Harm in calling the VA?

[drago]

Hi All,

I’m new to the VA system and new to the forum so please accept an apology in advance if I’m doing this wrong.

In a nutshell, I’m 57 years old, and received a VA rating of 70% for PTSD, and a subsequent rating for TBI for injuries that happened in the Army 35 years ago. The TBI is lumped in with the PTSD because they say it is hard to say what is PTSD and what is TBI. The rating was given just over a year ago when I was 56.

I was under the impression that since I was over 55 years old, the rating would be “locked”, and would not be revisited/re-examined/re-evaluated unless I asked for an increase. 

I have a claim that is progressing for hypersonia that a civilian doctor diagnosed and said is “definitely” related to the TBI. QTC robo called and said to get in touch with them to schedule an appointment. When I called them back, they said the appointment is for a re-eval for the PTSD and TBI, and did not mention hypersomnia. 

I can’t find anything that says that PTSD/TBI is an exception to the age 55 rule, but perhaps I misunderstand that rule. So two questions I’m hoping someone can help with: 1. Does the re-eval seem correct? I read somewhere in my research that upwards of 35% of VA re-evals are not required and are actually mistakes. And 2. Would there be any harm in calling the VA to talk it through? I also read that the VA “writes EVERYTHING down” and I don’t want to create extra problems for myself with a phone call.

Ultimately, I’m not opposed to a re-eval, as overall I’m in worse shape than I was a year ago, but going through the process of recounting things led to a bad few days, and I simply don’t want to do it again if not necessary. Also, I had a bad experience with the TBI evaluator not reflecting what I actually said, and that’s concerning for this re-eval.

Thoughts from the group?

[El Train]

2 minutes ago, drago said:

Good info, thanks brokensoldier244th.

 Not "study" per se, because I think that could imply embellishment.  But be prepared, so I called my VSO and asked for a few things. That way I can be prepared for when they ask a question, I can have examples and such ready as opposed to "oh, I don't know, let me think...". Because thinking in the moment like that is not my strong suit.

My advice (from experience) is find the DBQ, like Broken Soldier said, and know the questions prior to the exam.  I've had C&P examiners go off script or not ask the questions from the DBQ at all; then fill in the answer that is favorable to a lower rating.  If you have to contest a whack job DBQ, this will set you back years and more C&P exams.

[drago]

Thank you both.

Have either of you, or anyone, ever left notes with the examiner? Kind of a written confirmation of what was said?

[brokensoldier244th]

Notes with? No, but I took notes and went through a quick summary of them before going back out the door. You can see completed C&Ps on MyHealthVet (if they are VAMC exams) within a few days to a few weeks (depending on how fast the examiner does the report). If they are contractor exams you may or may not be able to get them- but your VSO can- they can log in and see the same stuff we do. 

[drago]

I wonder then if a guy was very careful and very precise, it if would be beneficial? I can see how it could be a double edged sword, in that your words could be cherry picked, and then come back as "it's exactly what you wrote on your notes". I know my VSO typically does that as we have written to re-open things. "Using their own words against them" as it were...

[drago]

Hi Everyone,

Me again...LOL, sorry to be a pain... I'll try to brief...

Does anyone have a link to the TBI REVIEW C&P? I was able to find the PTSD review ver. March 2021 straightaway, and can find initial Initial TBI form, but can't find the review form...

[brokensoldier244th]

DBQ TBI Review.pdf