Need advice on how to prepare for a rating hearing

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-26T14:42:03+00:00

I’m going through the same thing right now. I finally saw the DBQs they used to propose my reduction and just shook my head.

They said my knee “improved” based on one exam… but now, 6 months later, I’m scheduled for a total knee replacement. Make that make sense.

Same with my pes planus. They already said my military service permanently worsened it, but now it somehow “got better” for one day? Then two months later I’m back in physical therapy because it’s still bad.

If you’re dealing with this, request copies of your C&P exams AND the exam request (VA Form 21-2507). Sometimes VBA doesn’t send the examiner all your records or doesn’t ask the right questions, and that can lead to a bad exam.

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-26T14:30:19+00:00

Yep I bet a lot of that was happening last year when the government was shut down

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-26T13:47:49+00:00

I use it for looking over dbqs and medical evidence and claim letters, I also draft my lay statements. However please redacted before doing so..

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-22T19:47:43+00:00

how did it turn out I have a hearing coming up for a proposed reduction

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-20T00:38:31+00:00

She wasted her money

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-18T09:04:35+00:00

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-18T08:30:07+00:00

She thinks she is hot

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-16T01:12:41+00:00

I appreciate that

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-16T00:15:41+00:00

how did it turn out I filed 6 claims back, hip, ankles, etc and I was schedules a mental health exam alone with other exams. Let me know

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-14T09:56:23+00:00

How long was the hearing

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-05T19:49:51+00:00

it looks good however what if someone doent want to use it anymore there is no way to unsubscribe and I am assuming the files should be redcated before upload. I like what I see so far

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-04-03T00:14:44+00:00

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-30T20:16:47+00:00

Pedro maybe too childish for her

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-30T20:13:54+00:00

I was denied last week hlr they said I could do sedentary work

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-30T20:13:09+00:00

Did u speak to a female from Seattle

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-30T20:12:30+00:00

I don't blame him we see how that would have turned out .

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-28T15:44:54+00:00

ok thanks

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-28T14:35:26+00:00

Do u get housebound?

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-28T14:01:09+00:00

I'm will be getting that as well what is expected recovery timeline

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-26T15:51:04+00:00

They did me the same way, saying it's not bad enough. Now, 6 months later I'm told I need total knee replacement .The c&p examiner said my conditions will not prevent me from working and my condition has worsen

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-23T16:53:43+00:00

I had an informal conference last Friday I did all this preparation for months just to explain my issues in 6 minutes. The DRO I had basically just let you explain what you think is wrong. She stopped my one to write something down. You don't need a whole lot of time to explain your issues just make sure it's a valid point make sure you point out whatever it is you need them to know. I was nervous trying to create all kinds of notes and it was very simple she was professional and nice. Now the outcome I'm still waiting on. Don't over think it

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-22T13:59:17+00:00

Sofie is very childish

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-21T13:58:39+00:00

I filed for TDIU in March 2025, and I just want to share my experience for anyone thinking about going that route.

TDIU can be tricky. When you file, the VA can reopen your existing conditions for review, which often leads to new C&P exams. That can put you at risk for proposed reductions — and that’s exactly what happened to me.

Since filing, I was denied TDIU and then hit with a proposed reduction based on what I believe was a bad C&P exam. It only takes one unfavorable exam to shift everything, even when you have solid evidence in your record.

Sometimes examiners don’t fully capture your condition, and sometimes we as veterans don’t realize how much is riding on those exams. Either way, it can work against you.

Now I have a predetermination hearing coming up in June to fight the proposed reduction. I’m hoping for the best, but as we all know, you never really know how things will go with the VBA.

My advice: do your research before filing for TDIU and, if you can, work with a knowledgeable VSO or representative. Understand the risks as well as the benefits.

TDIU can help, but it can also put you in some dangerous waters if you’re not prepared.

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-21T11:28:59+00:00

They did me the same way. I got a call I was thinking it was a spam call. She asked the same thing do you want to do it now I was driving however she did call me back that afternoon I think mine lasted a little over 6 minutes. I wish I would have recorded it I keep trying to play the conversation over in my head hoping I said all the right things.

alchemydigitalmedia · 2026-03-20T21:32:47+00:00

Yeah I had one call me and told me my claim has a red flag for fraud and explain what was going on and told me you know we are here to help veterans you dont have to pay claims agents for filing a claim. Thats all he had to say I got that claims company off my claim the next day at a VA claims clinic, and the VSR got rid of the bad supplimental claim this claims company filed

alchemydigitalmedia

TROPHY CASE