The MTF I am being treated at has no specialists so I have been referred out in town for the past two years (Neurosurgeon, Rheum, Ortho, ENT, etc) and have good relationships with the providers.
Primary conditions are Fibro (Rheum diagnoses and Rheum second opinion both said fibro), Gout, Cervical DDD/Stenosis, Thoracic DDD, Shoulder SLAP tear, and Migraines.
What would be the drawback of taking completed DBQ's to my C&P exam for the big conditions? Wouldn't this reduce the subjective aspect of ratings?
I think it is a superb idea. Everyone ought to print and complete their DBQs. My C&P examiner required them from me. Had I done them in advance it would have been better!
To me it seems like common sense but I wanted to double check with all of the collective experience here.
If I have specialists fill out the DBQ's prior to attending a C&P exam I would think that it would not only save time but result in a rating that is more accurate to my present condition (especially for the Fibro diagnosis).
I guess the confusion I have is related to some posts that recommend holding off on submitting DBQ's so that you can challenge ratings later in the process.
I agree. In my case I was handed a stack and told to fill them out before seeing the C&P doc. I'd been smarter to have done them at my leisure, with access to the standards, definitions...
Gout and Fibro were two of my conditions. For both, I walked into my providers office with DBQs on hand, best decision I've ever made; at the end, it was critical to get the correct ratings for both to be adjudicated with DBQs.
VA is supposed to take the DBQ of the treating doctor as having more weight than the CP examiners DBQ who only sees you for 30 minutes. I had my own as well but I didn't carry them into the exam. I did use them later to VARR an increase from 50% to 70% mental health.
I am rated for Fibro and DDD independently...Being treated for possible IBS now...Once I have my colonoscopy completed in July, I will be submitting a claim for it base on Gulf War presumptive...I always have my Tricare Doctor complete my DBQ to prevent having the VA schedule me for C&P exams.
I'm not an expert, but I have heard when you file a claim, the VA may send you to civilian-side physician for your C&P exam, in which they will complete the DBQ's while conducting your C&P.
I actually have a general question myself:
I had a When filing a disability claim with the VA, are TMC sick call slips, DA Form 3349, and Form 2173 where it clearly states "in line of duty" enough to establish service connect-ability?
I mean, you don't have to have an actual LOD to establish service connection do you? especially if you have other forms like the ones mentioned above.
