis by a doctor by verifiable means (x-ray, CT-Scan, MRI, nerve conduction test, nuclear stress test, blood work, colonoscopy, etc) is both feet in the right direction.

 

1. In service incident.

2. Current diagnosis

3. Nexus connecting 1 & 2 or continuity of treatment.

 

GOOD LUCK...........

[ShuMan]

I see nothing but good coming out this for the Veteran.  How can a  C&P examiner that works for the VA remain impartial if they work for the VA? That in itself has inherent ethical issues.  

[Vync]

I believe this is solely centered around the numbers. Veterans complain the VA takes too long to process claims. Outsourcing results in quicker turnaround times and makes the numbers better for the VA.

The problem is there is zero accountability with contracted examiners. In my case, LHI did a C&P exam earlier this year and completely ignored very favorable evidence (specialist IMO). LHI management said they simply train examiners and schedule exams. The VARO rubber stamped what the examiner said which proved their "quality" review lacked substance.

The VA's answer to substandard exams is to dismiss the obvious errors and tell us to just file HLR or BVA appeal. While my HLR is on the back burner, there is no telling how many other veterans are getting substandard exams. This will definitely result in an increase in the number of veterans unnecessarily stuck in HLR and BVA lanes.

[Mr cue]

Smh the va will pay the company money they will denied exams. Or write something crazy.

I will be send to bva for years they will denied

It will take years at court for them to tell them the exam is inadequate.

Remand. 7 8 years the va a system is done

[El Train]

Out of about a dozen outsourced C&P's, I've only had one bad one.  This bad one started out with me getting arrogant with her.  I don't recommend starting a C&P this way.  They have the power to put your claim in peril with their professional opinion.  Kill them with military kindness and you will be good.  Yes Maam, no Maam, thank you for your time and kindness Maam.  Now the VA C&P's were a different story.  I have not had a good one.  Some downplayed overwhelming evidence or didn't ask me DBQ questions and filled in their own answers.  Some stated I was an unreliable  reporter.  Some we're outright condescending.  Give me a choice, I'm doing the outsourced 100% of the time.  The only issue is getting the results of the C&P in a timely manner.  Sending in a FOIA and waiting sometimes 6 months is BS. 

[GBArmy]

El Train Copy that. Honey instead of vinegar. Based on my experience, subcontractor examiners seem to be not as ingrained in the VA "process." Had one today and long story short I offered a copy of a prior C&P exam, and the whole flavor of the exam shifted to my favor. I never had that happen with the limited number of VA in-house C&P's I've had. But in the end, it doesn't matter. I believe that contracting out to TCM, LHI and VES is what they are going to do because it is quicker and cheaper for the VA to do that. It's  part of the big plan to down size cost at the VA as the number of veterans continue to decline.IMHO.