Why do the V. A. make asking for a second psychological evaluation so difficult?

2022-06-03T17:30:44-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2022 6:32 PM

2022-06-03T18:32:19-04:00

You answered your own question by mentioning the VA.

Response by SPC Colin Ahasay made Jun 4 at 2022 1:16 AM

2022-06-04T01:16:45-04:00

Depends, you would have to refine the question.

If you are trying to get a second opinion on a current diagnosis you will probably have to go to an outside doctor, as questioning the all-knowing doctors in VA clinics is basically a capital sin. I asked a doctor about that one time and the response was along the lines of 'how would you know? you aren't a medical professional' like I couldn't possibly know what I was told and how I felt don't align.

If you are talking about claims, that could be even more complicated. The VA has a tendency to combine ratings for mental health conditions, and does not allow pyramiding. As I understand these principles, the condition you have the highest rating for will be adjusted based on symptomatic criteria of all of your claimed mental health conditions, and you can not have the same symptoms considered for two separate diagnoses. I hope that makes sense.

It's possible CPL Ronald Keyes Jr would know more. If not, finding some folks smarter than me on here that have VHA and VBA experience they're willing to share should be rather easy.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 5 at 2022 9:43 PM

2022-06-05T21:43:24-04:00

Get an Advocate, i.e. VFW, DAV, etc. to help you and fight for you- its free!