Question:
Jim, I came across your website shortly after receiving my rating from the VA. While I was on active duty, I rarely went into the hospital for anything.( I know that I've been for shaving profiles due to razor bumps on my face, but nothing more than that.) When I left the military, I was told that I needed to check into the VA where I'll be living. I explained to them at that time a few of the injuries that I suffered. Fast forward to present and I've had my C&P for PTSD, my back and my knees and I received my letter for my rating. However I am not satisfied with the outcome of the exams. I feel that there was a language issue with the Dr doing the exam for my back and knee. He said a lot of things that I didn't understand and every time I tried to explain to him what the issue was he would say something else. All this stuff is very new to me and I feel like I'm lost most of the time in limbo. I've read over the letters that the VA has sent me, but they don't say anything about how to go about getting another C&P exam for any of the issues if I don't agree with what the examiner put down. Do you have any tips or advise to steer me in the right direction? Your help is greatly appreciated
Jim's Reply:
When we file a claim the process is pretty simple. You file the claim, the VA starts investigating your claim, a C & P exam occurs, a rater reviews all the collected information and issues a decision to you.
If you aren't happy with the decision for any reason, you have to appeal. If you believe that something was denied when it should have been approved or if you believe the rating is wrong, you must formally appeal. Unless and until you appeal, there's nothing else to be done.