Had C&p's Yesterday

[huskerfanfl]

I had two C&P exams yesterday, one for anxiety and depression and the other for my knees, back, and right ankle.

The exam for depression and anxiety went about how I expected. At the end the psychiatrist asked if it was my contention that the depression was connected to my service conected disabilites and that my inability to properly exercise was the cause. I restated my case that there is ample evidence, that although untreated, that I was having anxiety attacks while in service and that my lack of ability to run was the cause of that and the subsequent depression. I am pretty sure he agreed.

The physical findings went really well. The examiner, a PA, noted a loss of motion in both knees, right knee was significant, especially after repeated motion, as well as the fact that I have a swollen tendon below my right knee. The lack of motion before and after repeated motion was also noted in my right ankle. The back has lost flexibility over the last two years, although repeated motion allowed me to bend over a little more, albeit it took a lot of pain to get there. She did ask me how far I could bend each joint/back without pain. She also noted that I walk with a cane. So far, my doctor has noted this, I have two witness statements attesting to the use of the cane, and the examiner noted it as well.

[sixthscents]

I hope that your C&P's did go well. You can get a copy, probably today of them from the office of release of information. Normally, I used to sit around and go eat lunch or something and then come back and they would already be in the computer. They are part of your medical record at the VA, so you can get them from the medical center, just like any other normal record. You may already know this, and if so I am sorry for pointing out the obvious.

Further a question... when they did the range of motion... how did the measure the actual degree? Did they use a goinometer? It look like a protractor... If not.. welll then I might want to make a comment about that right now, for submission into your med records, if you find that the angles weren't quite what you thought they should have been. A simple way to do this is to ask you primary care doctor to read the report, and ask for them to use a goinometer and duplicate the testing, and if they dont have time, to just please add into your file a statement that you were concerned because one had not been used. It's important to do that NOW, before the rating office gets all the records.

I say this because it establishes a point where it can be contended that an error could have been made, if, in fact one was. It would be acceptable as a legitimate complaint in a NOD, or an appeal. Since they are directed that use of one is really really encouraged by the VA....

Then again, if one was used then you at least know the angles were accurate.

Anyway... glad for you and hope it works out.

Edited March 9, 2007 by sixthscents

[huskerfanfl]

sixthcents,

They did use a goinometer

Army VV,

My exams lasted longer than that. The psychiatrist talked to me for 45 minutes and the PA had me in the room for well over an hour.