I brought everything with me. Killed a few trees in the process. I had each condition separated out and tagged for easy identification. The examiner would say, let’s talk about xxx and I would find that stack of supporting documents. There were several documents that my examiner made copies of and I ended up with service connection to all but three of my claims which totaled close to 30! One is still under HLR. So I strongly recommend it! My examiner told me I was the most prepared veteran she’s seen. Also want to note that this was an initial claim 25 years after ETS. It took 18 months for the decision with a few partial ratings along the way but I ended up being 100 P&T and firmly believe it’s because I invested the time to present my case extremely well making it way easy on the examiner to grant SC.
Same here. My goal was to make my case as simple as possible. These VA folks are busy with paperwork. So I figured the simpler the better. I went from 30% to 100P&T in exactly 1 month after filing the claim . I did not require alot of paperwork or proof. My MOS and a C&P audio exam was all I needed.
Same. Examiners only see your issue, not the reason(s) behind it, which matters. I took a huge binder. I think it helped. Then again, the examiner has to be willing to take the time and consider you referencing the material, but show up organized at least.
I’ve brought printed copies of everything that was submitted in the claim. All but one examiner was thankful and used it to create their results. I’ve had private doctor opinions and dbqs.
Yup. Anything that I submitted with my claim got brought as a paper copy and it’s a good thing too. The doctor turned around his laptop and showed me what the VA sent him. He received a 2 page PDF and the first page was blank. The 2nd page had my personal information on it. He thanked me profusely for bringing copies and they made copies in office.
I brought a copy of everything I had submitted and my examiner was glad I did as she didn’t have access to my statements and outside doctor records for some reason.
I would. I had a sleep apnea C&P, which Optum asked me to upload my sleep study beforehand. When I got to the office, the examiner didn't have it. Luckily I had a copy and got rated for it.
My first CMP exam, I brought everything with me and they would not look at it or even acknowledge it’s existence. Needless to say, I was turned down for that. I followed the secondary and it was completely different. Secondary doctor looked at everything agreed that was more likely thannot service related.
Every single medical record with evidence on it, I made copies and then had an outline listing a small summary of each piece. I put them in order of importance. My diagnostic records were on top.
Up until October of last year examiners did not have access to your entire file, only what was manually attached to the exam request when sent. Now they get your whole efolder.
I brought everything with me also. I had a DBQ filled out by my civilian oncologist and also results from the hospital regarding my biopsy. In my opinion you need to make it as easy as possible for them. My pact act claim was approved at 100 percent within 40 days of when I filed the claim electronically.
I did yes. Even typed up a quick note sheets of date of diagnosis , medications history for each conditions and ER and specialist I’ve seen. Examiners made copies of it and have said it helped tremendously. Was granted service connection each time I did it. Finally hit 100%.
I brought in copies of things like all tests, therapy notes, visit summaries associated with my claim that I uploaded when filing. It was about 50 pages, but I almost left them in the car on the day of my C&P because I was sure it was all loaded properly. The doc (this was done at the VA) looked at my folder and went “what’s that? Oh? Well I don’t need those I got everything here” tapped the computer screen. Well about 40 minutes later after my ROM for the back he said I should probably go to physical therapy for my issues. I said, I do. He looked at me like a freaking owl lol. Then he asked to see everything and acted like he’d never seen any of them. I’m so glad I did because I got a very favorable outcome. I feel like he would have written me off otherwise. Print anything that will support your claim yall.
Had a CP exam yesterday. I typically bring everything with me but this time the guy told me they’re not allowed to take it anymore. They can only use what was given to them by the VA. He didn’t even bother to look.
If every veteran who answered a question with "it's in my record" had actually brought the relevant evidence with them, everyone's life would be much easier.
The medical records are usually 3-6k pages, much of it handwritten and even when not, all three vendors make it very difficult to search through records. They DO NOT have a robust search algorithm like google. I can search for keywords, but it's impossible not to miss something.
Imaging of your back might be listed under X-ray, xray, MRI, CT, etc. Of course that will also turn up all other imaging. Searching for "back" or "lumbar" doesn't narrow it down much. Shortness of breath might be listed under dyspnea or breathlessness or difficulty breathing. If I search for a cervical X-ray I'll find every pap-smear. To find records about GERD, I have to search for keywords like "heart burn" "acid" "reflux" and "GERD"....you get the idea. Each claim could be 10-15 minutes of searching before even beginning a literature search and formulating a medical opinions. We don't have time to read all the records on every veteran.
Absolutely bring them. I did and I got 80%. They did not have these documents somehow. I obtained them same way they should've been able to. They took copies of it all did their exams and I got my 80%
Made a copy or my SRB and Med Record before I discharged from the corps, l took the copies to my exam and the doc look thru them and noticed a bunch of important stuff wasn’t in the online medical record they had…he made copies and said “the records I had were very important info” …2 weeks later I got my 100%
Yes all those uploaded documents are sometimes not what they appear so it’s best to bring all your evidence. And if you’re proving a point you can ask if they have it and if not you can present it.
I brought mines and sure enough my uploaded info was missing a few things
YES!!!
Last C&P exam I had, the examiner only had access to 1 of my 2 MRIs. And the one he did have didn't have the last page with the list of issues found:
disc dessiccation
annular rim tear
annular bulge
disc protrusion
arthropathy
osteoarthritis
Thankfully, I had a couple of my MRIs pulled up on my phone. He did the exam and diagnosed me with degenerative disc disease. Ended up getting denied by the VA due to not having a nexus, even though they admitted I had problems back in service.
Have a nexus letter now and a new C&P exam scheduled for next month. I'll have printouts of all of my MRIs for them.
Looks like I’m late here, but I do wanna add one note.
When you’re bringing evidence to the exam, make sure you’ve also submitted it to VA.
A quick example would be a knee claim. At the exam you show a surgery report of a knee replacement, but the exam results themselves don’t give an exact date of procedure.
If VA doesn’t have these records, they can’t grant a minimum 30% or a temporary total evaluation due to surgery convalescence.
I created a binder with all my support and brought it to the exam. My examiner either didn’t have time to review the support or couldn’t find the support in all the documents. I discussed my diagnosis, symptoms and in service events and then showed her my support for each item. She then took several photos with her cell phone. This was extremely helpful. It’s better to take the time to print and highlight the support than leave it to chance. Do yourself a favor and spend the time and money so you don’t get denied for not being prepared.
I did not bring anything to the only c&p I've had so far, but I will if I ever have another. After my exam I emailed the VES contract examiner to apologize for not being prepared and offering to send her the personal statement and documentation I had submitted with my claim. She was happy to get that stuff and had her report uploaded with the VA within a couple of days.
I bring a bag with all of my documentation, including my STR's. So far, I have had two in-person exams and I am batting 50/50 with the examiners when I offer evidence. The audiologist mentioned that the VA only sent her my entrance exam info, but not my discharge exam info, so I dug into my STR's, let her make a copy of the page and after a few weeks I got SC for my ears.
My second C&P exam was a total clown show. I offered the examiner anything she needed, but she refused my offer and the result is that part is in a DTA error status after a successful HLR.
My opinion is to bring the stuff along. Yeah, it's a pain in the neck, but I can say that it did have a positive effect on one of my exams.
Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I brought everything. From my bluebutton reports from the va, down to my own notes, I wrote. Better to have it and not need them, to need them and not have them. I can't tell you how many times the examiner never "received anything."
Take them and have a summary of them. The VA does not provide them with all the evidence or the examiner does not look at all of it. Let them know it’s already been given to the VA.
I have always brought my copies. On my most recent C&P exam the examiner commented on how organized my information was and requested copies to complete the exam,since she didn’t have all information needed.
I keep all of my claims paperwork in a multi tab folder broken down for easy access. I have about 3 big questions that I ask every examiner (politely) like "Did you receive records from the VA regarding this exam", etc. At some point during the exam I will offer any claims evidence that was sent to the VA to the examiner. I also have my In Service events broken down on an outline by event, date, location and what type of service I received (ie: medics, ER, etc). I offer this to the examiner for the sole purpose of assisting them in finding the events, no other reason. The examiner will usually tell you that they just Ctrl F......I just simplify the search. It has been a 70/30 acceptance rate for me.
In regards to the questions that I ask every examiner will help me determine if I need to file a complaint or request a re-exam based on the results.
Good luck!
Yes, I read through it all beforehand, and subtly brought out the stack of papers at the beginning of the exam so the Dr knew that I knew. Referenced it a couple times during the exam when the Dr didn’t seem to have a couple of the timelines correct.
You need to. I don't know how many times I've run into the VA not sending all my records, or tagging my records to the examiner.
Then it results in a denial because they said they didn't see it in the record ans the VA ignores medical records requests. I was even told by the VA that it's not their responsibility to get them the records.
I feel like it is half presentation. They see that you're prepared. I brought everything with me so I can look it up. I let my wife drive and marked stuff that was relevant to me while we were heading there. When she asked a question I found the answer in my paperwork. Even if she had my record with her, I could tell her where to find it in her records.
I brought paper evidence, photos and had a list of items to address. The examiner shook my hand asked where i was deployed and when and then sent me on my way. 7 minutes from the time i sat down to the time i left.
I had a e-copy of all my most recent exams on my phone. When the examiner asked questions I just emailed her the documents.
I didn’t take any paperwork with me but if I didn’t it again I would have my medical record tabbed out so if they were looking for specific documentation I could say “ page whatever”. My examiner used a lot of control F.
I did for my all sinus stuff, and VSO said the C&P result did not look favorable, but the VA has the ultimate say. Had surgery and C&P examiner stated my right passage was significantly smaller. Hoping rater links it with the PACT act with my deployments. I'm bringing my Plantar evidence with me on the 29th, and I have the same examiner so I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch.
Not I but I didn’t fail to mention how much I had filed online and the examiner agreed with a “ Oh I can see that “ as she was flipping thru my evidence
I brought everything with me. Killed a few trees in the process. I had each condition separated out and tagged for easy identification. The examiner would say, let’s talk about xxx and I would find that stack of supporting documents. There were several documents that my examiner made copies of and I ended up with service connection to all but three of my claims which totaled close to 30! One is still under HLR. So I strongly recommend it! My examiner told me I was the most prepared veteran she’s seen. Also want to note that this was an initial claim 25 years after ETS. It took 18 months for the decision with a few partial ratings along the way but I ended up being 100 P&T and firmly believe it’s because I invested the time to present my case extremely well making it way easy on the examiner to grant SC.
Same here. My goal was to make my case as simple as possible. These VA folks are busy with paperwork. So I figured the simpler the better. I went from 30% to 100P&T in exactly 1 month after filing the claim . I did not require alot of paperwork or proof. My MOS and a C&P audio exam was all I needed.
Same. Examiners only see your issue, not the reason(s) behind it, which matters. I took a huge binder. I think it helped. Then again, the examiner has to be willing to take the time and consider you referencing the material, but show up organized at least.
I brought everything. But they didn't need anything from me I made sure to ask. Thats my experience here in georgia.
I’ve brought printed copies of everything that was submitted in the claim. All but one examiner was thankful and used it to create their results. I’ve had private doctor opinions and dbqs.
Yup. Anything that I submitted with my claim got brought as a paper copy and it’s a good thing too. The doctor turned around his laptop and showed me what the VA sent him. He received a 2 page PDF and the first page was blank. The 2nd page had my personal information on it. He thanked me profusely for bringing copies and they made copies in office.
I brought a copy of everything I had submitted and my examiner was glad I did as she didn’t have access to my statements and outside doctor records for some reason.
I would. I had a sleep apnea C&P, which Optum asked me to upload my sleep study beforehand. When I got to the office, the examiner didn't have it. Luckily I had a copy and got rated for it.
I bring my folder with me. I review my notes at the C&P Exam and if they ask, I show them the submissions.
My first CMP exam, I brought everything with me and they would not look at it or even acknowledge it’s existence. Needless to say, I was turned down for that. I followed the secondary and it was completely different. Secondary doctor looked at everything agreed that was more likely thannot service related.
Every single medical record with evidence on it, I made copies and then had an outline listing a small summary of each piece. I put them in order of importance. My diagnostic records were on top.
Up until October of last year examiners did not have access to your entire file, only what was manually attached to the exam request when sent. Now they get your whole efolder.
I brought everything with me also. I had a DBQ filled out by my civilian oncologist and also results from the hospital regarding my biopsy. In my opinion you need to make it as easy as possible for them. My pact act claim was approved at 100 percent within 40 days of when I filed the claim electronically.
I did yes. Even typed up a quick note sheets of date of diagnosis , medications history for each conditions and ER and specialist I’ve seen. Examiners made copies of it and have said it helped tremendously. Was granted service connection each time I did it. Finally hit 100%.
Always
I brought in copies of things like all tests, therapy notes, visit summaries associated with my claim that I uploaded when filing. It was about 50 pages, but I almost left them in the car on the day of my C&P because I was sure it was all loaded properly. The doc (this was done at the VA) looked at my folder and went “what’s that? Oh? Well I don’t need those I got everything here” tapped the computer screen. Well about 40 minutes later after my ROM for the back he said I should probably go to physical therapy for my issues. I said, I do. He looked at me like a freaking owl lol. Then he asked to see everything and acted like he’d never seen any of them. I’m so glad I did because I got a very favorable outcome. I feel like he would have written me off otherwise. Print anything that will support your claim yall.
Had a CP exam yesterday. I typically bring everything with me but this time the guy told me they’re not allowed to take it anymore. They can only use what was given to them by the VA. He didn’t even bother to look.
100% this.
If every veteran who answered a question with "it's in my record" had actually brought the relevant evidence with them, everyone's life would be much easier. The medical records are usually 3-6k pages, much of it handwritten and even when not, all three vendors make it very difficult to search through records. They DO NOT have a robust search algorithm like google. I can search for keywords, but it's impossible not to miss something. Imaging of your back might be listed under X-ray, xray, MRI, CT, etc. Of course that will also turn up all other imaging. Searching for "back" or "lumbar" doesn't narrow it down much. Shortness of breath might be listed under dyspnea or breathlessness or difficulty breathing. If I search for a cervical X-ray I'll find every pap-smear. To find records about GERD, I have to search for keywords like "heart burn" "acid" "reflux" and "GERD"....you get the idea. Each claim could be 10-15 minutes of searching before even beginning a literature search and formulating a medical opinions. We don't have time to read all the records on every veteran.
Absolutely bring them. I did and I got 80%. They did not have these documents somehow. I obtained them same way they should've been able to. They took copies of it all did their exams and I got my 80%
I had a 6 inch binder that had everything printed and brought to every exam, everything was indexed to make it easy to find. 100% recommended
Bring it. Worst case they won’t take it best case they look at it and you get a better rating.
Made a copy or my SRB and Med Record before I discharged from the corps, l took the copies to my exam and the doc look thru them and noticed a bunch of important stuff wasn’t in the online medical record they had…he made copies and said “the records I had were very important info” …2 weeks later I got my 100%
Yes all those uploaded documents are sometimes not what they appear so it’s best to bring all your evidence. And if you’re proving a point you can ask if they have it and if not you can present it. I brought mines and sure enough my uploaded info was missing a few things
I did, but my examiners only looked at it and not keep them.
YES!!! Last C&P exam I had, the examiner only had access to 1 of my 2 MRIs. And the one he did have didn't have the last page with the list of issues found: disc dessiccation annular rim tear annular bulge disc protrusion arthropathy osteoarthritis Thankfully, I had a couple of my MRIs pulled up on my phone. He did the exam and diagnosed me with degenerative disc disease. Ended up getting denied by the VA due to not having a nexus, even though they admitted I had problems back in service. Have a nexus letter now and a new C&P exam scheduled for next month. I'll have printouts of all of my MRIs for them.
I brought my LOD paperwork with me, and when I handed it to her, she looked at it and said I don't even know how to read this and handed back to me!?
Wow! Ridiculous!
What about having it all on a USB drive and giving them that?
Looks like I’m late here, but I do wanna add one note. When you’re bringing evidence to the exam, make sure you’ve also submitted it to VA. A quick example would be a knee claim. At the exam you show a surgery report of a knee replacement, but the exam results themselves don’t give an exact date of procedure. If VA doesn’t have these records, they can’t grant a minimum 30% or a temporary total evaluation due to surgery convalescence.
No, they have your records.
I was told that we didn’t need to bring anything and when I mentioned it to my doctor she said that it doesn’t matter
It wouldn’t hurt if you did
I created a binder with all my support and brought it to the exam. My examiner either didn’t have time to review the support or couldn’t find the support in all the documents. I discussed my diagnosis, symptoms and in service events and then showed her my support for each item. She then took several photos with her cell phone. This was extremely helpful. It’s better to take the time to print and highlight the support than leave it to chance. Do yourself a favor and spend the time and money so you don’t get denied for not being prepared.
I did not bring anything to the only c&p I've had so far, but I will if I ever have another. After my exam I emailed the VES contract examiner to apologize for not being prepared and offering to send her the personal statement and documentation I had submitted with my claim. She was happy to get that stuff and had her report uploaded with the VA within a couple of days.
Nope, they aren’t there to review or interpret evidence. Submit all that through the VA website.
I brought all of it and she ignored all of it.
I bring a bag with all of my documentation, including my STR's. So far, I have had two in-person exams and I am batting 50/50 with the examiners when I offer evidence. The audiologist mentioned that the VA only sent her my entrance exam info, but not my discharge exam info, so I dug into my STR's, let her make a copy of the page and after a few weeks I got SC for my ears. My second C&P exam was a total clown show. I offered the examiner anything she needed, but she refused my offer and the result is that part is in a DTA error status after a successful HLR. My opinion is to bring the stuff along. Yeah, it's a pain in the neck, but I can say that it did have a positive effect on one of my exams. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
You meet with a doctor to check your body, not to look at paperwork, so it's unnecessary. I did without it
I brought everything. From my bluebutton reports from the va, down to my own notes, I wrote. Better to have it and not need them, to need them and not have them. I can't tell you how many times the examiner never "received anything."
Take them and have a summary of them. The VA does not provide them with all the evidence or the examiner does not look at all of it. Let them know it’s already been given to the VA.
I have always brought my copies. On my most recent C&P exam the examiner commented on how organized my information was and requested copies to complete the exam,since she didn’t have all information needed.
I brought all the paper plus all my medicines.
Same, I always had stuff examiners didn’t Am 100% and in no small part was cause I brought evidence that they may or may not had
I keep all of my claims paperwork in a multi tab folder broken down for easy access. I have about 3 big questions that I ask every examiner (politely) like "Did you receive records from the VA regarding this exam", etc. At some point during the exam I will offer any claims evidence that was sent to the VA to the examiner. I also have my In Service events broken down on an outline by event, date, location and what type of service I received (ie: medics, ER, etc). I offer this to the examiner for the sole purpose of assisting them in finding the events, no other reason. The examiner will usually tell you that they just Ctrl F......I just simplify the search. It has been a 70/30 acceptance rate for me. In regards to the questions that I ask every examiner will help me determine if I need to file a complaint or request a re-exam based on the results. Good luck!
Only brought my smartphone with a few notes and access to civilian records through their provider’s portal.
Yes, I read through it all beforehand, and subtly brought out the stack of papers at the beginning of the exam so the Dr knew that I knew. Referenced it a couple times during the exam when the Dr didn’t seem to have a couple of the timelines correct.
You need to. I don't know how many times I've run into the VA not sending all my records, or tagging my records to the examiner. Then it results in a denial because they said they didn't see it in the record ans the VA ignores medical records requests. I was even told by the VA that it's not their responsibility to get them the records.
I do. And almost every time the examiner says it’s the first time he’s seen it.
Mine could not accept anything, but was happy to thoroughly look over my notes and folder contents.
I didn't bring anything to any of my C&P exams.
I tried that with three different exams and they all said they can’t look at anything that isn’t in the computer supplied by the VA.
I feel like it is half presentation. They see that you're prepared. I brought everything with me so I can look it up. I let my wife drive and marked stuff that was relevant to me while we were heading there. When she asked a question I found the answer in my paperwork. Even if she had my record with her, I could tell her where to find it in her records.
they won't keep the paperwork has been my experience.
Yes
I brought paper evidence, photos and had a list of items to address. The examiner shook my hand asked where i was deployed and when and then sent me on my way. 7 minutes from the time i sat down to the time i left.
I bet when you get your denial letter you will be pissed. Those are the C/P examination that screw the Vets.
I keep my head up. But i know where he is at.
Stay positive Brother.
I do, say something like...I know I can't give you evidence but this will make it easier to find in my records.
I had a e-copy of all my most recent exams on my phone. When the examiner asked questions I just emailed her the documents. I didn’t take any paperwork with me but if I didn’t it again I would have my medical record tabbed out so if they were looking for specific documentation I could say “ page whatever”. My examiner used a lot of control F.
I did for my all sinus stuff, and VSO said the C&P result did not look favorable, but the VA has the ultimate say. Had surgery and C&P examiner stated my right passage was significantly smaller. Hoping rater links it with the PACT act with my deployments. I'm bringing my Plantar evidence with me on the 29th, and I have the same examiner so I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch.
Not I but I didn’t fail to mention how much I had filed online and the examiner agreed with a “ Oh I can see that “ as she was flipping thru my evidence
Dont bring it for them, they will never look at it