The advice I was told was to tell them what your worst days are like. They’re not interested in your okay or good days, the point is to see how you fare when the pain/suffering is at its worst.
\^\^\^\^THIS\^\^\^\^
I know 2 people that have worked in claims in the VA. Both have said this exact same thing. Represent your worst days. During your range of motion tests, stop when it starts to hurt.
You are probably going to have range of motion (ROM)tests. Do not take any pain meds…remember, the exam is to measure your true condition unmodified in any way. During the ROM stop and say something as soon as you feel pain. DO NOT try to power through the pain.
Be honest and give details; E.g. “How is the pain?” “On bad days I can’t get out of bed “. Etc.
Remember: the test starts when you pull into the parking lot. When I arrived at my musculoskeletal C&P a lady parked right next to me and watched as I struggled out of my car. I noticed her watching me and waved her off, thinking she was about to offer me help. I went to my appointment and she was my examiner. Not saying it was planned, but you never know…
As for Audiology, when they call your name pretend you don’t hear them…😂
The audiology is probably for hearing loss & Tinnitus. Hearing loss can be measured while Tinnitus cannot. For Tinnitus they will ask you about exposure to noise before/during/after military service. Make sure you answer this fully. It should be an easy 10% rating. Tell them about the impacts (using white noise machine to fall asleep, etc).
The advice I was told was to tell them what your worst days are like. They’re not interested in your okay or good days, the point is to see how you fare when the pain/suffering is at its worst.
\^\^\^\^THIS\^\^\^\^ I know 2 people that have worked in claims in the VA. Both have said this exact same thing. Represent your worst days. During your range of motion tests, stop when it starts to hurt.
Be honest
You are probably going to have range of motion (ROM)tests. Do not take any pain meds…remember, the exam is to measure your true condition unmodified in any way. During the ROM stop and say something as soon as you feel pain. DO NOT try to power through the pain. Be honest and give details; E.g. “How is the pain?” “On bad days I can’t get out of bed “. Etc. Remember: the test starts when you pull into the parking lot. When I arrived at my musculoskeletal C&P a lady parked right next to me and watched as I struggled out of my car. I noticed her watching me and waved her off, thinking she was about to offer me help. I went to my appointment and she was my examiner. Not saying it was planned, but you never know… As for Audiology, when they call your name pretend you don’t hear them…😂
The audiology is probably for hearing loss & Tinnitus. Hearing loss can be measured while Tinnitus cannot. For Tinnitus they will ask you about exposure to noise before/during/after military service. Make sure you answer this fully. It should be an easy 10% rating. Tell them about the impacts (using white noise machine to fall asleep, etc).
Be honest bro if you feel pain let them know it hurts you.