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