And the insanity goes on.....

[Sailorsong]

As I mentioned in an earlier post I got the decision from my VA appeal. In the decision the judge stated that "ONLY AFTER all of the Vets medical records and SSA records have been obtained and included in my claim folder the VA was to schedule C&P exams" for each of the eight issues that were remanded.

Well today I got a package from the VA Consent to release information forms so they could get my medical records for any and all doctors, hospitals, labs, etc. that I have seen since I got out of the service 39 years ago. The letter also stated they have requested my records from the SSA and that it will take several months for them to get the records.

But here is where the insanity sets in. I was also notified today that  the VA has set up three C&P exams for me. 2 are for Dec.1 of this year and the third is for Jan 8 of next year. They also stated in the letter they will decide my case in 30 days from the date of this letter which was Nov 9th.  OK let's see Nov.. 9 plus 30 days would be Dec 9. but the third exam isn't until 60 days! Not to mention if it takes several months to get the records from the SSA how can they use that in their decision?  

I think I have decided that on Monday I will go to my old Civilian PC to see if he gave give me some referrals to other doctors to see if I can get supporting doctor opinions  for my claim. Not sure how well that will work out. I say Monday as I will need to search for the proper VA forms the doctors will need to fill out on my behalf.

Dennis

[Peg409]

Good luck to you Dennis. The VA also told my husband that it would take several months to get his records from SSA, but it only took 3 weeks from the request date to actually have them showing as received on ebenefits. My husbands C&P for PTDS was a joke, the woman stated that it was unlikely my husband had PTSD due to service because his DD214 didn't showing his combat service. My husband was a medic in Desert Storm. Luckly we atleast have proof he was in Riyadh at the time. His hip degeneration was turned down because the C&P dr has a study that was done in canada in 2000 that says there is no connection between previous knee injuries, arthritis, or limping and future wear and tear on other major joints. The VA is just flat crazy and the denial reasons are even crazier.

[Sailorsong]

Sarah,

Yes I know I need that outside help in more ways than one. Because of the PTSD I just can't handle stress which this definitely falls under. The two heart attacks I have had were both caused directly by being under a lot of stress. I am a little surprised I haven't had one from dealing with the VA.  Or maybe I have and just don't know it! :)

Dennis

[SarahL2491]

Dennis

you definitely need help outside the "system" to which you know I am referring to!

[Sailorsong]

Thanks Lulu & Shell!

Yes I know I have to make those C&P appointments. But I already know they will rule the issues are not service connected based on how things have gone so far.

May 4th, 2010 had C&P exam for PTSD. The doctor stated that I had service connected PTSD but in the ruling after that exam the VA stated I was denied due to no new information to support my claim. This despite them listing that exam as information they considered.

For me Knee problems I went to 3 C&P exams. The doctors at each of these exams said my knees were service connected. They then had another C&P exam done without having me present (doctor to just review my records) and that one said they weren't service connected. So I was denied on that one.

I'm sure you can see the pattern from the above. Either ignore information or keep asking doctors until they get the answer they want.

The 3 C&P exams they have scheduled are EYE, MED RES, & MENTAL HEALTH.

The judge ordered C&P Exams for:

1. Left & Right knees (Was handled by the Med Red all of the times in the past.
2. COPD
3. PTSD - that is the mental health exam
4. IBS -
5. Hypertension
6. Coronary Heart disease
7. Sjogren's Syndrome - that is what the eye one is set up for even though it is Dx from rhumys.

Dennis

[Lulu54]

My gosh, Dennis, I am shaking my head at this one.  Unbelievable doesn't begin to describe it. I was just reading a piece on C&P to better understand the process and the one thing that jumps out at me is absolutely, no matter what, you can't miss those appointments. If you would, they can make their ruling on whatever medical records they already have.  

I found some helpful info at this site but you may already know this-

http://www.veteransbenefitgroup.com/blog/cp-exam-what-is-it-and-do-i-have-to-go-331.php

Good luck on Monday - December 1 is so close so I hope everything and everyone can help you make this happen.
hugs, L

[sllowe]

Unreal.

Wishing you all the best with the civilian doc to help push this through. Insanity at it's best, for those who've sacrificed so much.

Sorry you are going through this.... STILL.
(((hugs)))
shell