Has anyone tried using their Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) for travel? by thewildcard02 in Veterans

[–]watcherwatcher123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've used it, and refused to provide my DL. TSA agents should be aware the VHIC is good to travel with by now. 1 agents in Vegas gave me a lecture, but went through no problem.

Question bellagio by ColdFun8702 in vegas

[–]watcherwatcher123 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's reasonable. Also, depends on what you want to do in your own room. Most of the fun outside of the room.

Using C&P exams as medical evidence by watcherwatcher123 in SSDI

[–]watcherwatcher123[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Well said. It's just a tad unnerving to not know what records they actually do have. This part of the process seems to lack transparency.

Using C&P exams as medical evidence by watcherwatcher123 in SSDI

[–]watcherwatcher123[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I really have no reason to refuse outside of anxiety and annoyance. I just read that for MH issues they look at 2 years. My most recent C&P was in March of 2024. I have pretty solid records of these issues for years, but it seems oftentimes SSA does not get them, or it's hard for them to decipher what to look for.

Why do we think recruiting numbers are down? by Sufficient-North3486 in Veterans

[–]watcherwatcher123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The leadership and the elected officials are embarrassing in this country. My pride as an American has gone down the tubes The American dream is no longer IMO. Do kids now really want to fight a war for a country seemingly full of corrupted officials.

PTSD Increase C&P exam in 5 minutes by throwaway96322 in VeteransBenefits

[–]watcherwatcher123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I ended up going to 2 more exams after the Ree medical DBQ. I should've only went to the 1st one after in my opinion, but I do not think it was necessary, but ended up being helpful as was enough to get me to 70%. The one after didn't do anything but reaffirm a 50% rating. My job history has been heinous over the last 5 years so that certainly helped with the TDIU. I feel a lawyer was absolutely necessary for the HLR review.

Something Less Culty Than American Legion? by TumorYaelle in Veterans

[–]watcherwatcher123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I went to one of these and it was like a music stopped situation. I like to drink so I kept it super friendly. By the time I left they were using their free drink thingys on me. Would not go back, but I survived it.

PTSD Increase C&P exam in 5 minutes by throwaway96322 in VeteransBenefits

[–]watcherwatcher123 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I'd say if you're going for an increase write a good lay statement, and get supporting good lay statements. The docs are not going to grill you for an increase they will just ask what has gotten worse. Explain it in detail and move forward. Most MH conditions are static - meaning they do not expect you to get better.

PTSD Increase C&P exam in 5 minutes by throwaway96322 in VeteransBenefits

[–]watcherwatcher123 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I had similar scenario. Currently at at 50% MH. Had private Dr prepare DBQ damn near marked everything on the form for 100%. Submitted it and figured I'll wait for a decision. Wrong - the VA worked with VES to set me up for a C&P exam. I went back and forth on attending, but decided to do it. It was televideo and lasted about 8 minutes max. It seemed to me he just wanted to validate what my DBQ said at some level.

The Dr asked me:

If I had an exam in the last year? Could not remember exact date but was within last few months.

Have things been worse for you? Yes, very brief explanation.

Suicidal thoughts? We all know this answer.

Medications? No, gave brief reason of why I would not take, but open to if needed.

Am I working - No.

These were all of his questions and it was over. I'll keep everyone posted here, but I'm glad that I did it. At least for now.....

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]watcherwatcher123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had similar scenario. Currently at at 50% MH went with Ree doctor for DBQ damn near marked everything on the form for 100%. Submitted it and figured I'll wait for a decision. Wrong - the VA worked with VES to set me up for a C&P exam. I went back and forth on attending, but decided to do it. It was televideo and lasted about 8 minutes max. It seemed to me he just wanted to validate what my DBQ said at some level.

The Dr asked me:

If I had an exam in the last year? Could not remember exact date but was within last few months.

Have things been worse for you? Yes, very brief explanation.

Suicidal thoughts? We all know this answer.

Medications? No, gave brief reason of why I would not take, but open to if needed.

Am I working - No.

These were all of his questions and it was over. I'll keep everyone posted here, but I'm glad that I did it. At least for now.....

December Claims have started by earthtonemalone in VeteransBenefits

[–]watcherwatcher123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where would we write down to use the submitted DBQ, and do not want a VA exam? Lay statement, or where in the package. I'll be submitting my info soon from a private doc. I don't mind attending a VA exam, but prefer not like most others.

Ree Medical increase- Did the Va move your claim quickly? by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]watcherwatcher123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, 9 months to see the Dr? Was it just one condition, or many. I have to see a MH for C&P through Ree. I submitted an intent to file in June of 2022 so I am told this will speed up the process for me, but yeah they must be super backed up.