Friday, June 7, 2013

Post No.10 - On With The Process

Reporting for Roll Call 16:25 Hrs 6-7-13
Hi LT:
Well, it was D-Day, and some folks did remember about it. At the rate things are going it may soon be seen as "ancient" history.
Meanwhile, I'll continue picking away at the process involved with filing a disability claim.
You are correct...a wound is a wound is a wound...whether physical or otherwise. The question boils down to what extent does it affect normal functionality? So, here's where the process begins, that is, having been assigned a primary care physician, and having had the first appointment with him/her, our troop now faces the first scrutiny on the subject. Physical problems from physical wounds are self-evident. PTSD related problems are something else. So...two questions appear to need answers here:
 1)To what extent does the PCDr's preliminary medical evaluation of the troop's condition have a bearing on a potential disability rating?
 2)How is that recorded?
What I'm asking here, LT, is who initiates the process...the doctor? So what does the troop have to do?
While the Dr.'s medical opinion must have some validity, I suspect that the next thing is probably referral to a specific specialist of one kind or another (that would seem to be a logical step to take).
From your experience, is this correct?
CENTURION

1 comment:

  1. Hey Captain! Reporting for ROLL CALL! 6/10/13 8:18AM

    D-Day, June, 1944, is "ancient" history. And how many of this younger generation can tell you where North Korea is? You've hit the nail smack-dab on its head! America's citizens are way too busy to remember WWII or the Korean 'conflict'. So, why should the VA?

    Let's not put too many wagons in front of the horse! It is important at this point fore the serious reader to understand that he or she should be familiarized with the 'Rules' and the "Steps" at this point for making sense out of the next maneuvers. Once again, I can not over emphasize the importance of "Rule 4" here. And I do hope you will ask me more questions about it.

    However, at this point we are into "Step 2" and the Cherry Troop is now eyeball to eyeball with his primary care doctor. At this point it is extremely important for you to realize that you are in control in this first meeting. You need to request formally to have a physical. It is your right. Now, I don't care if you are 22 years old, or 52. That's the next step: 'Step 3' is to request a total physical, and that means "EVERYTHING", body, ears, eyes, and anything else your advocate can come up with. For example, if you are over 50, it is time for you to get a colon cancer test. There are a whole lot more 'tips' I have for you in your first visit to your primary care doctor, but let's stop here to let it all soak in from this point.

    Remember, nowhere in any of the above conversations have I mentioned putting in a claim for a disability.

    And, also remember at this point I am 'your' advocate if you are reading this and do not have one.

    ReplyDelete

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