1-stop-shop for VA Benefits: CivDivonline.com Article: www.military.com/daily-news/2024/04/24/shredded-records-broom-closet-appointments-senator-demands-answers-quality-of-vas-privatized.html?amp - Clay
Not funny......I had an Ortho surgeon provide an opinion and the VA sent me to a C-RNP for her opinion. Guess what her response was....yes...the opposite medical opinion. I would really like to see Congress push the VA to release copies or access of the C&P Exam once completed.....I believe this would help many of us understand/compare how our exam went and what they provider documented.
Congress is nowhere as close to as upset as veterans are at the VA Disability Claims process. Veterans are dying as they wait months and years to get their claims resolved.
@@embracethesuck1041 or WW2 vets that just had been granted full coverage for nursing homes in house/hospice care last year....like holy sht a little late on that one.
I have been waiting for a 10% rating that I need to complete my 100% disability case. I am almost 93 years old and I have been thinking the same thing you have said, they are waiting that I might die one of these days and then the VA does not have to up my disability to 100%. It sounds like a reason for their delays.
@@TheCivDivI've been a Veteran in the VA system since Nov 1985... I can tell you the wait scandal STARTED under Repubs (who I voted for) ...keep in mind I was being prepped for the 1st Iraq War 6 YEARS Before the war actually started in '91!...my MOS was petroleum Supply..NOT my choice..was tricked into it!..the VA improved when Clinton (NO I NEVER VOTED FOR HIM), & Obama!...I no longer trust those who PROFIT from a war!..especially oil owners!!.. I now get 6 visits to a chiropractor each year that has helped me immensely!..
Very True - After the election it will be blah, blah, blah. Though last time through Trump did some pretty strong reforms, but the V.A. is still a black hole.
These C&P exams should be done by our primary care physicians. They know us and our conditions better than a 3rd party Dr that doesn’t know us from the last Vet…
Oops there it is... been out 32years got frustrated with VA when I 1st got out, stopped going, been dealing with shyt I never knew I had, thought it was the norm but talking to other vets naw it's not
That's there opinion of which they gave them way too much power or say so. I stood on there desk with my condition. C/P does not get to tell me anything.
107 Five years on average for getting through their appeals process. 5 Years of not having approval and a higher rating allowing disabled vets to have a life. Getting the back pay for an approval after 5 years pales in comparison to receiving funds in a timely manner. The goal is obviously to outlast the disabled veteran! We have to do better!
The solution is to have the veteran sign at the bottom of the DBQ made by the c&p examiner. We should be able to read the DBQ for accuracy and sign at the bottom if we agree.
They don’t have to agree to sign. The signature is just an indicator that you were given the right to READ the evaluation. You can also make note that you DONT agree with the examiner on/by/around your signature.
I'm not sure that would work either. I had a ex navy corpsman examiner who flaunted their rank and made me call him "captain" and "sir" and turned his screen away from me when I was reviewing the web dbq
The issues of how VA has vets going through C&P exams has been in a rut for decades. Having VA contracted medical Doctor to help the VA's backlog of claims is good, but many of those same contractors do not know those veterans let alone sit with the vet and "READ" his/her records first before the exam. This alone needs to change. It is actually forcing veterans to wait and many end up being angry at the system. TY. It wasn't that long ago when the GOP Congress led by Kevin McCarthy (CA) as the Speaker put forth a new budget that if passed would have decimated the VA across the board by 22%. Those lying thugs wanted to cut 81,000 front line VA employees. That was just for starters. Other VA programs were considered, but thankfully that bill was killed off. Even today, 5/24, it upsets me at how many GOP legislators say, we need to do more for our veterans? This is an outright lie spread by the GOP. The last time I researched the #'s of homeless vets in our country I believe the numbers were 637,000 homeless veterans dated two years ago. That number is higher than the civilian side of this tragic number. Yet, I've been to a few VA Hospitals in New England where VA has built homeless shelters right on the properties. Another serious problem is veteran suicides. Those numbers are still high, and recent reports state that country-wide 22 veterans kill themselves. One of the issues is that VA still refuses to pay qualified psych staff. I knew a VA psych Doctor who left VA after 12 years of service to return to civilian practice because of the pay differences. This needs to be looked into by Congress itself. TY.
I hope they do something about these lying 🤥 examiners. They always shred our questionnaires. They never get turned in. C&P examiners need to be held accountable for their actions.
My C&P examiner was a blessing. I just had another examination with the same examiner yesterday. She was very thorough and left very little for the VA to argue.
IF your personal doctor agrees with your claim, that will win your appeal. In an appeal the VA Doctors diagnosis is pushed aside by your personal Doctors diagnosis. All you need to do is force the issue!
I went in to a C&P exam and I was examined by a Nurse Practitioner that was FIRED for incompetence by the healthcare system I worked for. This woman was a total train wreck.
I had 2 Psychiatrists diagnose me with PTSD and both wrote Nexus letters. One of them was from the VA and specialized in PTSD. I also had 2 Psychologists write me letters regarding treatment and therapy for PTSD symptoms. I had numerous letters from family members and spent 2 weeks in the hospital while in the military related to my in-service event. However, for my C&P exam, I was sent to a psychologist who did not bother to educate himself on my situation prior to my visit and it felt like I was being forced to defend claim instead of answer questions related to my symptoms and in service event. At the end of the exam, the examiner stated that even though I have all the symptoms for PTSD I still don't meet the clinical definition because my traumatic event was not like being mugged or raped. I don't remember anything after that because it took an immense amount of focus to stop myself from jumping over this guy's desk and beating him to a pulp. So basically, these examiners can ignore the VA rules, all of your evidence, and the DSM-5 to simply pull a diagnosis out of their ass so they get paid without having to do their jobs. What this examiner really said to me was that your PTSD stressor was traumatic enough to create PTSD symptoms, but you don't actually have PTSD because you weren't raped or mugged. How does this person even have a PhD in the mental health field? Ridiculous!
Thank you! There is definitely a lack of accountability and transparency with VA sponsored C&P examiners. I've had both really crappy (unprepared, did not review evidence even if brought up during the exam) and excellent (prepared, listen, reasonable). The deck is stacked against a vet as these exams are largely kept hidden as at best it takes about 9 months or so to get a copy of the C-file, which may not include individual C&P exams (especially if done by a 3rd party a vet plays hell trying to get a copy). Conversely, the VA will us any "evidence" against a vet instantly. Changes are needed and the claims consulting companies are the least of the problems.
Thank you for being a member and well put. C&P exams remain the ‘speed bump’ for every Veteran. It’s sad that it takes this level to start getting any attention toward a huge problem. - Clay
I think the problem is the federal employee just “approving” the 3rd party contractors’ findings (as prompted by the AI model) to just clear the VSRs queue so they meet quota. I’d like to see the data where VSRs overruled C&P’s MO by citing evidence (credible statements, IMOs, etc) in the claim. Additionally, the 3rd party contractors are motivated by financial incentives available by processing numbers of exams: the more exams processed in as short amount of time possible = more money for companies but at the expense of “quality” (e.g. adequate) C&P exams. Quality control & accountability by VBA is the cure.
@@angellindebak7569 BINGO! As a personal example, I was sent to THREE C&P exams for the same condition. The 2nd examiner said she was appalled as she saw that I already had a C&P exam recently for the same condition, yet she went through it all again. I also had a printout for her with my Supplemental Claim form, Statement in Support of Claim, current diagnosis, current prescriptions, and one year of treatment records. The 3rd examiner was the same guy that did the 1st one and said, "Hey, I remember you! Didn't we do this before?" Yep! Yet he did it again. The VA sending for unnecessary C&P exams is playing into the "profitability" of the outfits they use to do the C&P exams. On a site note, I sent in the info mentioned above and the VA rejected it saying that claim was deferred (for 18 months or more) and since it wasn't denied I could not add evidence.
On point! The system needs to be fixed and made transparent. It shouldn’t take months and months to get copies of the exams. Why can’t this be accessed online?
After nine years of constant denials on my hearing claim, now I was denied and never notified. Had to find out through my local county VÀ. They kept asking for records that don’t exist, telling me that I didn’t file in time when I did. They lost it. A real bunch of a holes.
I wouldn't hold your breath on that. Its not the first time I have heard about a Senator barking at the VA and the VA claiming they would fix it, and it not happening like they claimed.
The fact I have to FOIA test results from a C&P exam should be a crime. The fact that I can't get medical results and they cannot give me their medical opinion during the exam should be looked at by congress. In no other situation would medical exams like these be acceptable.
@@angellindebak7569 Sorry that excuse does not fly when the VA has me get medical tests such as PFTs X-rays and other exams that you have to FOIA, that could potentially show life threatening issues, that are used as evidence in these exams. They are medical exams not legal documents conducted by a licensed medical official.
@@angellindebak7569I know you are not defending the practice, but you do realize that is a BS excuse by the VA, right? It makes sense from a bureaucratic process perspective, but it is BS nonetheless.
@@MVK_GS They are not medical but rather military records, subject to Privacy Act (www.justice.gov/opcl/privacy-act-1974). I think Congress should amend the Act to exclude VBA records. Personally, I think we veterans should have view-only access VBMS. Congress is our only remedy.
Most C&P examiners I’ve dealt with acted like I was lying the entire time, despite the fact that I had solid evidence and the entire exam was pointless in my opinion. Definitely made me doubt for the longest time if I actually deserved benefits or not. When I did my MH increase claim, I had evidence submitted from a private psychologist. The VA ordered their own C&P exam, and I had missed the appointment by mistake. I called the VA immediately after to try and get a new one scheduled, and the person on the phone admitted the exam wasn’t even necessary and they could make their decision without one. I do wonder if I had gone to that exam if I would’ve won my claim or not.
I contacted 2 Congress people and 2 Senators about this. I too have cancer due to the Camp LeJeune Water Contamination. I provided proof to these Senators and Congress people and after contacting them time after time because they did not respond, and finally received a response: Please DO NOT contact our office regarding this issue any further. Contacting these people seems to be a complete waste of time. They just DON'T SEEM TO CARE! As of this date NOT ONE SINGLE CASE has been settled. So, don't believe it when you hear that they are settling or have settled cases.
We need to have Dr. seen veteran and not nurse petitioner. My “doctor” in the VA is a nurse petitioner why they cannot afford the real doctors? $1 billion company give us doctors please.
We are currently dealing with this issue on multiple claims. We have sound medical evidence and my husband was also sent to a nurse practitioner that didnt want to hear anything he had to say. There is sooo many times that has happened and this is so frustrating. It makes no sense! I still don't understand why if only 10% of Americans are in the military but they still don't get the support they need when they come back is so heartbreaking.
Remember, it was high up VA Administrators that pushed for contractors being involved in the C&P. Guess who started up the first couple of C&P companies and became the first to win the federal bids to do the exams? It was those same VA Administrators. They exited the VA to cash in on the contracts. Most of the C&P companies are owned by ex VA employees. Can't make this stuff up.
I was diagnosed with complex service-connected PTSD that spanned many decades. A C&P examiner who spoke with me for 30 minutes (as opposed to psychologists and psychiatrists who knew me for years) reported that my PTSD was minimal and in no way caused me any problems.
Lots of the ones VA has on their hit list for veterans to see,the veterans never get to see,but just a denial letter and can't locate or find this mysterious examiner.
Wow! Over 180 comments. I have been receiving VA Compensation for 17 years and have been a VA Benefits volunteer for 12 years. I didn't assist veterans unless they were willing to read and communicate (by phone, text, or email). I was surprised at the number of veterans who are not willing to communicate after the initial contact. I have a success rate, 90% for the claims on first submission and 5% on supplemental appeals, a total of 95%. I learned that over 20 years ago, the VBA and the VHA are not my friends. Mistakes are made by the veterans (including myself), VSOs, VA raters, C&P examiners, and occasionally the BVA. Each veteran’s claim is different, and I can't solely blame the C&P examiners. I had seven examiners and two ACE exams from 2002 to March 2024. I rate the C&P examiners a 9 with the highest score of 10. I try my best to get educated, stay educated, and not frustrated. Thanks, Clay!
Great info brother At the end of the day not many of us can say we help people like you and rooster man. Lol. Keep it up it really helps a lot of us. Thnks be safe.
My question is: Why aren't we holding these contractors accountable and why doesn't the VA have any kind of auditing/3rd party unbiased type situation to hold people accountable?
I believer that’s what Sen. Warren is getting at. I’ll be looking for these answers that are suppose to be given by May 14th. I am hoping this leads to an accountability and a measure of effectiveness type solution. - Clay
Many of the examiners are bad, but there are some great ones too. My problem is there’s too many poor raters who ignore evidence, and have an over-inflated self-worth. Denying Vets is a game to many of these folks… sad reality!
So true. I have won multiple claims without a formal nexus, just evidence & knowledge of 38 CFR. 1 still on appeal had a paid DBQ, but was still denied. So I gathered more evidence.
First we never get to talk directly to the VA about our conditions. Here it is 60 years later and I find out I have lived and worked in AO in the mid sixties. My health problems the last 50 years seem to come directly from AO, i.e. presumptive. And now I find out the health care companies I used are only required to keep health records for the last 10 years. I face an uphill battle for benefits because of lack of Nexus through no fault of my own. So Congress SHOULD get involved and straighten out this miserable, unfair system to Veterans. We are given VA benefits but have to claw and scratch to get them.
Just sent my appeal through to the veterans law judge bc I’m sick of dealing with this inadequate examiners. Deliberately trying everything to avoid giving me the SMC that i qualify for (aka Failure on their Duty to Assist) bc it would be a large amount of backpay that they don’t want to pay me 🙃
Wait until they meet their financial department! Charged me $1200 in a debt, failed to notify until they sent it to the treasury dept and now im out $2400 and no idea where the extra $1200 is that they took...
My Dr. reviewed my entire C-file and wrote a Nexus letter and did a DBQ. The VA still just had me go to a C&P exam. They kept asking me questions and when I answered yes that I SOMETIMES had pain in my neck, they said that it was tension headaches. They never asked where in my neck I had pain. If they would have asked, I could have told them that it was at the base of my skull where it meets my neck. It was like they were searching for anything to go against what I was saying it was secondary to. WATCH OUT veterans!!! Anything that you say to validate your claim they don't write down, anything to discredit your claim they immediately start writing.
They are required to use your DBQ. You did not have to attend the exam The DBQ is the same exam form so, you could have a refused. If you are denied make sure you appeal and mention it.
I’ve found over the last 15 years trying to get claims approved by the VA that the outside contractors they use are totally a joke. They’re usually, arrogant, only want to check boxes and really care nothing about the veteran sitting in front of them. They generally act disgusted their even taking time with you.
Good job on the information you provided😊. I used to work for VBA. The contractors used by VA are also used by Social Security claims. The Dr.s are so diluted from SS and always denying they forget or they are viewing VA patients that they get lumped un with SS patiens. Deny deny deny is SS. VA is for grant grant grant unless we cant grant. And yes, we got tons of complaints over C&P contract exams. We would send for new exams if necessary. Never pay for someone to do your claim, it's not in your best interest!
One of my C&P exams early this year in Abilene Tx was in a beauty salon. She had a little office for the exam. But I was sure they had sent me to the wrong place.
I had an audiologist say they couldn't take records however I replied well at least you could listen to my story, and through that I won my claim for that condition. Both lucky and fortunate to have been approved.
Hey CivDiv.. Im in the Fairfax VA area too, and really appreciate your help. On a seperate topic, not sure if you saw the local VA State budget battle which may reduce and or eliminate free dependent education for 100% vets. There was a petition going around that I was trying to help get moving but a few key dates are coming up soon.
I refused mental health treatment at my VA for many reasons. One of which was they(VA) wanted me to have counseling from a VA social worker. I found a Phycologist on the outside and he was awesome. During that time I had the head of the VA mental health call me with the intent on bullying me to come back to the VA for counseling. One reason I shared with her for not coming back was that VA Social Workers can't diagnosis disorders. She said the VA allows Social Workers to make diagnosis. You can't make this stuff up. Thanks for putting info out that helps Vets navigate.
As long as you are seaking MH treatment is all that matters. Make sure you upload all your outside medical notes to your file otherwise you may run into issues down the road because VA will say you are not currently seeking treatment and will send out a proposal for reduction. Always want to stay 5 steps in front of these bastards.
@lightning9279 you are welcome!! Anything you upload into the "secure messaging" goes into your c-file. Glad you are getting the treatment you need for your MH. Health always comes first.
I was diagnosed by the va then that disease came out on presumptive conditions list c&P examiner ask my to diagnose myself like i was a doctor it got denied in January but still haven't been notified by the va had to look it up on line
Question for Congress how come when I applied for disability in the 1990s for a back and head/neck injury, tied in my military documents to my VA documents and was denied, I applied again and was denied but before I was denied this time s rater called me and asked if I had a VA Disability representative I said no and got a denial letter. Later my back injury was appealed and granted but would not go back to when I first applied like I was told by VA they would. I worked for VA and seen and was told that they should have paid me back to when I first applied but I still haven't received anything. Why do some vets get their paid back to when they first applied and I didn't get mines retroactive. I sent all my military medical documents along with what they VA medical documents as evidence. What can I do about this.
I am in the middle of my claim about 7 months in. They did already give me 30% and have been dragging for the rest of my claim. They did send me a letter for a second C&P that I did not attend because it said it was not an in person c&p. It was a second review by a nurse practitioner. I went into this not knowing anything. I could have filed 20 years ago. I was motivated by the PACT Act. When I got out, they didn't tell us about the VA. I thought it was for extreme injuries like amputation.
I concur, I have a claim for a condition that I have relevant evidence showing inception of my condition in service and meeting a one year presumption. My C&P examiner didn’t evaluate that evidence and didn’t opine direct service connection on his medical opinion DBQ. He only gave a TERA opinion which was negative resulting in my claim denial. The VA uses his medical opinion to override my private Tricare doctor who is treating my condition and gave rationale of my condition’s inception in service. My decision letter states that my independent medical opinion is insufficient due to medical history and rationale. I’ll have my doctor rewrite his medical opinion to equipoise the VA examiner’s which I have possession of.
Get this. My wife submitted a claim on 4/23/23 - she heard nothing, would call every couple of months, and get the same run around. We're looking into it there are a lot of claims, we are backed up. WELL she gets a letter from the VA on 4/24/24 stating her claim doesn't have a diagnosis she is trying to claim and she had one year from the date of submitting her claim WHICH WAS TWO DAYS BEFORE SHE GOT THE LETTER! WTF! So we reviewed her claim and on the FIRST PAGE of the claim it states what she has been diagnosed with. SO, according to the VA its been over a year so she would have to start over! We are going to call our Senator and see what he can do. She went to a 3rd party to get diagnosed then submitted that report with her claim and they have the balls to say her claim is incomplete! WE are pissed.
@@danielpettit4100 yeah, but we waited a year just for them to tell her the claim was incomplete and she had one year from the time she submitted the claim to reapply. Well she got that letter 2 days after the deadline. How convenient.
@wxmyjnsn so save the letter should be dated. I would try to file an appeal anyways or resubmit the claim. If it gets approved use the letter that shows date it was mailed to you to get the claim backdated to original claim date. Say I filed claim on x date it was denied due to va error and was not given chance to appeal to show va error
@@danielpettit4100 Thanks, we did just that, sent it back in anyway highlighting their error. IF this continues we will go to Reps and Senators. Appreciate the support.
I had a sleep apnea denied by a dermatologist with a nexus from 2 neurologist and a psychiatrist. Also had psych denied by LHI when the examiner was changing answers on a paper questionnaire literally in front of me across his desk with whiteout changing answers
The negative opinion from a derm is absolutely insane. I hope you submitted a HLR with an informal conference or went to an Accredited Attorney? - Clay
@@TheCivDiv sadly i didnt think about that within the timeframe, DAV didnt really help much either in that regard..... i did ultimately get to 80% but only after years of fighting and nearly homeless and service dog dying of medical issues i WOULD HAVE been able to address had i not needed to jump through all the hoops for so many years
The last stage of this Board of Appeals process was supposed to take from 12-18 months. April marked three (3) years. As of July, I finally have a Judge assigned to my case - no telling how long until a decision is made. I started this whole process fourteen (14) years ago. Yes, you read that right. Now, I understand that the Government shutdown during Covid delayed things a lot, and that their hiring of additional people helped speed up the process... but it's still taking WAY to long to get benefits in the first place, and even longer to get your benefits raised. And all that time waiting, even with the best-rated attorneys in the country. Yeah, 'thank you for your service.' Let's change things and put some REAL meaning behind that, shall we?
My c&p examiner didn't ask me any questions. I walked in and sat down. Waited in silence for almost a minute...ok I guess I start talking. She told me she had to shift through hundreds of pages. I only submitted 14 new pages to my claim. I knew then I've already lost just by my experience. That was over a year ago and I'm still fighting.
The problem definitely exists. It happened to me. Thankfully my attorney sent my case for higher level review and another examiner from the VA called me for a phone interview.
I enjoy watching your videos. As far as my C&P exam for neuropathy not related to diabetes. I was sent to a nurse practitioner who's credentials showed he was internist in geriatric medicine. I have a syrinx in my spine that is service connected add my medical records along with medical research clearly shows that it is the root of my problem yet the nurse practitioner who has no neurosurgical experience said that it was less likely than not caused by my service-connected condition. I questioned QTC about the qualifications of the examiner and I was told that I would have to wait up to 6 months for a specialist so I took the chance and of course denied. Of course the exam was done in a fly by night office and buy a person who is not able to make that determination and how do I know this because I am a practicing registered nurse of 36 years.
Hey Clay, I wanted to ask you, I summited 5 claims, 3 new and 2 increase, I got an answer for the 2 increase and 1 of the new, but a C&P examiner called me and told me that he is working in the migraines claim, but I never had a C&P exam for migraines, so how is he working on it? Or did he mean he is looking for evidence to give me a C&P exam? Thanks
During dessert storm the the air the water and land was contaminated. I got 10% and I can’t breath when I’m sleeping I can’t breath when I’m awake and I breakout in rashes the are painful.
VA made it easy for you. Get the dx, submit the claim. MUCMI: ruclips.net/video/x-jWR-q6_FM/видео.htmlsi=yENdFolRPhdxR-tR PACT Act: ruclips.net/video/cT1VFvl-M2Q/видео.htmlsi=j5NdN-9Fe21OPAdW - Clay
Persistence is key to winning your claims. I went to a dozen c&p exams over 2 years and half of them were bad examiners. I actually had to request from VES or QTC to send me further away from my home town so I could get a different examiner. But if you keep persosti, you will win your claim eventually.
My initial C&P after retirement was abysmal. It was in a mobile truck. Examiner was aggravated the whole time. Didn’t have my previously sent in DBQ. It went bad. Luckily, I found an amazing VSO and gathered some great info. I appealed the exam and the next one went way better.
Yeah I am aware I walked in or barely could walk in for a back CNP exam. The examiner even noted and told me I can see you can hardly walk and then during the exam I went to straighten back up and he literally taught me by my belt to keep me from falling but then still said it was less likely than
I filed a supplemental claim and all of the new and relevant evidence except a buddy statement was totally ignored under review by the Department of Veteran Affairs I submitted a medical opinion or Nexus letter I also submitted a medical opinion from advances in Orthopedics both were new and relevant evidence and were totally ignored my claim was denied solely on a buddy statement how could they ignore the Nexus letter from a medical doctor and a medical opinion from advances in Orthopedics ? I am service connected for both of my knees I filed a claim in an attempt to connect my injured ankle as a secondary to my osteoarthritis to my left knee.
I have been thru that myself. I am not happy with the last evaluation done on my hands and now they are going to do it again with the same doctor. I am waiting for the appointment. It is a shame that the VA spends lots of money on outside organizations to check the veterans when the VA itself has our medical records from all our visits to the VA doctors to look at and make their decisions. They are wasting VA money unnecessarily. That money could be used to pay the veterans for their disabilities instead. My report.
When i worked at a Vet Center as a therapist i was often helping vets with their claims. You can request to be assessed at the VA, that is the best option. Also, if you need a nexus the Vet Centers can often get those done for you.
Yep,I had to undergo a physical with 2 different sub contractors medical companies for the same claim. When I called the VA office and asked if this was an error,they "suggested " for me to attend both appointments with each facility even though it was the same exam. Wasteful spending.
How long did you wait for for HRL with a conference? I heard it was a 2 year wait? I’m only asking because my recent exam had me reduced from 30% to zero for migraines and 0% for sinusitis.
@@TheCivDiv I think I may have went about it the wrong way. My VSO suggested going the formal route so I believe I am waiting to get on the court docket. Been about 30 days since the last status update. Not sure if I am better off forgoing the possible backpay and just filing for an increase from the zeros. Pretty sure getting my migraines restored will get me to 100%
I am waiting for my c&p exam for my migrains. I already got things in order thanks for your advice and videos for it all! I hope my c&p examiner is not stupid! I do the a the DBQ sheet so I know how to answer. He/she better come correct cause guess who went to law school :)
One significant hurdle leading to the backlog of claims is that VA Rating Specialists either aren't allowed to or are afraid to use existing medical records to establish ratings. For a great many claims, there's no need for a C+P exam.
Bit of info: My Dr informed me that 13:11 listened to me because of the nurses' union. When a general NP of medicine can over rule, specialists/Dr 13:11 amazing. Why I record my appointments. Another important factor is out of date information, my last exam for GW related issues, the examiner told me, that the records sent to her via the VA was a year or so out of date and she also stated it is not unheard of 2+ years of of date. Luckily, they accepted the reports I brought in, which were recent.
1-stop-shop for VA Benefits: CivDivonline.com
Article: www.military.com/daily-news/2024/04/24/shredded-records-broom-closet-appointments-senator-demands-answers-quality-of-vas-privatized.html?amp
- Clay
Not funny......I had an Ortho surgeon provide an opinion and the VA sent me to a C-RNP for her opinion. Guess what her response was....yes...the opposite medical opinion. I would really like to see Congress push the VA to release copies or access of the C&P Exam once completed.....I believe this would help many of us understand/compare how our exam went and what they provider documented.
Congress is nowhere as close to as upset as veterans are at the VA Disability Claims process.
Veterans are dying as they wait months and years to get their claims resolved.
Seeing how many brothers from the Vietnam era who have died without justice is heart breaking.
@@embracethesuck1041
YES !!!
Those of us still around must live for them.
@@embracethesuck1041 or WW2 vets that just had been granted full coverage for nursing homes in house/hospice care last year....like holy sht a little late on that one.
I have been waiting for a 10% rating that I need to complete my 100% disability case. I am almost 93 years old and I have been thinking the same thing you have said, they are waiting that I might die one of these days and then the VA does not have to up my disability to 100%. It sounds like a reason for their delays.
@@AngeloCamacho-e6e
LIVING WELL IS THE BEST REVENGE, SERVED COLD.
You are correct. The whole Department of Veterans Affairs is stacked and has been stacked against the veterans for years and years.
I wouldn’t say the whole department but certainly how ‘some’ of these exams are conducted.
- Clay
@@TheCivDivI've been a Veteran in the VA system since Nov 1985... I can tell you the wait scandal STARTED under Repubs (who I voted for) ...keep in mind I was being prepped for the 1st Iraq War 6 YEARS Before the war actually started in '91!...my MOS was petroleum Supply..NOT my choice..was tricked into it!..the VA improved when Clinton (NO I NEVER VOTED FOR HIM), & Obama!...I no longer trust those who PROFIT from a war!..especially oil owners!!..
I now get 6 visits to a chiropractor each year that has helped me immensely!..
Ya, think!
They are only stacked, as you say, due to the sheer volume of fraudulent or incorrect claims being filed
Politicians only get 'upset' about the VA during election campaigns.
You dont read
Very True - After the election it will be blah, blah, blah. Though last time through Trump did some pretty strong reforms, but the V.A. is still a black hole.
These C&P exams should be done by our primary care physicians. They know us and our conditions better than a 3rd party Dr that doesn’t know us from the last Vet…
Oops there it is... been out 32years got frustrated with VA when I 1st got out, stopped going, been dealing with shyt I never knew I had, thought it was the norm but talking to other vets naw it's not
I agree
That's there opinion of which they gave them way too much power or say so. I stood on there desk with my condition. C/P does not get to tell me anything.
I had Jamaican lady for my c&p exam bro she barely understood wtf I was even saying……
the VA changes my PCP frequently so I never see the same Dr twice
The VA often uses the same Doctors which Insurance Companies use to deny claims. Problem is the dishonesty of many of the Doctors.
107 Five years on average for getting through their appeals process. 5 Years of not having approval and a higher rating allowing disabled vets to have a life. Getting the back pay for an approval after 5 years pales in comparison to receiving funds in a timely manner. The goal is obviously to outlast the disabled veteran! We have to do better!
The solution is to have the veteran sign at the bottom of the DBQ made by the c&p examiner. We should be able to read the DBQ for accuracy and sign at the bottom if we agree.
That is an absolutely SOLID suggestion!!! I love this idea!
- Clay
So you think a veteran is going to sign a DBQ if the doctor gives an honest opinion that their medical ailment is not service-connected?
They don’t have to agree to sign. The signature is just an indicator that you were given the right to READ the evaluation. You can also make note that you DONT agree with the examiner on/by/around your signature.
I'm not sure that would work either. I had a ex navy corpsman examiner who flaunted their rank and made me call him "captain" and "sir" and turned his screen away from me when I was reviewing the web dbq
Ok.. what’s your point?
Congress is pissed off, but because of them veterans are pissed on.
The issues of how VA has vets going through C&P exams has been in a rut for decades. Having VA contracted medical Doctor to help the VA's backlog of claims is good, but many of those same contractors do not know those veterans let alone sit with the vet and "READ" his/her records first before the exam. This alone needs to change. It is actually forcing veterans to wait and many end up being angry at the system. TY.
It wasn't that long ago when the GOP Congress led by Kevin McCarthy (CA) as the Speaker put forth a new budget that if passed would have decimated the VA across the board by 22%. Those lying thugs wanted to cut 81,000 front line VA employees. That was just for starters. Other VA programs were considered, but thankfully that bill was killed off. Even today, 5/24, it upsets me at how many GOP legislators say, we need to do more for our veterans? This is an outright lie spread by the GOP. The last time I researched the #'s of homeless vets in our country I believe the numbers were 637,000 homeless veterans dated two years ago. That number is higher than the civilian side of this tragic number. Yet, I've been to a few VA Hospitals in New England where VA has built homeless shelters right on the properties. Another serious problem is veteran suicides. Those numbers are still high, and recent reports state that country-wide 22 veterans kill themselves. One of the issues is that VA still refuses to pay qualified psych staff. I knew a VA psych Doctor who left VA after 12 years of service to return to civilian practice because of the pay differences. This needs to be looked into by Congress itself. TY.
I hope they do something about these lying 🤥 examiners. They always shred our questionnaires. They never get turned in. C&P examiners need to be held accountable for their actions.
Even better is when they are making changes to the answers on the questionnaires
Do not call the white house hot line why we'll you will be black balled I promise you going through it now every claim denied or pencil *****"
My C&P examiner was a blessing. I just had another examination with the same examiner yesterday. She was very thorough and left very little for the VA to argue.
I have arthritis in both of my knees, my entire spine, my feet and when I went to claim my Osteoarthritis in both of my wrists I was denied.
what was their reason? you always have to have it service connection.
IF your personal doctor agrees with your claim, that will win your appeal. In an appeal the VA Doctors diagnosis is pushed aside by your personal Doctors diagnosis. All you need to do is force the issue!
I went in to a C&P exam and I was examined by a Nurse Practitioner that was FIRED for incompetence by the healthcare system I worked for. This woman was a total train wreck.
I had 2 Psychiatrists diagnose me with PTSD and both wrote Nexus letters. One of them was from the VA and specialized in PTSD. I also had 2 Psychologists write me letters regarding treatment and therapy for PTSD symptoms. I had numerous letters from family members and spent 2 weeks in the hospital while in the military related to my in-service event. However, for my C&P exam, I was sent to a psychologist who did not bother to educate himself on my situation prior to my visit and it felt like I was being forced to defend claim instead of answer questions related to my symptoms and in service event. At the end of the exam, the examiner stated that even though I have all the symptoms for PTSD I still don't meet the clinical definition because my traumatic event was not like being mugged or raped. I don't remember anything after that because it took an immense amount of focus to stop myself from jumping over this guy's desk and beating him to a pulp. So basically, these examiners can ignore the VA rules, all of your evidence, and the DSM-5 to simply pull a diagnosis out of their ass so they get paid without having to do their jobs. What this examiner really said to me was that your PTSD stressor was traumatic enough to create PTSD symptoms, but you don't actually have PTSD because you weren't raped or mugged. How does this person even have a PhD in the mental health field? Ridiculous!
If the rater was dumb enough to agree with that quack then it should be an easy appeal.
Give your doctor a DBQ to complete, that is what I did
Thank you! There is definitely a lack of accountability and transparency with VA sponsored C&P examiners. I've had both really crappy (unprepared, did not review evidence even if brought up during the exam) and excellent (prepared, listen, reasonable). The deck is stacked against a vet as these exams are largely kept hidden as at best it takes about 9 months or so to get a copy of the C-file, which may not include individual C&P exams (especially if done by a 3rd party a vet plays hell trying to get a copy). Conversely, the VA will us any "evidence" against a vet instantly. Changes are needed and the claims consulting companies are the least of the problems.
Thank you for being a member and well put. C&P exams remain the ‘speed bump’ for every Veteran. It’s sad that it takes this level to start getting any attention toward a huge problem.
- Clay
I think the problem is the federal employee just “approving” the 3rd party contractors’ findings (as prompted by the AI model) to just clear the VSRs queue so they meet quota.
I’d like to see the data where VSRs overruled C&P’s MO by citing evidence (credible statements, IMOs, etc) in the claim.
Additionally, the 3rd party contractors are motivated by financial incentives available by processing numbers of exams: the more exams processed in as short amount of time possible = more money for companies but at the expense of “quality” (e.g. adequate) C&P exams. Quality control & accountability by VBA is the cure.
@@angellindebak7569 BINGO! As a personal example, I was sent to THREE C&P exams for the same condition. The 2nd examiner said she was appalled as she saw that I already had a C&P exam recently for the same condition, yet she went through it all again. I also had a printout for her with my Supplemental Claim form, Statement in Support of Claim, current diagnosis, current prescriptions, and one year of treatment records. The 3rd examiner was the same guy that did the 1st one and said, "Hey, I remember you! Didn't we do this before?" Yep! Yet he did it again. The VA sending for unnecessary C&P exams is playing into the "profitability" of the outfits they use to do the C&P exams. On a site note, I sent in the info mentioned above and the VA rejected it saying that claim was deferred (for 18 months or more) and since it wasn't denied I could not add evidence.
On point! The system needs to be fixed and made transparent. It shouldn’t take months and months to get copies of the exams. Why can’t this be accessed online?
After nine years of constant denials on my hearing claim, now I was denied and never notified. Had to find out through my local county VÀ. They kept asking for records that don’t exist, telling me that I didn’t file in time when I did. They lost it. A real bunch of a holes.
Having a C&P exam in a hotel room sounds shady as all hell. Ive had an exam in an abandoned parking lot in an RV and I thought that was weird enough
Wow thats off the charts bad/ trashy hopefully it worked out for you but doesn’t sound good .
I'm up in Massachusetts and i have had a good time with the VA helping me recover.
I wouldn't hold your breath on that. Its not the first time I have heard about a Senator barking at the VA and the VA claiming they would fix it, and it not happening like they claimed.
@wyomarine6341 My Condolences, and as a Former Navy and Air Force Vet, Fair Winds and Following Seas.
The fact I have to FOIA test results from a C&P exam should be a crime. The fact that I can't get medical results and they cannot give me their medical opinion during the exam should be looked at by congress. In no other situation would medical exams like these be acceptable.
Those are legal documents between VBA & contract company but the vet is just an interested party, hence FIOA requirement.
@@angellindebak7569 Sorry that excuse does not fly when the VA has me get medical tests such as PFTs X-rays and other exams that you have to FOIA, that could potentially show life threatening issues, that are used as evidence in these exams. They are medical exams not legal documents conducted by a licensed medical official.
I'll be dead before my foia request is completed
@@angellindebak7569I know you are not defending the practice, but you do realize that is a BS excuse by the VA, right? It makes sense from a bureaucratic process perspective, but it is BS nonetheless.
@@MVK_GS They are not medical but rather military records, subject to Privacy Act (www.justice.gov/opcl/privacy-act-1974). I think Congress should amend the Act to exclude VBA records. Personally, I think we veterans should have view-only access VBMS. Congress is our only remedy.
Most C&P examiners I’ve dealt with acted like I was lying the entire time, despite the fact that I had solid evidence and the entire exam was pointless in my opinion.
Definitely made me doubt for the longest time if I actually deserved benefits or not.
When I did my MH increase claim, I had evidence submitted from a private psychologist.
The VA ordered their own C&P exam, and I had missed the appointment by mistake.
I called the VA immediately after to try and get a new one scheduled, and the person on the phone admitted the exam wasn’t even necessary and they could make their decision without one.
I do wonder if I had gone to that exam if I would’ve won my claim or not.
you are not alone here, C&P examiners are the worst of the worst
my exam for depression was done by an examiner from South Korea by phone ! not even a televisit !!
I contacted 2 Congress people and 2 Senators about this. I too have cancer due to the Camp LeJeune Water Contamination. I provided proof to these Senators and Congress people and after contacting them time after time because they did not respond, and finally received a response: Please DO NOT contact our office regarding this issue any further. Contacting these people seems to be a complete waste of time. They just DON'T SEEM TO CARE! As of this date NOT ONE SINGLE CASE has been settled. So, don't believe it when you hear that they are settling or have settled cases.
Thanks from Chicago
We need to have Dr. seen veteran and not nurse petitioner. My “doctor” in the VA is a nurse petitioner why they cannot afford the real doctors? $1 billion company give us doctors please.
Just had a c&p with QTC in Greenville sc. It waa so bad, a elderly lady didn't even know what to ask or say but tell me i wasn't going to be approved.
My worst CMP exams were the ones held at the VA hospital, my best c&p exams were the outsourced C&P's.
We are currently dealing with this issue on multiple claims. We have sound medical evidence and my husband was also sent to a nurse practitioner that didnt want to hear anything he had to say. There is sooo many times that has happened and this is so frustrating. It makes no sense! I still don't understand why if only 10% of Americans are in the military but they still don't get the support they need when they come back is so heartbreaking.
Im glad congress was able to find the time to think about something other than money for Ukraine. Waving a foriegn flag in the "Peoples House", wtf?
Thanks!
U da man Brother Clay!!!!
Keep looking out for our guys and gals!!!
Much love
Dude, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
- Clay
Thank you Sen. Warren!! Agree or disagree with her, she is taking her constituents seriously.
I agree!
- Clay
Well, I'm sure she's getting something out of it in addition to the gratitude of veterans. 💰💰💰
Every six years she get's her panties in a knot about VETERANS phony as three dollar bill!!!!!
Sen .Warren is a well known drama actress just putting up a meaningless sh** show.
@@johnsolberg5611 I don’t care as long as she is asking the questions we veterans need answers to.
Remember, it was high up VA Administrators that pushed for contractors being involved in the C&P.
Guess who started up the first couple of C&P companies and became the first to win the federal bids to do the exams?
It was those same VA Administrators. They exited the VA to cash in on the contracts. Most of the C&P companies are owned by ex VA employees. Can't make this stuff up.
FACT
I was diagnosed with complex service-connected PTSD that spanned many decades. A C&P examiner who spoke with me for 30 minutes (as opposed to psychologists and psychiatrists who knew me for years) reported that my PTSD was minimal and in no way caused me any problems.
I thought a VA rater could overrule a c&p examiner?
They absolutely can assuming the veteran has clear evidence AND the Rator understands the claim.
- Clay
You rock Clay. God bless you and your family brother !!!
My exams always were amazing!! 100% can’t complain
This should be the standard
- Clay
Thank you for helping vets
Lots of the ones VA has on their hit list for veterans to see,the veterans never get to see,but just a denial letter and can't locate or find this mysterious examiner.
I waited 18 yrs for a law judge
Excellent because I have experienced this from several C & P examiners.
Wow! Over 180 comments. I have been receiving VA Compensation for 17 years and have been a VA Benefits volunteer for 12 years. I didn't assist veterans unless they were willing to read and communicate (by phone, text, or email). I was surprised at the number of veterans who are not willing to communicate after the initial contact. I have a success rate, 90% for the claims on first submission and 5% on supplemental appeals, a total of 95%.
I learned that over 20 years ago, the VBA and the VHA are not my friends. Mistakes are made by the veterans (including myself), VSOs, VA raters, C&P examiners, and occasionally the BVA. Each veteran’s claim is different, and I can't solely blame the C&P examiners. I had seven examiners and two ACE exams from 2002 to March 2024. I rate the C&P examiners a 9 with the highest score of 10.
I try my best to get educated, stay educated, and not frustrated. Thanks, Clay!
Am so thankful for this recognition about C&P Veterans Disability Compensation Claim Denial. VA may be behind many claim Denials for its own purposes.
I was awarded 100P&T Jan 1st,(9 months backpay)thanks to your channel. Keep doing what you are doing 👏. ~Dayton,Ohio~
Great info brother
At the end of the day not many of us can say we help people like you and rooster man. Lol. Keep it up it really helps a lot of us. Thnks be safe.
My question is: Why aren't we holding these contractors accountable and why doesn't the VA have any kind of auditing/3rd party unbiased type situation to hold people accountable?
I believer that’s what Sen. Warren is getting at. I’ll be looking for these answers that are suppose to be given by May 14th. I am hoping this leads to an accountability and a measure of effectiveness type solution.
- Clay
Great info from Chicago
Many of the examiners are bad, but there are some great ones too. My problem is there’s too many poor raters who ignore evidence, and have an over-inflated self-worth. Denying Vets is a game to many of these folks… sad reality!
Sent my letter to Sen Warren
Nice! Feel free to also include your rep.
- Clay
So true. I have won multiple claims without a formal nexus, just evidence & knowledge of 38 CFR. 1 still on appeal had a paid DBQ, but was still denied. So I gathered more evidence.
First we never get to talk directly to the VA about our conditions. Here it is 60 years later and I find out I have lived and worked in AO in the mid sixties. My health problems the last 50 years seem to come directly from AO, i.e. presumptive. And now I find out the health care companies I used are only required to keep health records for the last 10 years. I face an uphill battle for benefits because of lack of Nexus through no fault of my own. So Congress SHOULD get involved and straighten out this miserable, unfair system to Veterans. We are given VA benefits but have to claw and scratch to get them.
Just sent my appeal through to the veterans law judge bc I’m sick of dealing with this inadequate examiners. Deliberately trying everything to avoid giving me the SMC that i qualify for (aka Failure on their Duty to Assist) bc it would be a large amount of backpay that they don’t want to pay me 🙃
Not to mention i have TONS of evidence to support all of this.
@@xoamber21keep going my brother im with you
Wait until they meet their financial department! Charged me $1200 in a debt, failed to notify until they sent it to the treasury dept and now im out $2400 and no idea where the extra $1200 is that they took...
My Dr. reviewed my entire C-file and wrote a Nexus letter and did a DBQ. The VA still just had me go to a C&P exam. They kept asking me questions and when I answered yes that I SOMETIMES had pain in my neck, they said that it was tension headaches. They never asked where in my neck I had pain. If they would have asked, I could have told them that it was at the base of my skull where it meets my neck. It was like they were searching for anything to go against what I was saying it was secondary to. WATCH OUT veterans!!! Anything that you say to validate your claim they don't write down, anything to discredit your claim they immediately start writing.
They are required to use your DBQ. You did not have to attend the exam The DBQ is the same exam form so, you could have a refused. If you are denied make sure you appeal and mention it.
Excellent presentation Civ Div. I was able to get 100% with the DBQ from Dr. Sharma who is the best Mental Health VA doctor in the world.
Boom-Shaka-Laka
- Clay
Hey bro do you have Dr. Sharma's info?
I’ve found over the last 15 years trying to get claims approved by the VA that the outside contractors they use are totally a joke. They’re usually, arrogant, only want to check boxes and really care nothing about the veteran sitting in front of them. They generally act disgusted their even taking time with you.
She is trying to retain her seat, its a nothing burger.
the rest only care about billions for ukraine
You are just a slowpoke
Good job on the information you provided😊. I used to work for VBA. The contractors used by VA are also used by Social Security claims. The Dr.s are so diluted from SS and always denying they forget or they are viewing VA patients that they get lumped un with SS patiens. Deny deny deny is SS. VA is for grant grant grant unless we cant grant. And yes, we got tons of complaints over C&P contract exams. We would send for new exams if necessary. Never pay for someone to do your claim, it's not in your best interest!
One of my C&P exams early this year in Abilene Tx was in a beauty salon. She had a little office for the exam. But I was sure they had sent me to the wrong place.
I had an audiologist say they couldn't take records however I replied well at least you could listen to my story, and through that I won my claim for that condition. Both lucky and fortunate to have been approved.
Congress is pissed…
Hmmm. What about the American People?!?!?
Hey CivDiv.. Im in the Fairfax VA area too, and really appreciate your help. On a seperate topic, not sure if you saw the local VA State budget battle which may reduce and or eliminate free dependent education for 100% vets. There was a petition going around that I was trying to help get moving but a few key dates are coming up soon.
I refused mental health treatment at my VA for many reasons. One of which was they(VA) wanted me to have counseling from a VA social worker. I found a Phycologist on the outside and he was awesome. During that time I had the head of the VA mental health call me with the intent on bullying me to come back to the VA for counseling. One reason I shared with her for not coming back was that VA Social Workers can't diagnosis disorders. She said the VA allows Social Workers to make diagnosis. You can't make this stuff up.
Thanks for putting info out that helps Vets navigate.
As long as you are seaking MH treatment is all that matters. Make sure you upload all your outside medical notes to your file otherwise you may run into issues down the road because VA will say you are not currently seeking treatment and will send out a proposal for reduction. Always want to stay 5 steps in front of these bastards.
@@RLTW_03 Thanks never thought about that.
@lightning9279 you are welcome!! Anything you upload into the "secure messaging" goes into your c-file. Glad you are getting the treatment you need for your MH. Health always comes first.
@@lightning9279yes they have been skirting by using social workers.
TheCivDiv 100% P AND T here. You're one smart Mike Foxtrot in my opinion. Bravo Zulu and keep it up.
😂 thanks man and congrats to you for P&T
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv thanks it was not easy
I was diagnosed by the va then that disease came out on presumptive conditions list c&P examiner ask my to diagnose myself like i was a doctor it got denied in January but still haven't been notified by the va had to look it up on line
Question for Congress how come when I applied for disability in the 1990s for a back and head/neck injury, tied in my military documents to my VA documents and was denied, I applied again and was denied but before I was denied this time s rater called me and asked if I had a VA Disability representative I said no and got a denial letter. Later my back injury was appealed and granted but would not go back to when I first applied like I was told by VA they would. I worked for VA and seen and was told that they should have paid me back to when I first applied but I still haven't received anything. Why do some vets get their paid back to when they first applied and I didn't get mines retroactive. I sent all my military medical documents along with what they VA medical documents as evidence. What can I do about this.
Thank you.
I am in the middle of my claim about 7 months in. They did already give me 30% and have been dragging for the rest of my claim. They did send me a letter for a second C&P that I did not attend because it said it was not an in person c&p. It was a second review by a nurse practitioner. I went into this not knowing anything. I could have filed 20 years ago. I was motivated by the PACT Act. When I got out, they didn't tell us about the VA. I thought it was for extreme injuries like amputation.
I concur, I have a claim for a condition that I have relevant evidence showing inception of my condition in service and meeting a one year presumption. My C&P examiner didn’t evaluate that evidence and didn’t opine direct service connection on his medical opinion DBQ. He only gave a TERA opinion which was negative resulting in my claim denial. The VA uses his medical opinion to override my private Tricare doctor who is treating my condition and gave rationale of my condition’s inception in service. My decision letter states that my independent medical opinion is insufficient due to medical history and rationale. I’ll have my doctor rewrite his medical opinion to equipoise the VA examiner’s which I have possession of.
wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome CivDiv EGA
Artist: instagram.com/lucasbraly
- Clay
Artist: instagram.com/lucasbraly
- Clay
Get this. My wife submitted a claim on 4/23/23 - she heard nothing, would call every couple of months, and get the same run around. We're looking into it there are a lot of claims, we are backed up. WELL she gets a letter from the VA on 4/24/24 stating her claim doesn't have a diagnosis she is trying to claim and she had one year from the date of submitting her claim WHICH WAS TWO DAYS BEFORE SHE GOT THE LETTER! WTF! So we reviewed her claim and on the FIRST PAGE of the claim it states what she has been diagnosed with. SO, according to the VA its been over a year so she would have to start over! We are going to call our Senator and see what he can do. She went to a 3rd party to get diagnosed then submitted that report with her claim and they have the balls to say her claim is incomplete! WE are pissed.
It should be 1 year from date of decision to file appeal
@@danielpettit4100 yeah, but we waited a year just for them to tell her the claim was incomplete and she had one year from the time she submitted the claim to reapply. Well she got that letter 2 days after the deadline. How convenient.
@wxmyjnsn so save the letter should be dated. I would try to file an appeal anyways or resubmit the claim. If it gets approved use the letter that shows date it was mailed to you to get the claim backdated to original claim date. Say I filed claim on x date it was denied due to va error and was not given chance to appeal to show va error
@@danielpettit4100 Thanks, we did just that, sent it back in anyway highlighting their error. IF this continues we will go to Reps and Senators. Appreciate the support.
My PACT has disappeared out of the system twice!! I get initial papers and then nothing.
I had a NP deny my sleep apnea even with a Dr exam and a prescribed CPAP.
Awesome job on this video
I had a sleep apnea denied by a dermatologist with a nexus from 2 neurologist and a psychiatrist. Also had psych denied by LHI when the examiner was changing answers on a paper questionnaire literally in front of me across his desk with whiteout changing answers
The negative opinion from a derm is absolutely insane. I hope you submitted a HLR with an informal conference or went to an Accredited Attorney?
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv sadly i didnt think about that within the timeframe, DAV didnt really help much either in that regard..... i did ultimately get to 80% but only after years of fighting and nearly homeless and service dog dying of medical issues i WOULD HAVE been able to address had i not needed to jump through all the hoops for so many years
The last stage of this Board of Appeals process was supposed to take from 12-18 months. April marked three (3) years. As of July, I finally have a Judge assigned to my case - no telling how long until a decision is made. I started this whole process fourteen (14) years ago. Yes, you read that right. Now, I understand that the Government shutdown during Covid delayed things a lot, and that their hiring of additional people helped speed up the process... but it's still taking WAY to long to get benefits in the first place, and even longer to get your benefits raised. And all that time waiting, even with the best-rated attorneys in the country. Yeah, 'thank you for your service.' Let's change things and put some REAL meaning behind that, shall we?
My c&p examiner didn't ask me any questions. I walked in and sat down. Waited in silence for almost a minute...ok I guess I start talking. She told me she had to shift through hundreds of pages. I only submitted 14 new pages to my claim. I knew then I've already lost just by my experience. That was over a year ago and I'm still fighting.
What if my primary care doctor told me that my conditions “could “ have been caused by my active duty service, but refuses to put it in writing?
Thank you
The problem definitely exists. It happened to me. Thankfully my attorney sent my case for higher level review and another examiner from the VA called me for a phone interview.
Woo hoo! I just hit your 1,000th like for this video! 👏 :)
Nice and thank you very much!!
- Clay
I enjoy watching your videos. As far as my C&P exam for neuropathy not related to diabetes. I was sent to a nurse practitioner who's credentials showed he was internist in geriatric medicine. I have a syrinx in my spine that is service connected add my medical records along with medical research clearly shows that it is the root of my problem yet the nurse practitioner who has no neurosurgical experience said that it was less likely than not caused by my service-connected condition.
I questioned QTC about the qualifications of the examiner and I was told that I would have to wait up to 6 months for a specialist so I took the chance and of course denied.
Of course the exam was done in a fly by night office and buy a person who is not able to make that determination and how do I know this because I am a practicing registered nurse of 36 years.
Hey Clay, I wanted to ask you, I summited 5 claims, 3 new and 2 increase, I got an answer for the 2 increase and 1 of the new, but a C&P examiner called me and told me that he is working in the migraines claim, but I never had a C&P exam for migraines, so how is he working on it? Or did he mean he is looking for evidence to give me a C&P exam? Thanks
Even combat related claims require a nexus.
Every claim requires a nexus either medical in nature or presumptive in nature.
- Clay
During dessert storm the the air the water and land was contaminated. I got 10% and I can’t breath when I’m sleeping I can’t breath when I’m awake and I breakout in rashes the are painful.
VA made it easy for you. Get the dx, submit the claim.
MUCMI: ruclips.net/video/x-jWR-q6_FM/видео.htmlsi=yENdFolRPhdxR-tR
PACT Act: ruclips.net/video/cT1VFvl-M2Q/видео.htmlsi=j5NdN-9Fe21OPAdW
- Clay
Persistence is key to winning your claims. I went to a dozen c&p exams over 2 years and half of them were bad examiners. I actually had to request from VES or QTC to send me further away from my home town so I could get a different examiner. But if you keep persosti, you will win your claim eventually.
They should also be pissed with how the CLJA is being handled! It is ridiculously SLOW with very few offers made!
My initial C&P after retirement was abysmal. It was in a mobile truck. Examiner was aggravated the whole time. Didn’t have my previously sent in DBQ. It went bad. Luckily, I found an amazing VSO and gathered some great info. I appealed the exam and the next one went way better.
Yeah I am aware I walked in or barely could walk in for a back CNP exam. The examiner even noted and told me I can see you can hardly walk and then during the exam I went to straighten back up and he literally taught me by my belt to keep me from falling but then still said it was less likely than
Was denied and denied at higher level as well, an had medical evidence an Nexus from Dr.
I filed a supplemental claim and all of the new and relevant evidence except a buddy statement was totally ignored under review by the Department of Veteran Affairs I submitted a medical opinion or Nexus letter I also submitted a medical opinion from advances in Orthopedics both were new and relevant evidence and were totally ignored my claim was denied solely on a buddy statement how could they ignore the Nexus letter from a medical doctor and a medical opinion from advances in Orthopedics ? I am service connected for both of my knees I filed a claim in an attempt to connect my injured ankle as a secondary to my osteoarthritis to my left knee.
I have been thru that myself. I am not happy with the last evaluation done on my hands and now they are going to do it again with the same doctor. I am waiting for the appointment. It is a shame that the VA spends lots of money on outside organizations to check the veterans when the VA itself has our medical records from all our visits to the VA doctors to look at and make their decisions. They are wasting VA money unnecessarily. That money could be used to pay the veterans for their disabilities instead. My report.
When i worked at a Vet Center as a therapist i was often helping vets with their claims. You can request to be assessed at the VA, that is the best option. Also, if you need a nexus the Vet Centers can often get those done for you.
Yep,I had to undergo a physical with 2 different sub contractors medical companies for the same claim. When I called the VA office and asked if this was an error,they "suggested " for me to attend both appointments with each facility even though it was the same exam. Wasteful spending.
Funny how congressional representatives don’t get concerned until they are coming up for reelection soon!
How long did you wait for for HRL with a conference? I heard it was a 2 year wait? I’m only asking because my recent exam had me reduced from 30% to zero for migraines and 0% for sinusitis.
My entire HLR was about 3-4wks and after the HLR it was about 6 days. It all comes back to medical evidence.
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv I think I may have went about it the wrong way. My VSO suggested going the formal route so I believe I am waiting to get on the court docket. Been about 30 days since the last status update. Not sure if I am better off forgoing the possible backpay and just filing for an increase from the zeros. Pretty sure getting my migraines restored will get me to 100%
appeals take years, a HLR takes week, and after you have your conference with the VA guy, you'll get a decision in about a week.
I am waiting for my c&p exam for my migrains. I already got things in order thanks for your advice and videos for it all! I hope my c&p examiner is not stupid! I do the a the DBQ sheet so I know how to answer. He/she better come correct cause guess who went to law school :)
One significant hurdle leading to the backlog of claims is that VA Rating Specialists either aren't allowed to or are afraid to use existing medical records to establish ratings. For a great many claims, there's no need for a C+P exam.
Fairfax, VA is exactly where I had my terrible C&P exam experience
100% I am in the middle of my initial process. My very first C&P focused 95% on prior to mil service.... very clear she was trying to get me denied.
My first C and P exam back in 2008, was a horrible experience.
Bit of info: My Dr informed me that 13:11 listened to me because of the nurses' union. When a general NP of medicine can over rule, specialists/Dr 13:11 amazing. Why I record my appointments.
Another important factor is out of date information, my last exam for GW related issues, the examiner told me, that the records sent to her via the VA was a year or so out of date and she also stated it is not unheard of 2+ years of of date. Luckily, they accepted the reports I brought in, which were recent.