Posted on Jun 3, 2022
Why do the V. A. make asking for a second psychological evaluation so difficult?
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Veterans Affairs (VA)
Veterans Affairs (VA)
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SPC EOTrees Myles - Apologies. This was an attempt to be mildly funny. I'd say I missed the mark a little.
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Get an Advocate, i.e. VFW, DAV, etc. to help you and fight for you- its free!
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Depends, you would have to refine the question.
If you are trying to get a second opinion on a current diagnosis you will probably have to go to an outside doctor, as questioning the all-knowing doctors in VA clinics is basically a capital sin. I asked a doctor about that one time and the response was along the lines of 'how would you know? you aren't a medical professional' like I couldn't possibly know what I was told and how I felt don't align.
If you are talking about claims, that could be even more complicated. The VA has a tendency to combine ratings for mental health conditions, and does not allow pyramiding. As I understand these principles, the condition you have the highest rating for will be adjusted based on symptomatic criteria of all of your claimed mental health conditions, and you can not have the same symptoms considered for two separate diagnoses. I hope that makes sense.
It's possible CPL Ronald Keyes Jr would know more. If not, finding some folks smarter than me on here that have VHA and VBA experience they're willing to share should be rather easy.
If you are trying to get a second opinion on a current diagnosis you will probably have to go to an outside doctor, as questioning the all-knowing doctors in VA clinics is basically a capital sin. I asked a doctor about that one time and the response was along the lines of 'how would you know? you aren't a medical professional' like I couldn't possibly know what I was told and how I felt don't align.
If you are talking about claims, that could be even more complicated. The VA has a tendency to combine ratings for mental health conditions, and does not allow pyramiding. As I understand these principles, the condition you have the highest rating for will be adjusted based on symptomatic criteria of all of your claimed mental health conditions, and you can not have the same symptoms considered for two separate diagnoses. I hope that makes sense.
It's possible CPL Ronald Keyes Jr would know more. If not, finding some folks smarter than me on here that have VHA and VBA experience they're willing to share should be rather easy.
SPC EOTrees Myles
Let me just say this, why should I go to an outside doctor when the V>A. is the very reason that I was considered incompetent/ Now I have to get an outside doctors diagnose. I will take your advice but pinning this "incompetent status" on anyone is a all consuming out right sin and a notorious lie. I value your advice just as well as others, this is the reason why, I came to this family community. I would love to hear from others too. Help me?
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You may not be in a situation as unique as you think. I recommended seeing a doctor outside the VA because unless you sign a release of information with the VHA specifically to share information with the new provider, legally they cannot share their records with your new doctor. Your new doctor will be required to work from baseline zero to build a diagnosis, and you should be able to start setting the record straight as long as you don't needlessly share information. Have access to your VA health records, but don't give the new doctor you are seeing anything they aren't actually asking for, or you risk sabotaging your own case.
As far as help goes, I have no problem sharing my experience. Keep in mind I'm not a benefits specialist, nor an attorney, and I have my own ongoing legal battle with those people. Personally, I'm biased against the VSO's, all of my experiences with them have been negative. You will be better off obtaining legal representation through a law firm as suggested by SGT Lee.
As far as help goes, I have no problem sharing my experience. Keep in mind I'm not a benefits specialist, nor an attorney, and I have my own ongoing legal battle with those people. Personally, I'm biased against the VSO's, all of my experiences with them have been negative. You will be better off obtaining legal representation through a law firm as suggested by SGT Lee.
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