Exam information does not match what I've stated, nor my medical record.

Good afternoon, everyone,
I'm just posting this to get some opinions and possibly an answer to a question. During the exam for my TBI, the doc marked everything as "Normal" and proceeded to say that I have no discernable memory issues or cognitive impairment. While both myself and my history with Neurology would state otherwise, pretty aggressively.

The question I'm proposing is, am I able to have my TBI re-assessed after I leave the military and my medboard is completed?

I would really like to avoid a formal board if I can, due to the fact I'd like to get out of here. I have a lot of medical issues that are affecting my ability to work and be a productive member of my team. Not only that but I would like to leave so I can properly focus on going to my doctors and having no other worries for a little while.

That being said, it's not the only exam that I vehemently disagree with and would like fixed, so if I can't get them done after I get out of here, I will likely have to request the formal board, but as I said I'd like to avoid that if possible. Any comments, questions, opinions, or ideas?
 
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Ryurain said:
Good afternoon, everyone,
I'm just posting this to get some opinions and possibly an answer to a question. During the exam for my TBI, the doc marked everything as "Normal" and proceeded to say that I have no discernable memory issues or cognitive impairment. While both myself and my history with Neurology would state otherwise, pretty aggressively.

The question I'm proposing is, am I able to have my TBI re-assessed after I leave the military and my medboard is completed?

I would really like to avoid a formal board if I can, due to the fact I'd like to get out of here. I have a lot of medical issues that are affecting my ability to work and be a productive member of my team. Not only that but I would like to leave so I can properly focus on going to my doctors and having no other worries for a little while.

That being said, it's not the only exam that I vehemently disagree with and would like fixed, so if I can't get them done after I get out of here, I will likely have to request the formal board, but as I said I'd like to avoid that if possible. Any comments, questions, opinions, or ideas?
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You can proactively counter a bad DBQ by having your Neurologist fill out a TBI DBQ that is correct. You can upload to the VA a statement in support of a claim with the new DBQ and in that statement form you can say why you disagree with the C&P examiners information. Your MSC can submit this information for you if you can't see the claim on VA.GOV

If the condition % is not correct it wouldn't be a FPEB. It would be a VARR. FPEB is for designating fit or unfit, combat related or not etc. So if you don't get rated properly from the VA but found unfit for TBI the issue will be your % since the DOD % mirrors the VA %.
 
Provis said:
You can proactively counter a bad DBQ by having your Neurologist fill out a TBI DBQ that is correct. You can upload to the VA a statement in support of a claim with the new DBQ and in that statement form you can say why you disagree with the C&P examiners information. Your MSC can submit this information for you if you can't see the claim on VA.GOV

If the condition % is not correct it wouldn't be a FPEB. It would be a VARR. FPEB is for designating fit or unfit, combat related or not etc. So if you don't get rated properly from the VA but found unfit for TBI the issue will be your % since the DOD % mirrors the VA %.
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The issue currently being I'm unable to get into contact with the neurologist who looked over me before, due to Tricare and their referrals. Would there be any other options that you know of? I'm sorry if I seem pushy. Just kind of annoyed about the whole thing.

That being said, with the question I asked in the original post as well, am I able to do this VARR after the board concludes? Or is it that once they give me my ratings the only thing I can do after is claim new conditions?
 
Provis said:
You can proactively counter a bad DBQ by having your Neurologist fill out a TBI DBQ that is correct. You can upload to the VA a statement in support of a claim with the new DBQ and in that statement form you can say why you disagree with the C&P examiners information. Your MSC can submit this information for you if you can't see the claim on VA.GOV

If the condition % is not correct it wouldn't be a FPEB. It would be a VARR. FPEB is for designating fit or unfit, combat related or not etc. So if you don't get rated properly from the VA but found unfit for TBI the issue will be your % since the DOD % mirrors the VA %.
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Additionally, where can I get a blank DBQ?
 
Ryurain said:
The issue currently being I'm unable to get into contact with the neurologist who looked over me before, due to Tricare and their referrals. Would there be any other options that you know of? I'm sorry if I seem pushy. Just kind of annoyed about the whole thing.

That being said, with the question I asked in the original post as well, am I able to do this VARR after the board concludes? Or is it that once they give me my ratings the only thing I can do after is claim new conditions?
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Once IPEB gives you findings you can request FPEB & or VARR. You can google for one pretty easily. That's what I do. As for finding someone to fill out a DBQ to counter one filled out by C&P examiner there are plenty of companies online that do services like that. Though they will charge an arm and a leg. Best to get it filled out by the Neurologist you are currently seeing.

This is why I always recommend hiring a private dedicated attorney. This process sucks unless everything goes the way it should. The issue is that things are still pretty subjective. 2 identical conditions with identical symptoms can have different outcomes, especially if one solider is fighting for the best result with dedicated representation and the other is going in blind and getting some pointers from JAG.
 
Just curious, where are you located at? I had the same thing happen to me at Fort Liberty, NC. The examining doctor was very strange and didn't ask most of the question on the DBQ. He also apparently didn't review any of my medical records as I had a TBI diagnosis less than two years ago that is clearly in my records.
 
DBQs can be found at
www.benefits.va.gov

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
www.benefits.va.gov www.benefits.va.gov
 
If you can't get a doctor to fill out the DBQ, you can use established records in conjunction with VA Form 21-4138 (statement for claim). I did one recently for Meniere's where the C&P was botched. I filled out a 21-4138 and attached all medical evidence that is in my record to the statement and directed specific attention by page number to my symptoms, past treatment, and prognosis. My stuff is that the PEB at the moment so I can't say that it was enough but that seems to be the way to go. A DBQ for a neurologist would be great, but you have remaining options if you can't. Hope this helps.
 
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