What The Varo Told Me About My Request!

[jecsb4]

Hi all,

I had 2 C&P exam on 2 Feb 07. Today, I went in to my local VARO and sumbitted a request to get copies of the PA's notes, etc. The clerk at the desk (who has a reputation of not being user frienndly) informed me that If I do this it will delay my claim by 90 days!!

He said that is because they have to find my file, pull it and deal with the Freedom of Information Act.

This sounded like a bunch of BS to me, and I decided to sumbitt my request.

Has the VARO ever told any of you this?

Thanks.

Joe

[Testvet]

I have normally been given copies of C&P reports within 2 weeks of the C&P being done about 2 years ago the RO made a change on mental exams they have to give approval for release of the C&P exam for PTSD so I have never gooten them the same day but I get them in the mail within 2 weeks after signing the release of info paper......I always want to know their position...and the statements made

[Vike17]

jecsb4,

First of all, when requesting a copy of the C&P exam from the VAMC and/or requesting it from the VARO, they are two different animals. If you request it from the VAMC, it normally will only take a couple of weeks and will not have any affect on holding up your claim at the VARO. If you request it from the VARO, usually through the FOIA or a Privacy Act request, then someone at the regional office must pull your C-file from where it is in the process and make copies of whatever you requested. According to Federal Law, the VA has 20 days to respond to privacy Act request. That is why when you reqest something from the VARO via the Privacy Act request, they will pull your C-file to fullfil the request, in return probabaly delying the decision on your claim. They are complying to Federal Law and isn't a bunch of "VA Crap."

Vike 17

[Hoppy]

This question goes a long way back,

There were some folks who were told by the hospital that they would not release a C&P exam and the vet had to get it from the RO. Other folks had no problem getting it from the hospital. It might depend on policy set by the administrator of the hospital or the local RO. Has anybody seen an instruction, CFR or M21 that would effect the VA as a whole. If so post it. If it is a decision by the local RO or by the hospital adminstrator then attack that specific policy. Complain to anybody who will listen. Politicians, customer care, etc.

It took me three days to get a copy of a psych C&P exam from the records office at the hospital where the exam was done. They had to wait until it got typed into the computer by the doctor or his typist.