VA Plans to limit access to your personal Disability Claim info to avoid violence; should they?

2014-10-22T08:02:56-04:00

http://www.nationaljournal.com/defense/va-moves-to-prevent-veteran-violence-over-disability-claims-20141021

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 22 at 2014 8:45 AM

2014-10-22T08:45:27-04:00

Since I work with veterans claims on a daily basis, I can understand the rationale behind not allowing the veteran to see the C&P examination in their eBenefits (on line) file until after the rating decision has been rendered. The C&P examination is only one part of the claim (although an important part). I have personally seen many instances where the veteran 'jumps to conclusions' as a result of their exam experiences. No action can be taken to appeal any part of the claim until the decision is rendered anyway, so there is no reason for the exam to be released prior to the decision.
Also, keep in mind these examinations are NOT part of the veterans treatment record, they are part of the veterans claims file.
As to acts of violence, I've not personally witnessed any; but they do occur within VA Medical Centers and CBOCs. I do not, however, agree with using that rationale for not posting the results to eBenefits. My rationale is stated above.
In short, I do agree with their proposal, but for entirely different reasons.

Response by LTC Dr Richard Wasserman, LTC (R) made Oct 22 at 2014 8:55 AM

2014-10-22T08:55:34-04:00

Interesting article-----

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Oct 22 at 2014 11:29 AM

2014-10-22T11:29:25-04:00

With very few reports of violence I feel this is not only over reaching but contributing to a prejudice that negatively effects veteran employment rates. Unnecessary steps, and the associated media announcements, contribute to having civilians view vets as potentially unstable. It makes me wonder if these policy makers could be sued for defamation of character in a class action suit.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 11:43 AM

2014-10-22T11:43:58-04:00

Hey there--please VOTE on the Q too! right now we have Zero on the Q

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 12:30 PM

2014-10-22T12:30:17-04:00

I think being denied the ability to see my records while I'm actively pursuing a claim is more likely to make me violent than seeing "negative" reports.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 1:23 PM

2014-10-22T13:23:44-04:00

I'll toss my hat into this ring....

Ok if vets are unstable, they're unstable. But limiting access to information for the safety of the VA staff - hogwash.

I think it breaks down to veterans getting what they see as bad new and react in the wrong way. I've used the info after a C&P exam to bolster my arguement to my side of the aisle. The C&P examiner is doing their job. If I see what they are saying and I disagree, then it's up to me to get a different opinion from an outside doctor - assuming the outside doctor agrees with me and disagrees with the VA. It's part of the process.

I understand the VA's safety concern - but there's got to be a better way to protect the C&P employees.

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 22 at 2014 1:26 PM

2014-10-22T13:26:01-04:00

If they truly felt this way then why do they take so long to process a claim. Why do they give people such a hard time. If they FEAR veteran violence over disability claims...seems like they're knowingly turning away people entitled. Why else would you fear people acting in the norm?

Response by SSG Lawrence Crow made Nov 28 at 2014 12:06 PM

2014-11-28T12:06:10-05:00

Ridiculous! Vets have a "need to know" and every RIGHT to know, every step of the way.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 28 at 2014 12:20 PM

2014-11-28T12:20:35-05:00

I did not even know you could review the notes go figure. So for me i dont see this as a problem but at the same time it would have been nice to see what they are considering and what was put.