The VA can be on time, just received a letter for a C&P exam almost to the day 2 years later. I think this is the minimum amount of time to have a review. Funny how the system is right on time when it benefits them. I have to vent somewhere so excuse me. Am already at 100% non-IU so what could be the reason for this C&P exam? I suspect to reduce my rating as soon as possible. Does anyone out there have any experience with follow-up C&P exams for mental illness? I hate having something they can’t see. Makes me severally depressed to admit I’m not normal, and then I feel like a beggar because I rely on the VA money. And ya I know I earned it…but the VA makes me feel undeserving. I’ll have to post again when they send me the C&P results. If the decision goes in my favor I’ll eat my words but I really doubt I’ll retain my 100% even though I take 5 meds a day and have almost zero contact with people. OK enuf whining.

I accept your vent.

Drifter

The VARO has a calender that automatically triggers reviews etc., so that's why you received your notice. You need not be pessimistic about the outcome of the C&P, and you've already subconsciously decided that you'll lose your disability rating. Don't be. Rather, prepare for it. Have you made all your appointments? Have you worked and if so, why have you worked? When you report for your exam, remember the following: Be civil, be firm, be honest, bring any letters from your physicians or Shrinks in support of your rating. If you don't have letters, ask for them. If you've been working, I hope it's been coordinated with Voc Rehab, if not, then be prepared to answer why.
Dress "normally", dressing scruffy for the purpose of trying to relay how bad life is for you, is likely to backfire. THINK and PROCESS each question directed to you BEFORE you answer them. The first question directed to you may seem natural, routine like "Hello Mr....How are you today" Remember, to be honest, tell exactly how you feel. If you have pain, answer it that way. Your answers are a direct reflection of the likely outcome of the C&P exam. I do not advise anyone to "Lie" or tell "half truth's" But I do advice strongly to relay your feelings in terms of your universe. The Examiner will only have you for an hour or less. You will have yourself forever, so when I say in your universe, I mean in the totality of your life experience. How you feel day to day, night to night, emotion to emotion and so on. Do not worry about the C&P or its outcome, you will be fine. When the dust settles, "IF" the VA decides that you have improved in your condition to warrant a decision, the next step will be in a letter to you "We Propose a rating adjustment from ____to_______" If you agree with....etc., etc., you need do nothing. If you disagree with..... then you have certain rights...... Essentially, Nothing will happen in a short time, if they do decide that a reduction is warranted, you have every right to ASAP send them(within 30 days) a Notice of Disagreement, and everything comes to a halt. So worry less, study more, prepare and enjoy the 4th of July weekend holiday.
Freddy

Thanks guys..Think I just have the pre-C&P jitters…I mean it’s only my house and standard of living were talking about. No big deal if you’re fat and happy. OK..OK…I’ll stop. Guess I'm very lucky I was awarded 100% to begin with after reading so many VA horror stories.

quote:

Originally posted by Drifter63:
Thanks guys..Think I just have the pre-C&P jitters…I mean it’s only my house and standard of living were talking about. No big deal if you’re fat and happy. OK..OK…I’ll stop. Guess I'm very lucky I was awarded 100% to begin with after reading so many VA horror stories.

YOU WILL BE FINE.

You are overloading yourself and inflicting great personal anxiety. I understand your concern. I heard your concern of the upcoming C&P and I tried to relay to you that you'll be fine, it is not the end of things. It is by no measure ANY indication rating adjustment. There are so many tools and avenues available for you to stop any attempt...IF and I am saying "IF" any such proposal comes, and that's a huge "IF" btw. And you are not "Lucky" either. You have been assigned a rating because you're disability was such that it was warranted. NO Veteran is ever lucky because of SC issues and what he receives in compensation. I could have made tons of money had I not been disabled at all my friend, so many things I may be, lucky is not one of them.
Wishing you well and Godspeed
Freddy
BTW...Have a little faith my friend, it helps.

Well I had my C&P exam today. Had a positive experience. Good doctor…(contracted private physician by the way.) I’m wondering how long I have to wait to get the results. Any wild guesses out there? And again, thanks for the support. It’s very difficult to have a brain picking session.

See?

I would do the root beer thing, but I don't know how. Many things I am good at, computer mastery is not one of them. Imagine those two root beer mugs toasting each other, that would be me toasting you.
Sincerely
Freddy
P/S One of these days I will "Piddle" with this thing and master those little things

Venting is good.

I had my C&P appointment 1 year ago and every other month I receive the same ol letter that my case was being looked at and the stay in the holding pattern.

Two days ago I received a letter and though, "well same ol thing" but no, They set me up for another C&P appointment. Go figure.

I know some out there have the time to just drop everything and we all know the VA sets these appointmnets without contacting the member. The date and time was a big conflict with my schedule. I contacted the number asking to reschedule. NO, You can Canx only.

Sounds like asking for leave back in the day.

"Leave denied, Please resubmit in 90 days for another denial"

Oh, Happy 4th to all

coker737
Have you inquired as to what was still an outstanding issue or one that the VA was looking to answer and somehow was not addressed at your C&P? It may serve you to inquire and thus allow you to prepare for issues not addressed.

ERES TU !!!
Freddy

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 15781731,

UPDATE
Guess I have to eat my words. I just had my first C&P re-examination on 02JUL08 and got the results today 17JUL08 very fast turnaround time I think. They decided that I continue to be disabled therefore benefits will not be changed. What a relief to know I don’t have to sell my home…ect ect. They still don’t consider me to be permanent though which brings up the questions…how many times do I have to be seen to be considered permanent and when can I expect my next exam? BTW I want to thank you guys for the support!

quote:

Originally posted by Drifter63:
UPDATE
Guess I have to eat my words. I just had my first C&P re-examination on 02JUL08 and got the results today 17JUL08 very fast turnaround time I think. They decided that I continue to be disabled therefore benefits will not be changed. What a relief to know I don’t have to sell my home…ect ect. They still don’t consider me to be permanent though which brings up the questions…how many times do I have to be seen to be considered permanent and when can I expect my next exam? BTW I want to thank you guys for the support!

Until 20 years have passed, you are really not Permanent and Total. You may be subject to a review any time the VA"s virtual calender decides, or your file is accessed. They don't need a reason actually, expect one at the 10 year mark for sure and also one certainly scheduled at the 19 1/2 year mark. After you have been rated for 20 consecutive years you are then "Warmly welcomed in Safe Harbour." Until then, you need not overly worry, they're not out to get you. You do need to keep regular appointments and treat your disability rating like your personal investment account, keep it safe, keep it sound. You do this by keeping in touch with the VAMC. Keep and make appointments, It also serves to keep you healthy as(possible) my Friend.

Eres Tu!
Freddy

I should have added this on my post as follows...
There is also a "over 55" provision that essentially states that examinations shouldn't be be conducted, but the wording is exactly that. They should not schedule a C&P review after 55, but they can, and no special reasoning has to be provided other than review of disability, static, etc.
Eres Tu !
Freddy

hello my brother's im retierd from the army.... on at 100%p@t you should get any new benefits... that's all 100% disabeld combat vets get.... on crsc congress passed new laws but the arm serivce's f----.up so bad... what the makes the diffence of what time you have in service... combat is combat when your in it... and your disabliety is that you can not work for the reat of your life at makeing money.... so you can surive and try not to committ suscide the army and other servive's are wrong period.. what the hell do you call combat 100@p@t disabled not medically retired bull-**** the if you cannot make any gain -full employment do to your combat disabilty your should get crsc or crdp and the army knows it .... ps if combat vets are 100% p@t and are in bad ways with head problems.... the service's should take x-tra care for these's hero's instead of always a ten feet paper trail .............god-bless our troops... all gave some... some gave all....

Drifter, are you working with a VSO? If not work with one and ask then to open a claim for you to be rated as permanent and total or P & T. What that means is that the VA will no longer schedule you for any more C & Ps or any thing else dealing with your money unless you ask them to. You can still use the hospital, and get your meds, the world is fine. You would not have to worry about the VA testing you and then taking your money though.

Since this post is about letting it out or venting. I have a small pet peeve to let out....I went to the VA hospital in Birmingham Alabama yesterday and when finished I was standing in the line to get my travel pay and two guys were complaining about how little Vets are paid for travel..This sorta just gets under my skin, as I never expect nor do I receve travel pay for going to see my civilian doctor and going to the VA doctor's and getting travel regardless of how much I get is a benefit that we should be proud to get and not complain about how low the mileage rate is. I know alot of folks will not agree with me on this but if you had no other medical provider and had to use the VA for everything with no out of pocket expenses would you stop useing them because they stopped paying travel pay I think not. Just be happy you get the little you do get. Then after I left the Hospital and rode the shuttle back to the parking deck the guy that was complaining the most got on a new motorcycle now just how much did the gas cost him for his trip...We used to say in the Army a B*t*hing GI is a happy one guess that also applies to the VA. Sgt D

DanielRioux
I have been working with a VSO. They recommend I just lay low and quietly accept my disability pay. I guess the reasoning is that if I push for P&T it could go the other way and I might lose my 100%.

I am in a similar situation - 100% Temp for 6 or so years. I have received mixed information on moving forward to get P&T. I have been working with my doctors to document my case so that I can get it done.