What to Expect in Headaches C&P Exam | VA Disability

In this video Leah, provides detailed insights into the CMP exam process for veterans seeking disability claims for headaches. Leah explains that veterans will receive paperwork indicating their CMP exam details, including the examiner's information. She suggests researching the examiner in advance, although notes this might increase anxiety for some. On the exam day, veterans should expect to complete paperwork and discuss their headache history, including type, duration, associated symptoms, medication, and impact on daily life and work. The examiner will use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) available on the VA website, which matches the rating criteria for disability. Leah clarifies that the exam might lead to an increase in existing benefits or new service connections, depending on the severity and impact of the headaches.
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About:
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
The purpose of this channel is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This video is not medical or legal advice and should not be substituted for advisement from your VSO, accredited agent, or Attorney.
#vadisability #va #veteransbenefits

[@scrapguy6816]

Very good content. Thanks.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Thank you for the feedback sir and thank you for watching!

[@ORTLIEBRC]

I used your company for a Nexus and DBQ. The VA still scheduled me for a C&P exam.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

The VA often does this as they reserve the right to order C&P exams. Best of luck to you with this

[@Combat556]

I had my C&P exam for migraines today, and the questions were exactly as you listed. I was in the Prodrome phase of a migraine during the exam, and the Examiner (a Nurse Practitioner) stated that he also experiences migraines. The exam took 30 minutes.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Well I hope that it went well! Thank you for watching!

[@Combat556]

@@prestigeveteranmedical we will see. The claim is secondary to a hypertension claim where I was given 10% under the PACT act. The VA rater will make the call. Thank you the information that you post at your channel.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Best of luck to you!@@Combat556

[@mikesntx57]

Thank you for all of your incredible work. I submitted my claim on 10/31/23. ACE exam was done in late November 2023. I am still waiting on a decision. I claimed migraines secondary to my SC hypertension. I had 6 months of migraine log, medication list with an increase in one medication. I think my claim is solid. It’s just taking a very long time. I did call the VA on 4/22/24 and I was told it is still in the evidence gathering stage and no decision has been made as of yet. The waiting blows.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Best of luck and keep us posted!!

[@marccddiaz]

Any updates ?

[@mikesntx57]

@ not yet

[@joshacker187]

Great video!! Used your company for a nexus for migraine secondary to ptsd I thought it was a great nexus unfortunately the VA still denied me. I’ll keep fighting that’s for your help.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I’m so sorry to hear this sir. Would you like the names of some accredited attorneys? Do you know how to research them on the VAs website?

[@joshacker187]

@@prestigeveteranmedical yes please if you wouldn’t mind.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@joshacker187 Can you please email me at [e-mail] and I will get you some info?

[@07Convertable]

What if you have a daily headache for the last three decades? It is not debilitating but it is a nuisance. Tinnitus is the cause of it, it has to be, and it gets worse with each passing year. I've stopped complaining about it to doctors (VA or Otherwise) because they don't seem to believe me. Any thoughts on the matter? Thank. ~John

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am very sorry to hear that sir. Many veterans have headaches related to tinnitus. As far as your struggles with your doctor are concerned I am sorry to hear about that as well.

[@CertifiedClapaholic]

I am not legal expert or VA Claim professional in any capacity or manner, these are just my opinions as a veteran who is also dealing with the VA: If the nuisance causes depression or anxiety and you are not rated for those, consider trying to approach your tinnitus disability from the standpoint of how it affects you mentally because if the headaches aren't severe enough by themselves, I doubt they will care. But seeking mental health therapy for the tinnitus and the issues it causes like low-grade constant headaches os probably your best route in my opinion. I have the same stuff going on but I do get migraines along with it.

[@jaybon718]

Great Video, Can you do a Video on TDIU? How did they calculate back pay when deciding TDIU? Thank You

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I will get to work on that sir!

[@shanehess8950]

Just had my migraine c&p exam last week , we hit on all this ! I had all this logs , symptoms , work letters.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I hope it turns out well!!

[@FloraSage]

Did you get you rating yet?

[@eQuariuz]

Did you get you rating yet?

[@vigosace7078]

This Video Is Very Helpful. Thanks a lot.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you for watching

[@David-ezra]

Thank you for the great info Leah! I'll be contacting you again soon.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Sounds great sir looking forward to it!

[@mc192503]

Love ur videos..great information..Thank u..!!

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Glad you are enjoying the content! Thank you for watching

[@francislee5918]

HI Leah, currently serviced connected 10% to Tinnitus, do I only need a DBQ or a medical Nexus opinion too for secondary service connecting headaches/migraines? I only have Sworn statement by wife, 8 months of log w/ Migraine Buddy and A personal support statement(basically all lay evidence). VA NurseP says possible headachs r/o migraines, went to Neurologist today and he opined "possible migraines". Local attorney is betting I'll do well in phone C&P with contracted non-medical professional from VA? My phone # details at site form left just now :)

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Hey there! Every case is different and medical opinions are always an option. I would say that you should always listen to your attorneys advice as they likely have a good understanding of your case. We are always here to assist if/when needed

[@francislee5918]

@@prestigeveteranmedical I can tell you're passionate and competitive about this line of work. All numbers to get "probable" positive results, I also understand. It'll be sweet to get your opinion and I'll pay, if I may. I'm just overwhelmed and trying to speed up. Great job at youtube, Leah. BLESSINGS!

[@Nate-hj1xl]

Very helpful thank you

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Hey thank you for the awesome feedback!!

[@combatdouglas1306]

Divalproex also.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I learn something new every day!

[@NightRangerBlue]

I think I get migraines and tension headaches at different times. Is that possible? Or do you only get one or the other? Can I say I get both types of headaches at my C&P exam, or would that make me look like I don't know what I am talking about?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

You may want to ask your treating doctor about that

[@maurcelbattle1961]

Question- are migraines rated separate from anxiety or do they consolidate the overall rating?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Hey sir generally speaking they would be separate. I have never seen it combined and have seen hundreds of not thousands separated. You may want to seek further clarification from a VSO on this

[@mkultravibes7763]

I think they both fall under mental health or something in that nature

[@dr.k.j.johnson4816]

Very good information. I search for your videos on C&P exams. I am a disabled Marine Corps vet. I never wanted to file for disability, but as I got older I could no longer function at the same level as I did. I sustained many injuries including PTSD while on active duty. My experiences with C&P exams is they are looking for reasons to deny me rather than looking for reasons to service connect me. I thought the V.A. had a duty to assist.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am so glad you are enjoying the content! Thank you for watching and thank you for your service!!

[@phantasm81]

I served in the USMC as well from 00-04. Did combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. I have suffered silently for years,but it's only getting worse. I finally decided to file for disability. It's been about 1 month since I filed, so I'm hoping things go my way. I hope everything works out for you, my friend. Semper Fi

[@FloraSage]

I have a C&P Exam on Monday, over the phone with QTC. Got hit in the head during pugle stick training and then a few months later had a bad sky diving landing...(1993) then in 2013 got my L4/5 fused. have had tension headaches / migraines since. Kept a headache log for 5 months. Am applying for headaches secondary to my fusion - submitted the log, two buddy letters and my statement, as well as x-rays, mri results. Doctor diagnosed me with Tension type headaches and cervicalgia. Thoughts?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Tension headaches are often tied to neck conditions. Keep us posted and best of luck

[@FloraSage]

@@prestigeveteranmedical Thank you, I will

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@FloraSage Awesome!

[@eQuariuz]

@@FloraSage Outcome?

[@FloraSage]

@@eQuariuz denied!! 🤦🏻‍♀️ For the second time!! I had a skydiving accident, where I landed on my spine. My doctor said Blunt force trauma to the spine could easily cause migraines. I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong.

[@batmen33]

I'm a gulf war veteran. I submitted a DBQ from my physicist back in 2016. I claim headache. On the bottom of my DBQ it reads diagnosed with headaches and joint pain. It said it wasn't service connected.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am very sorry to hear this sir. Best of luck to you!

[@mj2801]

I have 2 claims. One for TBI, and a Second for Mental Illness. So far I have had 4 C&P Exams waiting for determination letters and rating. These two claims were combined due to overlapping symptoms and Mental Components within the TBI DBQ versus Mental Health. My question is. Does the main Claim that includes the combined Symptoms from both TBI and Mental Health, need to be closed for VA Processing or will the VA start the processing of the C&Ps that have been already completed?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am sorry sir that is more of a legal/administrative question and that is not my area of expertise. Thank you for watching and best of luck

[@mf9309]

Thanks!

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

You bet! Thank you for watching!

[@mann1271]

I have a VA rep. helping me with my claim and I have not had a C&P Exam but received a favorable decision letter stating that they found that my tension headaches is service connected to my tinnitus at 0%. I have not had any test done or sent in any statements explaining my symptoms and I'm not on any medication at this time for my headaches but will be shortly. I let my VA team doctor know several months back that I was having headaches. My question is can the rater or whomever reviewed my case give a diagnosis without seeing me? I was just wondering how all that works. Thanks for any information.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

That is very interesting and I have not heard of that happening in the past. I am glad you got connected though. Thank you for watching

[@artierivera4029]

Had a quick question, what if right now Iam not working due to going to school full time . How can I support evidence that my headaches and migraines are affecting me in a economic way?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am not sure how you would do that sir.

[@Domain-Digital]

Hello, Do you have info, on if you are already p&t 100% ptsd.. I have an C&P exam for Headaches, . The question on the DBQ ask if the heacdaches are prostrating.? Would they take into account that I am already P&T? Instead of me having to show employment proof of leave.?.....I also submitted my Personal Statment which entails in depth how prostrating & prolong the attacks are.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Hi sir that is a great question. It is really based upon the examiner and raters interpretation. Best of luck to you!

[@larycel]

My examiner kept asking me "what were you exposed to?". I told him about my insomnia and subsequently PTSD, about my tinnitus, etc. But he kept asking me that question multiple times. I said I was confused and asked if he was referring to chemical exposure and he said yes. I don't see how that is relevant to my headaches.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

They probably ordered a TERA exam which is specifically about toxic exposures and so the examiner asks all those types of questions

[@larycel]

@@prestigeveteranmedical Thanks for that info. Any idea how that will affect my claim? Will it possibly get denied now since I don't think that it is exposure related?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@larycel that’s a tough question maybe call these guys: www.va.gov/ve/myva411.asp

[@larycel]

@@prestigeveteranmedical Got my decision letter yesterday. 10% for migraines! VA is such a joke. I get migraines minimum twice a month and they normally last 24-48 hours. But they also only gave me 10% on my initial disability claim for tinnitus, which is also a joke. That dang buzzing makes it hard to sleep and to concentrate on work during the day, hard to enjoy conversations. They just refuse to help veteran's out.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@larycel I am happy to hear at least you got it connected. Sorry to hear it was not as high as you hoped.

[@JC-lq3sm]

Can C&P exams be done online or do I have to show up in person?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Sometimes they are done virtually depending on the condition and specifics

[@Jaycox420]

If I'm applying for a migraine rating as secondary to PTSD but don't have an official diagnosis for migraines, will my claim be denied? I have submitted buddy letters, a work letter, a headache log, and my doctor has prescribed medication for headaches.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am not sure about that sir. There are really several different outcomes and it is hard to say what will happen

[@keithrowell8895]

I have a question for you I was in the US Army TDY for six months in Graf Germany. In 77 fell down a flight of stairs and hit my head and right elbow. 6 stitches in my elbow. Got knocked out. No exray for my head. Wen I returned from the hospital after I got my stitches. Wen yo guard duty fir 12 hours.have had head still hurts. Never had a bad experience. Just hurts. Have to take something almost every day.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am sorry to hear about your experience sir. Possibly get with your county VSO and they may be able to assist you in the filling process

[@keithrowell8895]

@@prestigeveteranmedical .thank you I just retired last year.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@keithrowell8895 Thank you for your service and congrats!

[@cmaxmillion]

I filed for headaches once before about 6 years ago and was denied. I filed again under secondary and they wanted me to go to the same VA doctor I had that denied me before. I asked for a different doctor. Was the correct move on my part?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am so sorry to hear that. It is really hard to say. Hopefully they will approve you this time!

[@elinino5275]

I had headaches in the service. Still denied. Went before the board with my DAV rep. STILL got denied. The VA sucks

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am very sorry to hear this sir. Thank you for watching

[@leroybishop2245]

🙏🏻

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Thank you for watching

[@mj2801]

Why is it that the VA is now Merging Several Claims into 1 even though the Symptoms from one claim have nothing to do with the Other? Is this even legal since they are covered under different CFR's?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am not sure what you mean by several CFRs. I would recommend that you follow up with a legal professional for clarification

[@mj2801]

@@prestigeveteranmedical Hello there. Thank you for your response. CFR is basically the "Code of Federal Regulation" that covers the Rules Regarding Diagnosis and Rating, Including DBQ's associated with specific Claims. Such as a Foot Claim is not the same as a Mental Illness Claim since they are evaluated under different Codes of Federal Regulations ...

[@jaimiegonzalez67]

Are migraines and headaches the same?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Not all headaches are migraines. There are many different types of headaches

[@Linxs718]

Heyyyy, If a migraine/headache c&p exam suppose to last 45 minutes but only took 9 minutes. Is this exam valid ? Do you think it will favor the vet ?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

It just depends on the circumstances. The examiner may use the rest of that time to complete the administrative portions. That particular exam is a quick one because it is mostly just asking a few questions. Hopefully it will be a positive result. Keep us posted.

[@Linxs718]

@@prestigeveteranmedical thank you she did say because of my psych meds and ED med they both contribute to migraines/headaches. However, I felt as if she did not ask me enough questions about my symptoms.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@Linxs718 well that sounds promising as far as what she said about those things contributing at least

[@Linxs718]

@@prestigeveteranmedical I’ll keep you updated.

[@eQuariuz]

@@Linxs718 Outcome?

[@nate0917]

I feel like a lot of these videos are geared towards people already out. What about people that are still in and about to retire. I have headaches all the time along with ringing non stop.

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Yes sir that is correct. This is a channel about Veterans not active duty folks. Sorry to hear about your headaches and thank you for your service. Best of luck with your upcoming retirement!

[@SailOnFlyBy]

Can migraines be secondary to Tinnitus?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Yes in many cases!

[@SailOnFlyBy]

@@prestigeveteranmedical Thanks I'll be in touch🤙🏼

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

@@SailOnFlyBy looking forward to it!

[@wesenfield3443]

Its dbq wmn..they got it ...wow

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Thank you for watching!

[@winstonsmith4513]

Are in-person C&P exams for migraines rare compared to telehealth or over the phone?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

Not that I am aware of. Thank you for watching

[@tom_guzman_]

I’ve done a great job avoiding doctors since I separated in 2006. Rather, I’ve seen naturopathic doctors, learned meditation and yoga, experimented with cannabis, even gone to the extreme of ayahuasca ceremonies. These have helped tremendously with things I’m dealing with. However, I understand this might not help with my VA claim given I have avoided going to doctors and not ‘adding evidence’ to support my claim with the VA. I’m sure the examiner will ask why the large gap. I can get buddy letters. I’ve considered getting a medical marijuana card that might help too. Switzerland has made most of these things legal and has successfully treated PTSD. I’m sure I can get medical evidence to support my claim. Is telling the VA examiner I’ve done weed and psychedelics something that can hinder me?

[@prestigeveteranmedical]

I am not really sure sir because it just depends on your individual circumstances and the examiners interpretation etc. Thank you for watching

[@dbeekman9738]

I am not sure either, but, as marijuana and hallucinogenics are still illegal on the US federal level I would avoid bringing it up. If you need to explain the long gap in medical treatment I would emphasis that you were seeking holistic treatment via meditation, yoga, etc. and that it helped a lot initially but the problem has returned or never gone away completely.