How Should I Explain My Medical History to the Examiner?
Bottom Line Upfront
Going through the VA (Veterans Affairs)C&P exam during your medboard journey can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
- Organize Your Story: Create a structured account of your injury, from the moment it happened to the present day, including all medical interventions.
- Collect Documentation: Gather all relevant medical records, test results, and prescriptions.
- Practice Your Story: Be ready to present your story succinctly and coherently.
- 👉 Sign Up for the Free MEB Masterclass, ‘The Common Medboard Mistakes to Avoid,’ and equip yourself with the knowledge you need to navigate your MEB successfully.
Introduction
Your medical history holds value, and it’s important to present it effectively. In this blog post, we’ll break down the process, with a simple story about a friend’s experience, and offer tips on how to prepare for your medboard examination. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the importance of sharing your medical history and how it can impact your life.
The Value of Your Medical Story
Your medical story is more than just a collection of facts; it has real value. When you undergo a medical board examination with the VA, it’s essential to remember that your story can directly influence your compensation. The VA assigns ratings to your injuries, and these ratings will have a long-lasting impact on your life.
A Story to Illustrate
Let’s consider the experience of a friend who recently went through the VA medical board process. When asked about his knee injury, he initially gave a lengthy account that included unnecessary details. This is where I stepped in to help him understand what the physicians are looking for. To effectively present your case, remember the following key value points:
- The Story: Start by sharing the details of what happened. When, where, and how did the injury occur? What were the circumstances that led to it?
- Medical Care: Describe when you sought medical attention and what the physician’s initial diagnosis and recommendations were. Did you undergo tests like X-rays or MRIs?
- Medications: Share any medications prescribed, and if there were any side effects.
- Specialist Consultation: Did you see a specialist, like an orthopedic doctor? If so, what was their evaluation?
- Profiles: Did the physician place you on a profile or make recommendations that affected your work and daily life?
Understanding the VA Regulations
Physicians conducting VA medical board examinations follow specific VA regulations. They ask questions that determine your disability rating percentage, such as the number of times you were hospitalized for a particular condition. Therefore, it’s essential to provide a concise and detailed account of your medical history.
Preparing for the Examination
To prepare for your medical board examination, here are some essential tips:
- Organize Your Story: Create a structured account of your injury, from the moment it happened to the present day, including all medical interventions.
- Collect Documentation: Gather all relevant medical records, test results, and prescriptions.
- Practice Your Story: Be ready to present your story succinctly and coherently. Review the Disability Benefits Questionnaire for your specific injury.
- Understand the Impact: Be prepared to discuss how your injury affects your daily life, work, social interactions, and family.
Conclusion
Navigating the VA medical board process may seem daunting, but understanding the value of your medical history and presenting it effectively is crucial. Your compensation depends on how well you convey your story to the physicians, who adhere to VA regulations. By sharing when, how, and why your injury occurred, along with details about your medical care and its impact on your life, you can enhance your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. So, prepare your story, gather your documents, and approach the VA medboard examination with confidence – your future well-being depends on it. Move from feeling lost to confident about the Army Med Board Process quickly.