VA Re-Evaluation Questions

Hey everyone,

Just a little background on me. I was found unfit and my last day on active duty was April 29th, 2017. TDRL, 20% DoD, 100% VA. Was re-evaluated for PDRL around March of 2019. I was denied PDRL and was supposed to receive severance but still have not received that nor any sort of paperwork. I haven't heard anything from DoD or VA since then, until this morning. I received a voicemail that I was due for my VA re-evaluation but due to COVID-19, it was to be completed via video appointment.

My questions are:
Does anyone know how this experience works? I was under the impression that I would be re-examined by a doctor at a future time, but I assumed it would be range of motion tests and more of a hands-on evaluation. Is this just going to be a question and answer with the doctor? None of my service-connected disabilities have improved so I'm wondering if the doctor could change my percentages on the spot just via a video appointment?

Any and all advice going into this re-evaluation would be greatly appreciated.
Semper Fi.

 

[female_marineE7]

Hey everyone,

Just a little background on me. I was found unfit and my last day on active duty was April 29th, 2017. TDRL, 20% DoD, 100% VA. Was re-evaluated for PDRL around March of 2019. I was denied PDRL and was supposed to receive severance but still have not received that nor any sort of paperwork. I haven't heard anything from DoD or VA since then, until this morning. I received a voicemail that I was due for my VA re-evaluation but due to COVID-19, it was to be completed via video appointment.

My questions are:
Does anyone know how this experience works? I was under the impression that I would be re-examined by a doctor at a future time, but I assumed it would be range of motion tests and more of a hands-on evaluation. Is this just going to be a question and answer with the doctor? None of my service-connected disabilities have improved so I'm wondering if the doctor could change my percentages on the spot just via a video appointment?

Any and all advice going into this re-evaluation would be greatly appreciated.
Semper Fi.

Interesting they are choosing to do this via video conference - if your disabilities are physical in nature, I don't see how they will be able to really evaluate you through video conference. I would ask the VA to switch to an in-person appointment if possible and explain your case. Your ratings won't change "on the spot", they will do another PEB to determine whether or not to keep you on TDRL, separate you with severance, or switch you to PDRL.

I'm confused though, you said you were at 20% DOD when you were placed on TDRL? That calls for separation, not TDRL. If I remember correctly, you had to be over 30% to be placed on TDRL.

 

[DirtyBuzz]

Interesting they are choosing to do this via video conference - if your disabilities are physical in nature, I don't see how they will be able to really evaluate you through video conference. I would ask the VA to switch to an in-person appointment if possible and explain your case. Your ratings won't change "on the spot", they will do another PEB to determine whether or not to keep you on TDRL, separate you with severance, or switch you to PDRL.

I'm confused though, you said you were at 20% DOD when you were placed on TDRL? That calls for separation, not TDRL. If I remember correctly, you had to be over 30% to be placed on TDRL.

Thank you for your response.
All of my service-connected disabilities are physical in nature and that's why I was wondering how they could re-evaluate me. I apologize, I meant to say 30% DoD, not 20%. I was 30% TDRL and then last March was told I was going to be taken off TDRL and just separated.
Another question, do you know if I will be able to continue using and receiving benefits as this new PEB goes on?

 

[female_marineE7]

Thank you for your response.
All of my service-connected disabilities are physical in nature and that's why I was wondering how they could re-evaluate me. I apologize, I meant to say 30% DoD, not 20%. I was 30% TDRL and then last March was told I was going to be taken off TDRL and just separated.
Another question, do you know if I will be able to continue using and receiving benefits as this new PEB goes on?

You mean Tricare benefits? Unless you get a letter stating you are officially being separated with severance pay, the benefits will continue. But you said last March that you were told you were going to be taken off? Who told you that? I would not believe anything until you see something in writing.

I was taken off TDRL in Nov/Dec 2018 and was notified in writing about the board results (separation with severance). The letter states that your benefits will end and to turn in your retirement card. I received my severance about 90 days later.

 

[oddpedestrian]

Lots of things on here

The DoD is the one and done thing not the VA you had your exam and was separated with severance so you are done. FYI if that unfitting condition wasn't combat related you have to pay the severance back with your VA pay so not sure if you are still wanting to pursue it.

After each VA exam the rater inputs a RFE in your file (Routine Future Exam) and they choose one of the time options available 18 months, 2 years, 3 years or 5 years. It looks like yours was three years. If you haven't been service connected for a disability from the VA for at least five years then yes it only takes one exam claiming you are better for the rater to reduce. After five years it takes two exams. You are only done with VA re-examinations when your disabilities are static (Only a free VSO can tell you if they are or not) 100% T&P or over the age of 55 otherwise you will always have a RFE. If you want to know when your next RFE will be just ask your VSO, if you do not have one I recommend getting in contact with them. You can find them at your County office or any of the NGO's in my signature block.

 

[chaplaincharlie]

Video meetings are the thing right now. For some conditions, video is appropriate, for others not so much. Some one divided between physical conditions and others (mental). I would say there are many MH patients that should not be seen by video as well. Specifically not suited are patients with homicidal or suicidal ideation, rapidly cycling moods swings, hallucinations, delusions, or any significant reality distortion.