VA OIG: VA Forcing Unwarranted Reexaminations of Disabled Veterans
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
- A recent report from the VA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found that VBA has been requiring large numbers of veterans to attend unwarranted C&P reexaminations to maintain their VA benefits (even Veterans deemed permanently disabled!). This process often opens a veteran's VA rating up to reevaluation, which could lead to an increased or reduced VA disability rating. While necessary reexaminations are important, unwarranted reexaminations waste appropriated funds, can cause undue hardships for veterans, and reduce the efficiency and timeliness of VA claim processing.
Join us to learn what the OIG found going wrong at the VBA, and the recommendations offered to correct the issues affecting disabled veterans.
Read the Report Here: www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-17-...
VA Disability Rating Reexaminations and Reevaluations: cck-law.com/blog/va-disabilit...
Is My VA Disability Rating Permanent? cck-law.com/veterans-law/is-m...
Learn About CCK Law: cck-law.com/why-hire-cck-for-...
Feel free to ask questions, give us feedback, or request new veterans' law topics below! And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE so you won’t miss future videos. Visit our website at cck-law.com or call (888) 559-1385.
0:00 Introduction
0:15 What Did the VA OIG Find?
0:29 How VA Reexaminations Work
1:00 What Is the Problem With Unwarranted Reexaminations? VA's Past With This Issue
1:43 The Stats: Large Percentages of Veterans Attended Needless Reexaminations
2:24 What Went Wrong?
3:13 OIG Recommendations for VA Improvements
What are your thoughts on this OIG report? Did you have to undergo an unwarranted exam?
No, but I had problems with OIG doing THEIR job and due to their incompetence I have an Appeal languishing for years.
I am currently having to attend a second Exam after a favorable initial exam.
That’s exactly what I’m dealing with right now. I filed a claim for multiple issues (increases and new). I had a regular derm. exam in Nov 22 for bilateral foot fungus that’s 30% service-connected rated since 2001 (22 yrs). I had my C&P exam on Dec 5, 2022. Well two weeks ago I was awarded an increase from 80 to 90% (30% nephrolithiasis & 30% secondary depression for knees). I still have other deferred decisions I’m still waiting on (CKD- declining eGfr levels, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, secondary feet pain to knees, gerd along w/ my current 30% bilateral foot fungus) and TDIU
I scheduled a follow-up appt. with dermatology back in Jan 2023 for recurring issues on feet that I have coming up on Mar 31st, 2023. But last week I received a email that I was going to be re-examined soon for another C&P for all remaining deferred decisions including my 22 yr. service-connected bilateral 30%-foot fungus. I asked my DAV rep. about it but he was literally clueless and kept trying to rush me out the door. He just kept telling me that they can’t take away your 22 yr. service connected for any reason because it was protected.
I had my 5 year review last year. They immediately set me up for a review 1 year later which was this year and reduced my disability from 100 to 80. I had no idea about it until I received a phone call to schedule an appointment. Even the doctor didn't know why I was there and still reduced me
Hell no, we don't want to do all these forced, unwarranted reexaminations, ESPECIALLY for PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). It's so invasive and demeaning! We're freaking sick of it! Or at least I am!
I had a re-exam. The Dr actually started laughing and wondered if the VA thought body parts could grow back...
Sorry for your loss.
@@SwoleKitchen thank you, be Blessed...
Obviously the VA has been reading either comic books or think that all Veterans are Lizzards.
OMG…. I thought this only happened to me.
Katonka, Been there and done that in a manner of speaking. VA awarded me SC hearing loss back in the early 2000's saying it would not get better and I would go deaf. They also awarded me SC over broken bones saying they would only get worse along with some other SC disabilities. Now my claims started in about 1990 and progressed like this: 10%, 30%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 100%. Yes it took VA 30 years knowing nothing would get better to award me 100% T&P.
Oh as for the 60% to 70% that was a trip. VA did not pay the difference between 60% to 70% which was retro to 6 years back. Then it took 3 years of calling VA every month before they fixed the problem.
Our vets deserve so much better than they get.
There's a lot of people who have claims that don't deserve them
@@anthonyj5298 I don't know any of those people.
They sexually assaulted me and it took 19 years to win individual unemployability and ssdi disability. It took five years to process claim with a lawyer. Won my appeal and got everything and 70K in back pay and yes I was found to be permanently disabled. God is good.
And there alot veteras that served in Korea war and Vietnam and they don't get help. I have a brother's that served in Nam and was shot three times he got his disability at the age of 64 how about that. You think the system is fair.
@@ernestogarza7300 it's broken for sure..
I had to undergo another exam and I couldn't understand why. It jolted me back into yet another painful dissociative episode. I am grateful for the mental health team here in AR. So far the PTSD clinic here has helped me through my MST. I hope this mess stops.
Many of us would put those boots back on today if ever called just because of the sheer love we have for our country. We do not deserve this.
-USAF Veteran
100%!
As a US Army veteran OIF III, i used to have to get re-evaluated every damn year! Now they leave me alone because I’ll fly off the handle. I’m so sorry you had to endure that crap again. Hooah brother ❤ Stay strong!
BULL fkn SHIT would i would my boots. back on. Speak for yourself, pal. Be honest, you really wouldn't either.
❤
Unwarranted reexamination are very scary for a veteran. It makes us worry that our disability will be taken away for unwarranted reason. Can you imagine no change in you issues and having to be required to be reexamined knowing their is not change. It is super stressful thinking they may reduce you rating for no reason. It is scary and very stressful.
What a way to thank them for their service.
Because we are not Ukrainian
Meanwhile athletes are geting paid millions 🤦🏽♂️
Happened to me. I had al heart attack two years ago, and then the VA cut my disability in half from 40% to 20%, claiming my "heart condition has improved." After a heart attack. Great job, VA.
I appreciate this as re exam reference MST PTSD is very traumatizing for me. I end up in excruciating pain / depression. Then, there is another recovery time for me to get back to every day tasks.
Sorry you had to do that. My PTSD exams were hard enough.
My thoughts exactly. I was in horrible state for days afterwards and had to call my therapist and Veteran’s hotline to receive it in the first place.
I avoided even speaking with the va for nearly 30 years. My episodes ruined my marriage, took me out of my family’s lives and destroyed my trust in anyone claiming to help.
Now just two years after I finally got help from them, they want to cut us off.
I must say, this was my actual fear, they ruin your life, dangle a carrot and then yank it away.
Quite honestly it’s par for the course.
I thoroughly regret serving.
I'm dealing with the exact scenario Theresa. It really got to me. Put me in a major depression for a week and a half. 💜💜
@@tyronmegawatts6580 excruciating. I disassociated partly in the first exam.
All I can say is C& P examiners some are not Honest when filling out THE DBQ VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. But VA wants us to be honest and then turn us down on a disability claim. Thank You for your help and the information to all veterans ❤
Why we have lawyers and CC
VA run and owned by deep state mafia, killing disabled vets is profitable for them, watch your back....
Some of the CNP employee are retard and dont know their job why the VA hired them is beyond my knowledge! Good luck to all Vets!
Just more stress and anxiety put on a veteran that already suffers from it
I can tell you that every time I had a claim the VA would make 3 or 4 exams a month apart all over the state at much personal expense and everytime I get a review they change my date from when disability started.
Thank you! They have been driving me crazy with back to back appointments. Missing work! Stressing me out with unnecessary processes and no answers. Frustrated! Thank you for some clarity. Bless you.
They messed up my dates on my claims. My lawyer and I have been fighting this for over a year now and it’s gotten to the point he’s speaking with whoever is in control of it all. Needless to say he had no idea his VA team was doing things incorrectly and thousands of Veterans are getting hosed with dates and back pay. Lack of training there is insane.
Ridiculous sorry your going trough it. If they need save money they need cut their pay.
my husband was in Hospice when they kept calling us to have him travel over 2 hours to have an examination. Even though we told them he was dying and in Hospice they continually called him. After he died in April of 2022 they called asking us to boo his appointment even though they said that they would make note of the fact he was incapable of traveling and having his Oncologist write a letter attesting to it.
I’m so sorry for your loss; and that you had to deal with such callous behavior from some VA reps. Unconscionable!
Do not messed with military veterans. All politicians will be serious troubles losing their job, if continued disrespected US military veterans...
I don't think they care, messing with Veterans goes back decades. The current care is insuring Ukraine gets benefits not Veterans.
I guess they don’t care about the OEF OIF Vets who are still young waiting on the reset. Time will tell maybe sooner than later. F this administration
Politicians are selected not elected; they don't care about uprisings from the sheeple.
They tried this with me I took 2 C&P exams in sept last year and two months later they tried to send me to take the same exam again. I told them i just took that exam and I have a copy of the DBQ, If they would have deny me I would have did a HLR but yesterday I finally got my decision of 100% P&T. I glad i dont have to deal with them any longer with the claim process.
@Mr. INTP Congrats 👏
How do you get a copy of the DBQs?
@@LROTV After your C&P exam wait for about 2 weeks then you go to your regional office and ask for a copy. Its the only way to know what the Examiner wrote and if you get a denial or low ball claim you can appeal what the examiner left off the DBQ
I have 2 DBQs I need. I went to the ROI(release of information) office to request them. They told me because they comp and pen appointments were handled by third-party LHI and VES, they would not be available through ROI. I will be contacting the national helpdesk tomorrow to get this cleared up.
@@billbearden7301 Yea if LHi or VES do the C&P they may take a little longer to upload your DBQ to the system. To avoid making an unnecessary trip to your regional office call the 800 to see if your DBQ is uploaded to your file once they confirm you can pick it up from your Regional office. My Regional office is close but some offices are very far from ppl house so call the 800 number at least once a week after your exam
Thanks CCK for supporting disabled veterans ! You are doing God's work !
Because you are that tight with God? Fraud.
Gods work doesn’t take 30% of your backpay nor does God only help those that he can see a huge win in it for himself either…
I’m glad OIG is getting involved !
But for some it’s too late because they’ve already lowered or taken away those veterans benefits
@Omar Zazzle, It's not how you pick your nose that counts, but where you wipe the booger. LOL
Great Job. I am a disabled vet that was med ret with over 20 yrs svc and will not attempt to get higher rate because I will not be dispected by persons working for ins co. Great Video.
Every time I have to go to the VA my fucking PTSD spikes through the roof.
I am a combat veteran with a masters in film production and theory. I would love if you folks got in touch with me. I would 100% advise you on how to film these types of videos.
I have ischemic heart disease from agent orange (among many other things) the VA examiner asked me if I could mow my yard. I told her I could because I had a small yard and a riding lawnmower but it still took me 5 or six days. I could mow for between 5 and ten minutes before having to quit for the day. That little bit of honesty cost me 20 points on my disability.
you dumbb.. she gave you a chance..
We need to get in there, And make sure their employment gets reexamined.
Thank you for being so informative to veterans
Now we know how you cut cost . We send tax dollars to Ukraine and Illegal Immigrants, then inconvenience the Vets while Congress gives themselves 500% raises every year.
500%, a little hyperbole?
@Terry Dougherty . No, it's not. Just look at their bank accounts. Polisi is worth over $100 million dollars on a government salary.
@@roshow98 and McConnel? How about Trump's Son-in-Law, Jared? A little party loyal are you?
@Johnny Faught ohhhh. Waters, AOC, and the rest of them. Keep sending money to the Ukraine is a lossing cause. So Biden can keep laundering money. He's was broke when he left the Obhama administration.
@@JohnnyLawBMCTrump’s son is not a politician. Pelosi was fined for insider trading.
But YES… politicians on BOTH sides have become rich.
Correct me if I’m wrong but Hillary and Bill has the “Clinton foundation” but does any Republicans have that set up? They were paid millions for speeches and consulting.
Then you have the Bidens who have literally been paid by Russia, Ukraine, Saudi and China.
What’s sad is the “American public” and the Biden weaponized law enforcement is going after Trump for something that happened before his presidency and it was with a porn star. Hush money. Very similar to Bill’s hush money. Even though the statute of limitation is ran out (according to CNN) they still want to pursue it.
Now be honest… which is the greatest threat to our government and way of life… A. stormy daniels and the hush money or B. Biden getting paid from Russia, Ukraine, Saudi, and China and Joe helping Russia, Ukraine, Saudi and China.. not to forget that Hunter was selling his finger paintings for HALF a MILLION DOLLARS from the house they found classified documents in a box
Come on man.
I am 40 with p&t, do not see the VA at all and I'm not overly concerned about getting a reduction. My plan prior to watching this video was to specifically ask them to provide legal grounds for any future revaluations and to ask to see what objective evidence was used to decide one was needed. They must show sustained improvement to actually do a reduction which is a high bar and they're only supposed to request a re-eval when there is legal grounds to do so. If they can't provide legal ground for re-eval or proof of sustained improvement then, afaik, they can't reduce me. I should have gotten medical retirement and p&t 17 years ago instead of 20% dod/medical discharge and then low ball 30% from the VA for 15 years(went to 100% p&t about 2 years ago). I've rarely gotten treatment in the past 17 years so I don't see how they can expect the next 17 to be any different.
Read my comment up above. You should definitely think twice about that. I’m 42 they just reduced mine and just literally picked two of my ailments out of the fucking hat and said SIKE..you’re cured of those without seeing me without contacting me without anything I had to find out by applying for a loan and needing to provide proof of income, and getting my VA letter to find out, it has been ongoing for the past three months. I was clueless so now I have to deal with this headache. I was at 90% for the last nine years and in fact, should have been well over 100% this entire time because Tuesday I’ve got to get my mental evil witch. I also suffer from PTSD and was treated for but yet they never scheduled me a mental eval, and I had no clue it was my first time getting out of the military my first time going to the VA. I didn’t know one from 2. They should’ve done all that I did my part as far as I knew I did everything I was supposed to, but I don’t know I found out years later I should’ve been getting a lot more than what I’ve been getting into this day I haven’t. but definitely don’t think they won’t do it because they sure af did it to me
What's p&t?
@@Stay-vigilant permanent and total (permanent 100%)
someone could be tdiu, total disability based on individual unemployability, or 100% and have p&t. To have p&t someone must have total disability via either tdiu or 100% rating and all of their conditions must be considered "static" by the VA. There are a few ways a condition, or all conditions, could be considered static and are covered in "38 CFR § 3.327 - Reexaminations". Some examples could be how in many cases simply being over 55 is enough, evidence of sustained symptoms for 5 years or more, etc.
My private MD used to work at VA says I have PTSD. Also my spine specialist says I'm disabled. However I haven't been to va in some years so if they do a review I think that is going to be a problem.
Yes, my husband lost his leg broke his back and neck. And they made him go every two years for reexamination. Finally dr told them he was completely and totally disabled and unemployable. Parachute accident while serving.
That total unemployable part of the pay will now disappear when your hubby turns 67.
@@dianebrady6784 no it does not.
I went to the VA back in 77' trying to get help for an injury that happened while I was overseas in 72-73. The doc told me that I was never in the Army, that I had taken someone else's DD214, whited out their name and typed in mine. She told me to get out, that she was calling security and that I should be ashamed of trying to get medical help at the VA. I couldn't believe it, I served honorably for 3 years active then 3 years inactive reserves. I enlisted for the draft in 72' that's why the 3 years instead of 4 years active. I went back to the VA in 2009 to see if they believed me
this time. They told me that yes, I had served but no, they would not do anything for me since I made too much money and could pay for my own medical treatment. I have only one thing to say about the VA and the people I came in contact with. F--k the VA and everyone associated with them.
That seems crazy to me I'm sure the gov has all our records stored somewhere. With me non service connected I have to show I'm in financial need and disabled.
should have got a lawyer when they said you never served
@@george31531 I was just 21 and it never occurred to me to get a lawyer. I told my father who was a retired Colonel in the USAF and he couldn't believe they had treated me that way. Back then the VA motto was, "delay and deny until they die." And that's the way it was.
You let yourself get pushed around? Geez
Great quality production. CCK rocks!
There’s a lot of fraud out there. And plenty of people who truly qualify who don’t get the benefits.
Not as much fraud as one might think, the process is pretty thorough.
Fully agree, there is a lot of fraud. Re-examine periodically and cut out the fake ones so the legitimate disabled vets can get the benefits they have earned.
I sure hope you're a veteran and not someone who doesn't know what the *fill in the blank* they're talking about
@@chrisboyer4194 I am a 100% disabled combat vet.
@@radamson1 ok.....and? So am I
Thank goodness. 1st SC C&P contractor failed to examine my shins or hands in 2020. Gave false report to the VA saying I had no scaring on shins and only right hand issue. He sat across the room the whole time, never looked at my hands or shins. Then Sep 2020 SC female C&P contractor took pictures and measurements of the scars on both shins, checked my back and hands (she said the VA didn't send her my C-file). The VA still didn't make a determination. Jul 2022 they telling me I have to take a 3rd exam and now they have to find a C&P contractor in Panama 🇵🇦 and train them up. I'm wondering what happened to the evidence from the 2.5 hrs I was in the SC office in 2021? Now I'm still waiting on them to train a Panamanian contractor because they failed to make the determination in 10 months. Yet for the Tennitis and Pinguecula C&P Panama 🇵🇦 appoints, the determination was a quick turnaround and received a rating decision. 🤔 OH snap, now I think I know why... there is a conflict with the 2 C&P contractors and I already caught the SC VA eye doctor falsely saying I don't have Pinguecula thank goodness I scheduled back to back appointments with the private doctors who said I do. Then the VA didn't approve it until after the Panamanian appointment.
I'll read this report because there is a lot of validity and trends observed in my 1st hand experiences going through this VA and military medical processes, findings in medical review articles/journals (scholarly writing), and the experiences of those who served before me and currently. So far I count 3 C&P contractors who falsified accounts of exams.
As a Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA) employee, the best thing to do is use a specific VSO representative such as the VFW, American Legion, DAV, etc. Then, get a specific person. If she or he leaves the organization, request an audit of benefits before working with another VSO. After the age of 55, no one should be getting re-examined unless it's a disability based on temporary measures.
Yet they do whatever they want! Without consequences....
A man brother !!! let's see what these SO-CALLED reexaminers ideas would be like if they were a disabled Vet. and one of these " so-called educated idiots " benefits were being threatened to be taken away . Then ask what there ideas on Rexaminations !!!!!
@@johnathanmccullum5870 then mandate all congress members & the POTUS use a VA hospital and regular Healthcare! See how quickly that crap changes!
A DAV employee that was doing my re exam a few months after I had surgery for cancer talked to me like I was stealing my benefits out of his pocket, he told me I should be lucky and thankful for what I got and I said, out of the 6 pages of ailments and looking through the 3 over stuffed military volumes and half of the ailments not rated I should be thankful? I said, well damn after serving 20yrs on active duty I don't deserve benefits...🤔🤔🤔. He really pissed me off...and of course they messed around with around with my rating🤬
@@MsPhillyG damn I'm sorry about that! The USAF booted me at 18 years so I'm not getting a pension but have to buy it back from my current job...but we're disabled because of forced injections and we now have those unintended consequences but we're supposed to be thankful? Yeah I don't ever remember giving anyone consent to be a medical experiment! Never heard of vaccine injuries or side effects. I qas told they were mandatory and "safe and effective"! Now the world is the guinea pigs. Makes me pissed beyond beyond measure! I hope you find another rep! Clearly they're not helping us!
PS transgenders are non-deployable assets and can stay in but the injured in the LINE OF DUTY are kicked out! Shameful!
As a Disabled Veteran that your firm handled my case against the VA after the VA disapproved it when the DAV was handling it I first wish to thank you for everytthing your firm did for me. I currently recieve 70% disability but since I can no longer work in the law enforcemnt carrear that I was trained for and worked in I currently recieve 100%. My heath has gotten worst in the past 10 years but I have not been given a updated disability compensation which I know would be required a new examination and I would summent to that if I was ordered to by the VA if your firm advised me to do so. In the past 3 years it has become even harder to walk or move without exteme pain. I have brought all of this to my PCP's at the Houston VA but each time it seams that they refuse to listen to my concerns which is something I have come to know so very well and not surprized at all. I am concerned about the future of my case and I can only hope that your firm will aways be there for us veterans. Again thank you for everything your firm has done for us veterans.
This process is ridiculous.
I've been a client of CCK for about 5 years now and even with legal representation I still get kicked back on so many things.
My last C&P exam when I told the person I wasn't able to talk to people like parents and siblings, it was noted in the report that I had "healthy and stable relationships and interactions with family and friends."
This process is made intentionally difficult in order to reject as many veterans as possible. There's no accountability or review for the people who conduct these examinations. Every time I go I have to tell a totally random stranger about the things that happened in Afghanistan.
Thank you CCK for bringing this to light.
VBA SES's need to be held accountable! Call them on the carpet in Congress and demand change.
The VA needs make it easier to make our benefits permanent without further reviews. The stress I deal with every day wondering if I will lose the benefits that I spent 33 trying to figure out how to get them and 15 years of that constantly fighting for benefits that I should have easily gotten from the beginning. How will this system ever be fixed because the way it is just causes more stress and depression and even suicide among Veterans.
I got re examined last year, worked in my favor since I ended up with an increase from 90 to 100 with SMC-S
This happened to me. I have been commenting on your live videos about this stuff. They did it to me more than 3 TIMES!!
I went through a re-examination. Doctor asked if I had any improvement, told him no, it was the same. Received a letter from VA a month later dropping my disability 10%.
If I wanted to fight it, I’d have to rent a room and hire lawyers and front all the costs to have everyone come to hear my case. Oh, and if I lost, I’d lose even more benefits.
How can they evaluate non service connected we don't have a per cent rating.
Get a service organization like vfw or dav involved. They will fight for you
The VA should pay the Lawyers for all the VA screw-ups and fraudulent examinations causing all these problems!
The VA denied my knee problems multiple times. I went to a regular knee doctor on my own insurance and he said my knee was the worst he had seen. I've had 2 knee surgeries and both my knees have a rating of 10. But the VA refuses to work on them. I should probably file a lawsuit against them for my pain and suffering and neglect.
My VA doctor is a jerk I took my vitamin supplements with me one visit..told these were prescribed by my private doctor so I felt safe in taking them she didn't approve of any of them. Even said one vitamin was doing more harm then good.
Subscriber now. Thank you for your information. It would destroy my family if I lost my benefits.
It took me 3 years, three different states for separate examinations, and a lawyer to get my benefits 14 years ago. I just got home from another exam less than an hour ago. Was looking at TH-cam and saw this video. TBI and RT shoulder are my problems, I just wish they would stop monkeying around with my meds!
Thank you so much for this info. The VA is unaccountable to anyone. I have proof the VA lied to my Senator when she got involved in my complained about the VA. I had to fight the VA for approx 9 months, get my Senator and Repetitive involved and then email all of them in the same email so they can explain the VA error and return the $11,000 they took from me. The VA doesn't answer to anyone! This is the problem with the VA!
Thank you for this update and information.
Yeah I literally had a VISN 2 director lie to a senators office with impunity. They don't care
I had a mental health exam in February and was rated 50% for PTSD in March. Now in April just 2 weeks later I'm already being scheduled for another mental health exam next week. Seems crazy. Quite curious to see how it will go, my symptoms haven't changed at all in such a short time obviously. They also sent me for a second audiology exam, because somehow they had trouble service-connecting Tinnitus to an IED (the IED perforated my eardrums, among other injuries unrelated to audiology).
I had one today, probably why this popped up in my feed. It was requested in 2020 but it just happened. So it was only 2 years after the previous one. It is ridiculous that I have to keep revisiting my trauma. At least this time I'm already having problems but the last time I was doing alright until I started thinking about it. Idk what's going to happen with this but I'm already 100% so hopefully I'll never have to be re-examed again because it's rough.
Thank You Chisholm & Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD , For this report. Air Force 1966-70.
I had a VA disability examination with a second party agency working with the VA 4 Months ago, it was found that I have an injury in my back which was credited by the va after the second party confirm it. Not even 5 months I am asked again to go do another examination for the same injury through a different second party. It’s deplorable that Veterant like me who put their life on the line are treated like thief.
Thank You Maura Black and Chisolm, Chisolm and Kilpatrick for this report you all your firm are doing for our Veterans. I am sharing this on all our social media. Our Talkingwithheroes website that started 15 years ago will relaunch soon. I would like to be able to invite your Firm to be on our site when that happens. Thank You Bob Calvert
Will be paying attention to this issue now that I am aware. This is not what we want to do for those who served and are suffering.
While the Medical Staff tries hard to help Veterans! Unfortunately the BVA has put in place a Delay, and Deny until Dead on Veterans, andtheir Claims!
yes I was forced to return to a Dr. an hour and a half away for a pending TBI claim. The Dr. examined me and said shockingly there was no change to my TBI. He was also aggravated he had to redo paperwork for same exam same claim.
Thank you Maura for this news.
My last Comp & Pen was 11 Oct 2022. Got notified in Feb that they want to re-examine me. My next Comp & Pen is 6 Apr 2023. They will be looking at 3 items, 2 of which are max level right now, so on 2 items I can not go up, can only go down, I'm so depressed now waiting for this V.A. ordered Comp & Pen. I am over 55, and the two that are maximum, I've got comp for them for 20 years and they are service connected.
I've been persecuted by my V.A. for years now. I get worse everyday and all I get is a cackling nurse or practitioner saying, "ha ha ha. Get the shot then". Something like that. I had a "psych" doc tell me all about taking my "kids" (he's 32), put me in a straitjacket, reprogram me, and give me shock treatments. I was in remission then.
A lot of depends on the state you are in. Would have liked to know in which states had the most frequent re exams.
Thank you! I went through this😢!
I also keep getting messages from VA about how QTC will be contacting me to set up an appointment. 2 out of last 3 times, they just sent FedEx with an appointment date and time without ever calling. Once it gave me 3 days notice. That was the review by the NP.
There are two categories of Service Connected Disabilities of which both equally pay the 100 percent disability monthly amount. One category is the straight 100 percent disability. this can be changed pending periodic physical examinations. The other category is very similar but has an "unemployable" attachment to it. In this case the veteran is rated at 80 percent but still received the 100 percent monthly amount but this rating is not prone to benefit re-exam and stays permanent in all benefits and aspects. Now that covers the two categories of Service Connected Disabilities. (Apart from that there are possibilities of Non Service Disability Allowances for Veterans but that is a separate matter.)
Nope. 100% P&T is above IU 100%.
Grab your packet, turn to page 4.
Look for DEA. (DEPENDENT EDUCATION BENEFITS)
Bingo!
Only fraud can lower that.
Having seen where the CBO is proposing two options to reduce benefit payouts starting in 2024 (reducing payout if your household makes over $150k and reaching 0% payout at $175k and another reducing pay out by 30% when you reach Social Security retirement age (67)), makes me wonder if these re-evals are part of a bureaucratic push to lower the cost by lowering disability percentages. I am very glad I've avoided going back to the VA when my back problems have gotten a little worse here and there. When I did my eval, I was doing a lot of standing on concrete for my job so my back was bothering me all the time. Since then I've gotten into office jobs and have learned how to manage my back so I'm worried they'd lower my rating. And that check isn't just play money for me, it's a decent chunk of my monthly budget.
There would be blood in the streets..
I have disabled shoulder permanent nerve damage done to electrolysis that was given to me at the VA and PTSD and they've really reevaluated me twice
What's your rating
Thanks for clearing this up for me but I know that a lot of veterans request re examinations. Why do you suppose they do that? That is also costing a lot of money if they have already been denied benefits because a disability was not caused by the military and they want to be re-evaluated again or if they are actually service-connected and then in the next year or two they want to be re-evaluated again because they are not satisfied with the percentage assigned I guess? There is also a lot of malingering going on as well. Perhaps this topic has already been discussed. I will search and I will subscribe.
I think the OIG for getting involved in this by putting stricter requirements towards the rating systems, however I still think a great deal of these Va. Raters will still continue in this practice until one actually get's caught doing it and the proof in the pudding for most to see will be the type of punishment that'll be garnered.. and if it isn't Jail and a real stiff fine then it'll just look like all the other policies that's getting kicked down the road that have an effect on the veteran ...however I guess it's a start hopefully in the right direction
Kinda like how the VA neurologist wrongfully recanted my RRMS diagnosis in 2018 and removed copaxone from my rx list. It's now matured into PPMS.
I’m going through a unwarranted reexamination right now. I had a C&P exam 4 weeks ago. And Optum Serve just sent me a email to take another C&P examination for the same thing.
@@Quinnock My understanding it doesn’t matter anymore.
So. Let's get this straight. It takes a year to be seen by a VA doctor 2 times because they are so slow. Then they add this into the mix. I bet this will have more and faster appointments than oh I don't know let's say a follow-up visit for a cancer screening. Put money on that. 😢
I have 4 remanded issues in PR VA Hospital for compensation for asthma an back problems because the Dr. Didn't like the results or because they committed an error on the exam.
I got a letter stating the va was dropping my ptsd from 70 to 50% based off an appointment where I clearly stated I was on meds and medicinal marijuana and the counselor reported I refused meds and neglected to include my homicidal and suicidal ideations. Be careful out there folks. Thankfully I have the DAV and am scheduling an upper level review to remedy this situation. When we got the pay raise for cola tons of vets started seeing rates dropped to insure they didn’t have to pay the raise. Make sure you have a service organization representing you.
USMC here. I have gotten very disgusted with the quality of service with the medical I receive, and I have thought about getting some high end insurance. But it will not change the attitude of service I get I would be waisting money on my co pays, and the insurance company would be waisting money. I just had a cardiologist take away my main blood pressure med, and replace it with another that was giving me really bad problem. Long story short my doctor would not give any feed back nor will the nurses call me back. Finally a nurse called, and she had a not so nice attitude. So I told her I'm not taking one of those pills and gave reason why. But is it ok to take my regular blood pressure pill she said yes. Well time has moved on, and I will need my BPpill soon. There is no transparency on having a talk before acting. Disgusted
Is this a nation wide thing? Sorry if I missed it. I live in nevada, and I haven’t been asked for a re examination. I did ask for one last year, because I needed one for work, and that ended up showing my condition got worse.
I thought there was a new report this year on this issue. The link in the description box is from the report back in 2018.
I need surgery, when I went to the VA, they ordered a reexamination of ALL of my awarded claims. After I complied, they threatened to reduce my disability rating by almost 70% if I went through with the surgery I really need. That was almost 4 years ago and I haven’t been back since.
Thank you for that awesome informative video!
I bacame P&T last year and am concerned about unwarranted re-exams. I know that P&T are not suppose to be subject to C&P re-exams , but in the event that VBA schedules an unwarranted C&P re-exam, what can we do about?
Are forced to comply to these unwarranted exams or can we seek private medical opinion doctors?
What can we do to avoid such C$P exams ?
Thanks again
You won't have a routine future if your P&T. The only way if you have cancers.
IN YOUR SITUATION EXPECT THEM TO PULL SOME BULLSHIT WITHIN 5 YRS SMH!!!! WHEN THE TIME COMES THEY'RE GOING TO TRY TO TRIP YOU UP FROM THE MOMENT YOU WALK IN THE DOOR UNLESS YOUR TOTALLY OUT OF YOUR MIND OR A FAMILY MEMBER ISN'T BRINGING YOU IN A WHEELCHAIR AND YOU JUST GOT OFF THE LIFE SUPPORT MACHINE 😆😆😆..... THEY'LL GREET YOU & ACT LIKE THEY 💕💕💕 YOU & ASK HOW ARE YOU DOING TODAY???? AND AUTOMATICALLY BY HUMAN NATURE YOUR GOING TO RESPOND I'M FEELING GOOD & WHEN THEY TRY TO REDUCE WHAT YOU I'M ASSUMING ALREADY WENT THROUGH HELL & BACK TO GET WHAT YOU EARNED BY " SERVING YOUR COUNTRY"..... AND SAY WHEN THE VETERAN WAS ASKED HOW WAS HE DOING? AND HE OR SHE RESPONDED BACK THAT YOU FELT GOOD & WAS IN NO DISTRESS "... AND THAT'S THE REASON YOU WERE REDUCED & MOST LIKELY IF YOUR STILL ALIVE OR DAMN NEAR DEAD MIGHT GET PERMANENT AGAIN!!! WHEN THEY ASK YOU HOW ARE DOING? SAY " I'M TOTALLY FUCKED UP"!!!! THEY'RE JUST LIKE THE POLICE WHEN YOUR ARRESTED " ANYTHING YOU SAY ...CAN & WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU" 💯💯💯 T&P IS A TRAP BECAUSE IF YOU WORK AND A SOCIAL SECURITY # IS ATTACHED THEY'LL FUCK WITH YOU OVER THAT!!!! AT THE END OF THE DAY THEY'RE TRYING THIS TACTIC TO RECOUP THE MONEY THEY SHAMELESSLY SPENT & ABUSED & NOW HAVE TO BE ACCOUNTABLE !!!!!! BUT IN YOUR SITUATION YOU SHOULD BE OK.... BECAUSE CONGRESS HAD TO TAKE OVER & BECAUSE THE VA FROM THE WORDS OF THE VA SECRETARY " THE VA HAS FAILED VETERANS FOR OVER 30 YEARS" SMH!!!!
Situation: Veteran receives positive decision letter notifying him that his claim has been approved for all disability conditions applied for and for which he has already received the first month's benefits. (Yey! or so he thinks). The contract C&P exam office continues to send e-mails to the veteran putting him on notice for yet another exam that the VA Regional examiner is planning and to wait for further directions. Bear in mind that the veteran has already gone to four C&P exams including for the approved condition for which they plan to re-examine. The veteran, who has a logical mind, believes that perhaps it's a once planned exam that is obviously already completed but is now a "hanging chad" in their to-do book that no one has taken the initiative to delete. Tried discussing this with someone at the VA Regional Office. Impossible! The reps on the phone will only re-iterate the general information that is in their claim status website and are obviously bothered that the veteran is inquiring about the issue. In the meantime, the veteran is a nervous wreck imagining all sorts of worse case scenarios. Any comments!
@@Quinnock I second that. Do this ASAP.
If I get a records c&p, I will ask for a MRI, before they begin...it has been quite a few years since my last. They will have to do a records review from there.
Excellent reporting!!!❤ We get harassed by some of these VA folks!!!! I did an exam in November, Pact Act items. The VA said in February 2023 I had to do them again!!! I’m like what the hell for same test and exam for pact act! They did listen and let the MD evaluate the record for a medical opinion!!!! Some veterans may not fight or don’t have any support. Just push back on the dumb stuff, use logic!!! And hopefully they will listen!!😊
Hey, I have a question. Is the Pact act a registry with a questionnaire, or do you have to file like you do with a normal claim?
I retired Oct 22 and was given 30% for flat feet. The VA required me to do a new C&P last week Apr 23. They are saying I had flat feet when I joined the Army.
The headline had me stressing for a second I've been at P&T since early 2016 with no exams since Jan 2016.
This is good, do you know how many people scam the system? ALOT, the scammers are out there
I tore my labrum a few years into service due to training, misdiagnosis, and docs who basically called me a malingerer and said I was not welcome back to their office for my shoulder issue. Found out a couple of years later after being left to deal with it on my own, when I went for an MRI it showed I had a torn labrum. VA said it's not service connected
If it’s in your service medical record you should lawyer up.
I got out in 2000. Had a litany of issues. Tried to reenlist after 9/11 and the head doc at MEPS told me I should have been medically retired. Told me to go to the VA.
I went and filed the paperwork for my claims and they denied me.
Two years ago I restarted my claims and just a few months ago after scheduling me for every exam under the sun they finally rated me at 60%. My attorney has been on top of things and said we are pushing for 100% and back pay to my initial date of denial.
Never give up.
VBA stopped doing RFE’s over a year ago, EXCEPT for cancers. Skeletal, MH and others are no longer done.
I have been contacted about a c&p exam for behavioral issues, the lady said they already have 2 opinions, so here is the third. I don’t know what opinions they are talking about.
I’m glad this video was posted the OIG is correct for doing this, for many years I was denied rightful benifits I utilized DAV, VSO’s etc etc, and was denied continuously once I retained a law firm to help me I was finally given my benifits years later. I hate to say awarded because it doesn’t feel like a award considering all the extra pain and trauma I had to endure going through the claims process my life is ruined from my prior service and every time I received favorable opinions even from VA doctors I’d find myself being reexamined for the same issues and as soon as something unfavorable was documented the VA would cut and paste it all over my medical records and future exams, the fact is you have to fight for your life with the VA it’s not a friendly or easy process as the literature the VA puts out about assisting implies. VSO’s DAV etc a lot of those people really care and some don’t but it’s free so they are overwhelmed and most times can’t pay attention to detail on your claim it’s best to retain a reputable law firm to help most disabled veterans disabilities really do prevent them from being active in fighting for themselves and VA law is extremely confusing even if your an educated person a law firm is equipped to help you correctly and paying the fees for me it was a wise choice for me rather than continuing to do it myself because 100 percent of nothing is exactly that! but 60 to 70 percent of something pays rent and helps me to survive after being unable to provide and function for myself for so long. I hope the OIG makes the desperately needed changes!
Pretty much the same here. Even after admitting a "duty to assist" error still have not received a favorable outcome. And likecthe article state have had to endure numerous re-exams. They refuse to do the testing required to confirm my diagnosis(s)... Shamefull
@@randallrankin8787 😑 yes it is!! Randall keep fighting don’t give up because that seems to be the VA’s defense to initially deny everything in hopes that you’ll just give up then they keep up with the denials for years and once they realize your not going to back down and have legitimate evidence they then try to discredit you and your evidence. It’s crazy to me it feels like a nasty initiation they put you through but I find that those who don’t give up eventually get their benifits but it mostly happens after hiring a lawyer!! If you don’t have a lawyer you should really seek a law firm to help it took me over 5 plus years and that’s with having evidence in my C-file as well and I’m still fighting other claims so I understand and I sincerely wish you the best Randall I pray you get everything you earned!! You sacrificed your life you deserve to be compensated
Or they send you to an examination then ignore the recommendation the medical professionals give.
I just read that they aren’t .. ?but it depends on the percentages they received? What time frame if any for re-examining. Some have permanent disability others do not .
Last time I asked for a c&p ratings increase they scheduled several weekly c&p decrease exams after that.
Never had an issue with the VA until recently, I was in Hawaii, needed to see a doc... Told I was out of network... A US COMBAT Disabled veteran, who has a disability rating over 50%. And was told out of network... Ugh... Anyway I left went to a civilian walk in clinic and took care of it... Out of pocket.
Price of doing it without the f-ery. I totally get it. It's the lesser of two evils to NOT get jammed up by clerical errors, directives inside the VA or performance Evans based on lowering people, or other VA gamesmanship, incompent beauracracy, or other nonsense.
They hounded my husband for months until he was able to take off work to make it to a C&P appointment. This was after telling him that he’d lose all benefits if he didn’t attend.
That's threatening.
They just sent me a letter saying they reviewed my history and decided to reduce my benefits
@@ceciliahutton9576 uh huh.
Please elaborate
@@edgefinesse4700 there was a service that contacted my husband multiple times per week asking him to schedule an exam for compensation and pension. They also notified him by mail. He was unable to take time off work to attend since the nearest office was located four hours away. After 2-3 months they informed him that he could risk losing his disability benefits if he doesn’t make an appointment. He was finally able to attend peak Covid after he was laid off and received a 30% reduction in benefits.
The OIG needs to look into the underbelly of the VA Management...seems the Contractor companies that provide the examiner Doctors are getting lots of cash from the VA specifically FOR these unnecessary examinations. This could be considered FRAUD with the current VA Management pushing all the money to their "Friends" in those businesses. The VA excuse is that "They need to verify a Veterans disabilities haven't gotten worse/better". That is not what happens in reality, the result is more often than not, the Examiners, via VA Direction and Training are not treating the Veterans Fairly by not doing the proper examinations of Veterans but sandbag the DBQ to NOT note disability secondary symptoms. The result is just what the VA wants, lower the rating for Veterans so they pay out less money. To me that is Blatant FRAUD! Additionally with the dishonest examinations and VA delays, the Veteran is subject to a long period (YEARS) of delays when in fact a majority of disabilities are apparent and most Veterans prove they have them only to be denied. I would support a total reorganization of the VA and set up permanent OIG oversight to assure this entire process protects the Veterans vs. sticking the Veteran with many issues to deny their actual condition.
Thank you!
Are we re-examining politicians funds and senators salaries and comp?
It's to determine which veterans are able to be discontinued on medical and mental health treatment with out being obviously in need of treatment
The truth is this....there are far too many of us Veterans who have made fraudulent claims, I know 3 Veterans who have no actual disabilities from their time in the service, yet all 3 are at 100% disability rating! Me? I have 2 very severe disabilities from my time in the Corps, and I'm at 90% despite me being forced to take a disability retirement from the Fed Gov't. I can no longer do the jobs I'm qualified for, nor can I hold a "normal" job due to my disabilities. Yet, I'm struggling to get that last 10% rating.
Those Veterans who are faking disabilities to get paid are who are causing this response from the VA. I love my brother and sister veterans, but I can't stand people who make fake claims that in the end cause all of us with real disabilities to struggle getting our proper rating.
This report is over 5 years old and VA has already put mechanisms in place to stop unwarranted exams.
So what are they going to do? Will there be sufficient oversight?
Just wait for them to call you out of the blue, at age 55.
Happened to me and they reduced my rating , even though my mri stated "no changes" in improvement since last mri. Go figure!!! Was already on disability for 10+yrs.
We’re you going to your appointments and taking meds and seeing a doctor ?
Interesting/fortuitous that this pops up just as I was notified of an upcoming C&P exam for a claim that I did NOT start/re-initiate 5 months after I received my decision and rating. It does coincide with PACT and only identifies items for reexamination that were initially rated non- service connected and relate to the PACT (lungs and burn pits, etc). Also, it's backdated to my original claim date. It's concerning they can just open a claim for me that probably prompts a review of my whole record.
So what are we to do when this happens?
Yeah they are some Dirty Pricks, I had back surgery one year ago, back is worse after 2 surgeries! They scheduled me a C& P exam on all of my disabilities.
God don't like Ugly, back has been over 20 years and cannot be reduced, also flat feet went from 10% to 50%! Exam back fired on them, I've been 100% since 2008.
So watch these Dirt Bags,,,
AM A VETRAN LIVING OVERSEAS IN PHILIPPNES THE VA IN MANILA
I BE TRYING TO GET HEALTH CONDITION FOR DEGRATIVE ARTHRIS OF SPINE LOWER BACK. SINCE 2017 TIL NOW I BEEN TO A NON VA HOSPTIAL TO BE EXAMING (THEY TOOK XRAYS WHICH SHOW THAT I HAVE PROBLEMS IN LI:2,3 .NEED TO BE CINCLY FIX"S RECOMMEND ME BE PUT IN VA HOSPTIAL FOR FULL EXAMING ; SHOWN THE DIRCECTOR /PRIMMARY DOC THIS INSTEAD OF PUTTING ME IN HOSPTIAL .
THERE SENT ME TO CAVIATE TO GET EXAMING THEY DIDN'T TAKE EXRAYS ONLY DID EXAM OF MY MOVEMENTS STANDING BENDING
THAT WAS 2019 STILL VA HERE NOT HELP ME INSTEAD SEND ME 6 HRS AWAY FROM WHERE I LIVE( MAKE FINICAL BURRDEN ON ME FAMILY NOT GETTING SOMEOF THE MEDS THAT WAS PRES. TO ME BY VA DR.IN STATES.
All this unwanted waste of GOV. BUDGET and UNDULY STRESS ON ME /FAMLY
Va is against the vets as is my case
Department of Veteran's Affairs Awards Letters read in bold print
--America is Grateful to You for Your Service--
Have the definitions of the words permanent and total changed their meanings like vaccine, natural immunity, male, female...As a multi-service, 100% P&T veteran who refuses to use VA "care", their level of gratitude doesn't amount to...
Been getting letters for reexamination boards through third party locations.
I got reexamined when i tried to put in a new claim. I thought it was an examination for the new claim but it was an re-examination for my old condition.
I remember this in the past. Where to find the link for this 2023 reexamination information?