So I'm TDRL..That being said what can I expect from the exam? Is it stricter? Can they lower my %? This is all kind of scary. I've heard horror stories. Anybody?
From my personal experiences via an U.S. Army perspective while being on DoD military TDRL for nearly
four years (in five days actually) at this point in time, I have had
three TDRL medical re-examinations for PTSD. For sure, that's probably not the norm albeit I totally refuse to accept any decision by the LDES PEB which is
not an accurate DoD disability rating for my current PTSD medical symptomology; plain and simple!
In retrospect, I received an USAPDA IPEB offer of "DoD 80% rating with a PDRL disposition" after my initial TDRL re-evaluation in 2015. I appealed the PTSD DoD disability rating, then requested a FPEB hearing but was retained onto the TDRL after the conclusion of the FPEB hearing. During my second TDRL re-evaluation for PTSD in 2016, the LDES PEB recommended continuation onto the TDRL due to the instability of the medical condition. This decision was not appealable; therefore, I was again retained onto the TDRL for another 12 months. Currently, I just completed my third TDRL medical examination for PTSD over the telephone (a first for me) one month ago, and I am now awaiting the results from the LDES PEB. The good news is that the LDES PEB
must make a final decision (e.g., RTD, DWSP, or medical retirement) to include placement onto the DoD military
PDRL since I am approaching my fifth anniversary date in 2019 of being placed onto the DoD military TDRL.
With all that said, my insightful feedback to you while on the DoD military TDRL is remain "positively proactive" in all endeavors. This means, ensure that you attend all periodic medical appointments for the PEB-referred condition which placed you onto the TDRL. After the completion of the medical appointment, validate and obtain a copy of the medical record for historical use. If applicable to your individual situation, ensure that you maintain your prescription medication regime and submit for refills regularly when necessary. Remember that the LDES PEB at the TDRL re-evaluation shall review all available medical evidence and/or medical documentation to determine if the PEB-referred "unfit for duty" medical condition(s) which placed you onto the TDRL is(are) "permanent and stable" for DoD rating purposes only.
In response to your specific questions, I shall direct my responses in reference to placement onto the DoD military TDRL and not to an intake exam at the VAMC. At the applicable C&P exam for the PEB-referred "unfit for duty" condition(s) which placed you onto the TDRL, the medical clinician will either perform a physical exam and/or ask a series of questions about your medical condition(s) in order to complete the applicable DoVA DBQ(s). The actions by the C&P exam clinician in the performance of completing the DoVA DBQ should remain similar to the process when previously in the DoD IDES during the completion of any C&P exams. Indeed, the LDES PEB makes their own DoD rating determination in accordance with the 38 CFR VASRD. As such, the LDES PEB could recommend to lower, raise, or maintain a DoD disability rating so it's highly imperative that all medical evidence and/or medical documentation support the actual symptomology of your PEB-referred "unfit for duty" medical condition(s). Take care!
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer!"
Best Wishes!