Asthma C&P Exam this week and I am a train wreck.

[Grey Ghost]

I’m at 10% for Rhinitis currently. Last month I file for Asthma. When I gotten back from a Middle East deployment. I was having breathing issues on occasions when I’d run. My doctor just said it was occasional asthma and bronchitis and prescribed me an albuterol rescue inhaled. This was in 2012. Whenever I'd get sick I would usually get an inhaler from urgent care. Early last year my sleep Doctor / Pulmonologist prescribed me Arnuity daily but add to his notes “no formal asthma diagnosis “  so I’ve never had a PFT, a formal diagnosis of asthma except from  a doctor  over 12 years ago that’s dead and gone. My asthma comes out with heavy aerobic exercise, especially in cold or rainy weather. I did a personal statement the expressed it bothers me playing sports with my kids, or heavy exertions. What’s the best way to approach this C&P? Any tips for a PFT, should I be worried? 

[jamescripps2]

The way I see it, you are going to need an event in service, noted on your service medical records. You will need a current diagnosis of the asthma. Lastly, you are going to need a nexus letter connecting the in service notation with the present day diagnosis.

There may be a Pact Act presumptive that will come into play here, depends on where and when you served, but there is no way around the fact that you will have to have a present day diagnosis.

[Grey Ghost]

Thanks Jamescripps2. When I filed I did file this I list it as “Presumptive PACT Act” as I have over 400 day boots on the ground between Iraq and Afghanistan. I had days of waking up with. 1/4 of moon dust sand on my sleeping bag and hacking for days afterwards. Sounds as if a current diagnosis is the missing link. I may talk with my Pulmonologist. I’m just unsure how the PFT will reflect give how my Asthma itself.

[Dustoff1970]

You may have to find another specialist Pomologist {VA or private} to give you a complete test and treatment and diagnosis of Asthma and tho not necessary under the PACT ACT it would be helpful if the new doc says he/she believes your Asthma is directly due to your exposure to dust/toxins in the ME and in service.

This possible diagnosis will offset/counter any negative opinions from a non specialist non doctor C&P examiner and will be most helpful on a BVA appeal.  Unlike the VARO raters the BVA judges almost always give great credit to the specialist credentials and experience of doctors opinions in support of the vets claims/appeals as the judges will often say the examiners opinions are inadequate or not convincing compared to private doc specialist opinion.   Worked for me on several recent BVA appeals that were super successful for me.

My comment is not legal advice as I am not a lawyer, paralegal or VSO.

[jamescripps2]

Generally, we do not fear a C&P exam, as that C&P exam can actually be in your favor and give favorable weight to your claim. You are right in that the lack of a diagnosis is your stumbling block. You need to get that diagnosis wherever you can and  from whomever you can get it from. By law, your claim cannot be granted without a present day diagnosis. Geterdone!

[john999]

You never know about C&P exams.  The last one I had was so good it lead to 100%.  The C&P nurse/doctor was pretty incompetent, but it was to my advantage.  I had asked for increase for my DMII and, instead, got 80% for PN which I did not expect. As James says I would not fear the exam if you have ducks in a row.  Since you  do have toxic exposure I feel optimistic about your outcomes.  Continue to go to VA for healthcare and keep track of additions to your exposure profile.  Were you exposed to burnpits?

[Grey Ghost]

Yes, I have Burnpit exposure. I believe  that’s how my rhinitis was in eBenefits. I use my private insurance. I just need to call and scheduling a PFT.  I’d messaged my Pulmonologist yesterday and he sent the order over. After I get that doe it may take a month or so to get seen by him, he’s a pretty popular doctor.