Bipolar C&P Exam Today

[jm0365 1]

I had a C&P exam this morning for an increase to my bipolar rating. I wanted to share my experience. It was a telehealth appointment.

My first appointment was canceled, which was very fortunate because I was not prepared. I spent the time before the new appointment researching what to expect and the best way to approach the exam. I decided to make a page with a detailed list of my symptoms and a separate page with issues that I wanted to discuss.

When the exam started I told the doctor that I was worried about forgetting something and that I had made notes as a reminder. She said that was a great idea and let me refer to my notes after every question. When she was done she asked if there was anything in my notes that we hadn’t gone over. Then we talked about that stuff.

After the exam she told me that she was updating my diagnosis to Bipolar 1 with psychosis and mixed episodes. She then  told me that she didn’t think I was getting the help that I need and asked if she could give me medical advice and information outside of the exam, which I gratefully accepted.

Now it’s a waiting game for the rest of the claim process.

For anyone with a Bipolar of Mental Health C&P coming my recommendation would be to write down in detail what symptoms you are having and how they affect different areas of your life. The exam can be tough and you shouldn’t trust yourself to remember everything on the spot.

[Whodat 61]

Was it a VA provider?  Not trying to discourage you but examiners says one thing but the report is different. 

[asdf 21]

Not True.  The majority of examiners are honest and upfront. It is this kind of BS that has Veterans anxious and panicked about appointments. Each exam is different and if this one went well leave it be. The veteran was prepared and the examiner was accommodating why stir the pot with the sky is falling one time a band camp stories.  Not helping vets with this type of messaging.

[GBArmy 1,418]

Jm0635 I do exactly what you do. People with MH issues (and other disabilities) can get nervus or may have memory issues etc. Having notes is a way to handle the stress of the interview.  I think it important to disclose that you have a list up front is important to do early on.You did o.k. brother. 

[Whodat 61]

2 hours ago, asdf said:

Not True.  The majority of examiners are honest and upfront. It is this kind of BS that has Veterans anxious and panicked about appointments. Each exam is different and if this one went well leave it be. The veteran was prepared and the examiner was accommodating why stir the pot with the sky is falling one time a band camp stories.  Not helping vets with this type of messaging.

Really?  How do you know if you can't see the report? Just stating facts. We can usually view our exams on myhealthevet. Now contractors are in charge. Can't view it. Tell one thing but the report says something different. Now appeal time. Wake up.

[john999 974]

What is your current disability rating?  Bipolar 1 is a more serious DX that Bipolar 2 by and large.  It means you have actual manic-depressive episodes.  How many times have you been in the hospital for bipolar?  Have you had major manic episodes?  Are you able to work?  What kind of meds?  If you can't work and take heavy meds you will probably get 70%-100% rating IMO.  There is no way to really guess what a C&P exam doctor is going to say but yours sounds good.  Don't be too surprised if you have to appeal because the VA is the final rating agency no matter what the doctor says.  I got a 30% rating for bipolar 11 way back in 1997.  It was upgraded to 70% when I lost my job because of it.  High ratings are all about "Can you work"?  If you are still working the ratings tend to be much lower, but who knows as Whodat says.  Whodat is just telling the truth on this one.

[63Charlie 130]

19 hours ago, asdf said:

 The majority of examiners are honest and upfront. It is this kind of BS that has Veterans anxious and panicked about appointments

Do you think you can gaslight us on this forum with the above statement and we will keep quiet?

If it isn't gaslighting, then you must have no real world experience filing VA disability claims.

 

The truth paints a different picture.

1.  I have had multiple C&P examiners falsify their DBQs by stating "there is no diagnosis for the condition claimed" which contradicts the medical evidence in my claims file.

2. I have had multiple C&P examiners falsify DBQs by checking boxes which contradicted the medical evidence in my claims file.

3. I have had multiple C&P examiners falsely state on their DBQs that they performed an examination on a body part when they never even looked at it.

4. I have had examiners tell me at the end of the exam, "I think your condition should be service connected>" and then send the VA an unfavorable DBQ filled with false information.

 

I am flabbergasted.

 

 

 

Edited May 26 by 63Charlie