The VA didn't do range of motion for my unfitting condition. What can I do?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 04:10:20 -0400

I went to Fort Eustsis for my VA exam, I was told not to take pain medicine. So when the VA was testing me for range of motion, I was in a lot of pain so they opted not to do it. I told them it was fine but they didn't listen. Now I have a narsom that says I didn't want to do it and the lowest possible VA rating. What can I do to fix there mistake and get myself a fair rating?

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Apr 8 at 2016 4:13 AM

SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 04:13:28 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member ,
It cannot hurt to bring this to the attention of your VA rep and request a second doctor's opinion. However, bear in mind with all due respect that there is a reason why they go to school for an additional 10-16 years after we graduate High School, to not only earn the title but to master their chosen craft and change lives. On the other side, without attempting to diagnose yourself, no one is better informed of your body than you. When something is not right, it is important that you clearly communicate it. Best of luck moving forward.

Response by Cpl Chad Perry made Apr 8 at 2016 8:49 AM

Cpl Chad Perry — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 08:49:05 -0400

That sounds odd. I did the same thing with my herniated disc. I quit taking pain meds before my C&P exam. During the exam I was in so much pain I could hardly walk. The examiner got a little rough with me when he tried to force me to bend and twist during the range of motion part. I screamed in pain through the whole thing. Even though some people told me this doctor was a huge prick, he got me a pretty high rating. I would challenge this one.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 8 at 2016 10:47 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 10:47:37 -0400

When I retired from the Navy, I had the same situation, there were times that I could not get out of bed without assistance and to get into my vehicle, I had to slide in carefully. The Navy rated me at 10%, which gave me a 20% tax break on my retired pay. I found that honesty is not your friend, since when they had me do the range of motion, I really tried to get through the pain and do what they asked me to do. Many told me later to go to the VA, which I did, they gave me a cursory exam and held it at 10%. Even with X-rays that showed the bulging disk in my back. It is worth a try, but don't hope for miracles.