I had this exact issue and my first C&P exam used a regular, plain Jane x-ray to try and see the polyps in my sinuses. I got an initial decision back from the VA that it was approved WITHOUT polyps. Based on the initial exam and proof in my records that I DID have polyps, I asked my provider if a regular x-ray would be able to see polyps. I learned that it cannot because polyps are soft tissue. An endoscope into the nose or a CT exam is required to appreciate polyps in the sinuses. After my request for the rating increase, they did approve the 30% rating for allergic rhinitis WITH polyps.
I was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis with polyps. I took the DBQ to my VA doctor and she filled it out and gave me copies of my CT scan, medical records etc. I took it to my C&P exam. The examiner looked over the DBQ and stated it was very helpful.
Just had C&P for Rhinitis the examiner just asked what medicine I take, and said he had no other questions. Lasted about 10 minutes, he said he had everything from my VA records.
Claimed sinusitis presumptive. I submitted my medical documents from my ENT doc that specifically diagnosed sinusitis. However I received 10% for allergic rhinitis. In my decision letter the VA stated that I "did not have a current diagnosis for sinusitis," even though my medical records showed otherwise. It shows to me that the VA raters don't even look at your records
I had my exam for rhinitis in June. I am/was trying to make it presumptive. I deployed in 2011. No military medical records of it. My first civilian diagnosis was in 2018. Recently had a CT scan. I gave those docs to the C&P examiner. Im unsure how the decision will go
I have had several C&P exams this past year and the VA has not included a copy of the DBQ in a single one. I don’t know if they’ve ever done that but they aren’t anymore,
I just had septorhino w/ turbinate reduction for chronic rhinitis, deviated septum, and hypertrophic turbinates. Can I still file a claim post surgery or am I am screwed for not filling first?…
Did you ever get an answer? Same issue, before the PACT act I had surgical intervention for turbinates, adenoids and tonsils. Still have significant symptoms, but my head is probably a lot more open since they bored it out.
I asked my PCP at VA to refer me to an ENT due to my exposure to sand dust in the Gulf and frequent allergies to get examined and get a rhinitis DX and he said that an official DX for allergic rhinitis is not given. I still told him to refer me. If I don't get the diagnosis then I don't get it, but I still want to be seen.
I told my C&P examiner I have congestion, itchy eyes, scratchy throat. I got a 0% rating. My question is doesn’t congestion count as 50% obstructions on one or both sides? At that moment I didn’t have congestion. But for the most part I do.
@@prestigeveteranmedical What about enlarged turbinates? I had mine removed last year by a private doctor as well as my deviated septum corrected. He said my turbinates were the largest he'd ever seen. And there's a chance of them growing back. He didn't see any polyps.
@@Patriotusa27 I am sorry to hear this! I am not sure that this would play a role especially if it has been corrected. I understand you are concerned for this worsening in the future. You may want to reevaluate if that happens. Thank you for watching
Hello. I received a 10% service connection rating on rhinitis (without polyps). I have until September 2024 to appeal for an increase. I made an appointment with my doctor for bad allergies. If my doctor gives me a diagnosis of rhinitis with polyps, can I file a supplemental claim? Is this new findings/diagnosis a relevant evidence for my rating increase? Will VA send me to another Compensation and Pension exam when I submit a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence ? Thank you.
@@prestigeveteranmedical That is why you'll get a cnp. I have had C&P's on a Fully Developed Claim with a private Ivy League M.D. DBQ plus a BVA case saying no need for any C&P's if a positive private DBQ reasoning Equipose and Benefit of the Doubt veteran wins. Case inferred even if VAB C&P doc says no no no veteran still wins.
The examiner will have their own DBQ you do not need to bring them one. There are ways to request copies of examinations. Best to discuss with VSO's or other accredited legal professionals
I love your videos....I was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis.... I filed a claim for both, but was only sent to an exam for sinusitis....is that common for the Va to lump them both together when its 2 separate conditions? I am still waiting on my decision
The C&P exam is not only for the medical opinion. It is also for them to gather information about the severity of the condition so the VA adjudicator knows how to rate it. Thank you for watching
This may sound like a stupid question, because medically i know the answer, but not as it pertains to the VA and claiming disability....Does a claim of "chronic sinusitis" also cover "allergic rhinitis" or are they two separate claims? ... And what are the average percentages given to each?
Thanks, Question, I am scheduled for Sinusitis/Rhinitis C&P (Presumptive Southwest Asia) and also a separate X-Ray of my sinuses. I have already submitted my Primary Care Physician DBQ in my claim for Sinusitis/Rhinitis with affirmed diagnosis. I am ok with C&P, but do not feel I should take a sinus X-Ray given I have skin cancer on my nose (awaiting treatment) with completed DMQ w/diagnosis, what do you think? Thanks you are amazing!
Thanks for watching I am so glad you are enjoying the content! I find sometimes that the contract C&P companies just didn’t receive a copy of the X-ray you have on file and simply calling them and sending over the results may be enough for them to state they have what they need regarding the imaging
I was recently rated 0% for chronic allergic rhinitis. I have multiple accounts in my record for going to medical for this issue. I was also deployed to one of the PACT ACT areas during the specified time frame. Any advice to get this rating increased? Thank you in advance.
Hi sir the rating is related largely to your physical exam not necessarily the number of times you went to the clinic. I hope this clarifies and thank you for watching
@@prestigeveteranmedical thank you for the response. I also did not have an exam for allergic rhinitis just rated based on medical history(my opinion). Final question, Would you suggest filing a claim asking for an exam with the previously medical documents as support, or continue to be seen for it to build a bigger case? Thank you
Hey sir I would not want to make a recommendation regarding the claims filling process as that is more in the lane of a legal professional. You may want to consult with one on your case. Best of luck @@kwilliams5665
I’m having my C&P exam for allergic rhinitis & Sleep Apnea 7/11, any pointers? Do I have to have all the symptoms at the time of C&P exam? I also have C&P exam for increase anxiety/depression due to my ptsd in service. I’m so nervous.
Thanks. The exam for rhinitis & sleep apnea was quick. Asked for my symptoms and she asked for my sleep study results again…which I sent to VA and faxed to QTC. Thank Goodness I had a copy with me.
@@justinbrewer3288 C&P exam lasted less than 10 minutes. Asked my symptoms were for rhinitis and my sleep study (which I faxed to them but apparently they didn’t have them) thank goodness I brought it with me. She didn’t want my daily CPAP usage. Still waiting on decision.
Was recently diagnosed by VA (Sleep study) with having Sleep Apnea. Will be issue a Cpac machine 9/5/23. If I file for disability do I need a medical nexus and DBQ?
What if I have a current allergic rhinitis diagnosis from all my doctors in the last 20 years but I don't have any polyps or obstruction? Will my claim for allergic or chronic rhinitis get denied?
If my VA doctor has given me a diagnosis of Rhinitis, does this count as a diagnosis or do I need an independent doctor to diagnose as well as providing a NEXUS to service?
I am confused about the way the VA describes presumptive, it would lead you to believe that no exam is necessary if you met the PACT Act/ Gulf War Presumptive but yet you get a C&P exam!?
Presumptive just means that the nexus is established based upon certain criteria. The C&P exam is there to confirm the diagnosis and also to provide the severity. How would the VA know what percentage to assign otherwise?
My C&P examiner filled out every section of this DBQ. She kept putting in my symptoms for allergic rhinitis in each symptom section. Is this correct? It didn’t seem right to me. She said we were done but she never asked me the questions in the Rhinitis section. I questioned her about it and she got mad. She finally asked me the right questions. This C&P exam was a mess. I called the VA and told them that my examiner may have filled out the DBQ wrong, and that I would like a new C&P exam. We will see what happens. I have a diagnosis from a private ENT doctor with 50% obstruction in both nasal passages. This examiner told me that I would probably get 0%.
I went to my exam, the examiner asked me if I had had an xray or ct scan, I said no... he asked me why was I there then?.. He asked me several questions about my nasal condition. stuck a light into the opening of each nostril, said yep you have blockage, thanked me for my service and sent me on my way... the visit lasted all of about 10 minutes... Ive not heard a word since, no referral for an xray or ct scan.. no paper work from the va... nada... can you guess whats going on?
I had this exact issue and my first C&P exam used a regular, plain Jane x-ray to try and see the polyps in my sinuses. I got an initial decision back from the VA that it was approved WITHOUT polyps. Based on the initial exam and proof in my records that I DID have polyps, I asked my provider if a regular x-ray would be able to see polyps. I learned that it cannot because polyps are soft tissue. An endoscope into the nose or a CT exam is required to appreciate polyps in the sinuses. After my request for the rating increase, they did approve the 30% rating for allergic rhinitis WITH polyps.
What a mess but glad to hear it worked out finally!
How much was the initial rating WITHOUT POLYPS? And do you also claim Sinusitis
And how long did your initial evidence gathering take from your initial exam to decisiom
I was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis with polyps. I took the DBQ to my VA doctor and she filled it out and gave me copies of my CT scan, medical records etc. I took it to my C&P exam. The examiner looked over the DBQ and stated it was very helpful.
Glad to hear she was so helpful!!
did you do a ct scan with the allergy department ot ENT
@@jewel1828 The CT scan was done at the VA clinic
Just had C&P for Rhinitis the examiner just asked what medicine I take, and said he had no other questions. Lasted about 10 minutes, he said he had everything from my VA records.
I’m sorry to hear this sir. Thank you for watching
Could be a good thing. Any updates?
thank you for the insight as to what to expect at my upcoming C&P exam
You are very welcome! Thank you for watching
Claimed sinusitis presumptive. I submitted my medical documents from my ENT doc that specifically diagnosed sinusitis. However I received 10% for allergic rhinitis. In my decision letter the VA stated that I "did not have a current diagnosis for sinusitis," even though my medical records showed otherwise. It shows to me that the VA raters don't even look at your records
I am very sorry to hear this. Thank you for watching
Did you claim it as a Gulf War presumptive or PACT ACT? Thanks.
@@cidcampeador7922 yes claimed it as presumptive to PACT Act
I just had this exam a few months ago. He just asked me a few questions and looked in my nose. Lasted about 10 minutes.
Best of luck to you with this and thank you for watching
Just left my C&P. I “HIGHLY”recommend getting a CT Scan prior, and bring a copy to the appt.
Thank you for the insight sir and thank you for watching
I had my exam for rhinitis in June. I am/was trying to make it presumptive. I deployed in 2011. No military medical records of it. My first civilian diagnosis was in 2018. Recently had a CT scan. I gave those docs to the C&P examiner. Im unsure how the decision will go
Best of luck sir please keep us posted and thank you for watching!
I have had several C&P exams this past year and the VA has not included a copy of the DBQ in a single one. I don’t know if they’ve ever done that but they aren’t anymore,
I am sorry to hear this sir. Thank you for watching
Great video !!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!
Hello, can you do a video explaining panusinusitis. And I just had an cnp exam and was dx with Panusinusitis
We will add this to the list
I just had septorhino w/ turbinate reduction for chronic rhinitis, deviated septum, and hypertrophic turbinates. Can I still file a claim post surgery or am I am screwed for not filling first?…
Hi sir I am not the expert on the filling process unfortunately. You may want to ask a legal professional about that
Did you ever get an answer? Same issue, before the PACT act I had surgical intervention for turbinates, adenoids and tonsils. Still have significant symptoms, but my head is probably a lot more open since they bored it out.
I asked my PCP at VA to refer me to an ENT due to my exposure to sand dust in the Gulf and frequent allergies to get examined and get a rhinitis DX and he said that an official DX for allergic rhinitis is not given. I still told him to refer me. If I don't get the diagnosis then I don't get it, but I still want to be seen.
I am so sorry to hear this sir. Thank you for watching
You're GREAT👌🏾✌🏾👍🏽
You are also great!!!
I told my C&P examiner I have congestion, itchy eyes, scratchy throat. I got a 0% rating. My question is doesn’t congestion count as 50% obstructions on one or both sides? At that moment I didn’t have congestion. But for the most part I do.
That is a great question. When they look at obstruction they are specifically talking about polyps not congestion.
@@prestigeveteranmedical I thought polyps was 30%
The 10% is supposedly for “blockage”. I was wondering how to get at least 10%
That is a good question. I am not to sure. You may want to follow up with a legal processional for clarification. Sorry about that! @@jaimiegonzalez67
@@prestigeveteranmedical
What about enlarged turbinates? I had mine removed last year by a private doctor as well as my deviated septum corrected. He said my turbinates were the largest he'd ever seen. And there's a chance of them growing back. He didn't see any polyps.
@@Patriotusa27 I am sorry to hear this! I am not sure that this would play a role especially if it has been corrected. I understand you are concerned for this worsening in the future. You may want to reevaluate if that happens. Thank you for watching
I have rhinitis but not at 50 percent blockage, only 34 percent blockage on both sides
I am sorry to hear this sir! Thank you for watching
How does the PACT act play into this? Meaning I was in Iraq during the timeframe and exposed to burn pits. Do I still go through the same C&P?
You would want to follow up with a legal professional on this sir. Sometimes they order a specific gulf war/burn pit exam as well
I’m pretty sure you will have too
I was diagnosed with Chronic Rhinitis at my Burn Pit exam and my C&P is in a couple of weeks.
@@IceManHG117how did it go?
Hello. I received a 10% service connection rating on rhinitis (without polyps). I have until September 2024 to appeal for an increase. I made an appointment with my doctor for bad allergies. If my doctor gives me a diagnosis of rhinitis with polyps, can I file a supplemental claim? Is this new findings/diagnosis a relevant evidence for my rating increase? Will VA send me to another Compensation and Pension exam when I submit a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence ? Thank you.
I am not really sure about that sir. Have you consulted with a legal professional about this?
If claiming rhinitis presumptive do you need cp or just diagnosis and file
Dx and file.
Expect a c&p presumptive or not.
In a presump cnp is for severity.
You may want to discuss this with a legal professional. Simply having a diagnosis will not necessarily adequately provide data on the severity
@@prestigeveteranmedical
That is why you'll get a cnp.
I have had C&P's on a Fully Developed Claim with a private Ivy League M.D. DBQ plus a BVA case saying no need for any C&P's if a positive private DBQ reasoning Equipose and Benefit of the Doubt veteran wins. Case inferred even if VAB C&P doc says no no no veteran still wins.
Should you take a blank DBQ to your C&P Exam or do they do one to fill out. Also, can you get a copy of the DBQ that they fill out?
The examiner will have their own DBQ you do not need to bring them one. There are ways to request copies of examinations. Best to discuss with VSO's or other accredited legal professionals
What are your thoughts on EOE secondary to allergic rhinitis?
i think they have many overlapping factors contributing to them but I am not sure that one would specifically cause the other
Do they rate allergic and non allergic rhinitis seperately?
I do not think so sir but best to double check with a VSO (they are free!)
I love your videos....I was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis.... I filed a claim for both, but was only sent to an exam for sinusitis....is that common for the Va to lump them both together when its 2 separate conditions? I am still waiting on my decision
The exam for both of those conditions is completed on the same form
Does having surgery for a deviated septum weaken your claim?
I am not sure about that sir you may want to follow up with a legal professional on this
What is the test that determines if there is greater than 50% obstruction or not…
often an examination. Best of luck
Thank you for this very helpful!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!
I am having trouble getting service-connected for sleep apnea. Would you recommend I file a claim for sleep apnea as secondary to allergic rhinitis?
Hi sir it just depends on the specifics of your case. I am sorry to hear this and thank you for watching
Can I take this DBQ to my own personal Dr to have him fill it out?
Yes you can
Presumptive condition right? So you could skip
the C&P
The C&P exam is not only for the medical opinion. It is also for them to gather information about the severity of the condition so the VA adjudicator knows how to rate it. Thank you for watching
This may sound like a stupid question, because medically i know the answer, but not as it pertains to the VA and claiming disability....Does a claim of "chronic sinusitis" also cover "allergic rhinitis" or are they two separate claims? ... And what are the average percentages given to each?
Hey sir that is a great question. You likely will want to follow up with a legal expert on that because it is more of an administrative question.
They are separate! Each case is different of course but they have different rating criteria. Thank you for watching
How about Non-allergic Rhinitis?
The examination is similar! Thank you for watching
I never had a C&P exam for this condition and they rated me 0% should I file for increase or appeal?
Glad to hear this. You would want to discuss the filling with a legal professional for strategy advice. Thank you for watching
Thanks, Question, I am scheduled for Sinusitis/Rhinitis C&P (Presumptive Southwest Asia) and also a separate X-Ray of my sinuses. I have already submitted my Primary Care Physician DBQ in my claim for Sinusitis/Rhinitis with affirmed diagnosis. I am ok with C&P, but do not feel I should take a sinus X-Ray given I have skin cancer on my nose (awaiting treatment) with completed DMQ w/diagnosis, what do you think? Thanks you are amazing!
Thanks for watching I am so glad you are enjoying the content! I find sometimes that the contract C&P companies just didn’t receive a copy of the X-ray you have on file and simply calling them and sending over the results may be enough for them to state they have what they need regarding the imaging
I was recently rated 0% for chronic allergic rhinitis. I have multiple accounts in my record for going to medical for this issue. I was also deployed to one of the PACT ACT areas during the specified time frame. Any advice to get this rating increased? Thank you in advance.
Hi sir the rating is related largely to your physical exam not necessarily the number of times you went to the clinic. I hope this clarifies and thank you for watching
@@prestigeveteranmedical thank you for the response. I also did not have an exam for allergic rhinitis just rated based on medical history(my opinion). Final question, Would you suggest filing a claim asking for an exam with the previously medical documents as support, or continue to be seen for it to build a bigger case? Thank you
Hey sir I would not want to make a recommendation regarding the claims filling process as that is more in the lane of a legal professional. You may want to consult with one on your case. Best of luck @@kwilliams5665
I’m having my C&P exam for allergic rhinitis & Sleep Apnea 7/11, any pointers? Do I have to have all the symptoms at the time of C&P exam? I also have C&P exam for increase anxiety/depression due to my ptsd in service. I’m so nervous.
Big hugs and I am sorry this is a nerve racking time. No tips really but hopefully these C&P videos help a little. Best of luck to you
Thanks. The exam for rhinitis & sleep apnea was quick. Asked for my symptoms and she asked for my sleep study results again…which I sent to VA and faxed to QTC. Thank Goodness I had a copy with me.
@@jaimiegonzalez67 Oh boy now just the waiting I suppose. At least that part is over! Keep us posted!
How'd it go in the end?
@@justinbrewer3288 C&P exam lasted less than 10 minutes. Asked my symptoms were for rhinitis and my sleep study (which I faxed to them but apparently they didn’t have them) thank goodness I brought it with me. She didn’t want my daily CPAP usage. Still waiting on decision.
Was recently diagnosed by VA (Sleep study) with having Sleep Apnea. Will be issue a Cpac machine 9/5/23. If I file for disability do I need a medical nexus and DBQ?
Nexus letters are never required but can be helpful at times. Would you like me to send you some additional information on our services?
It’s very worth it to get the Nexus. Prestige wrote one for me after I was denied, took me from 40 to 70%
I'm interested in additional info on your services@@prestigeveteranmedical
What if I have a current allergic rhinitis diagnosis from all my doctors in the last 20 years but I don't have any polyps or obstruction? Will my claim for allergic or chronic rhinitis get denied?
I am not really sure about that sir. Best of luck to you and keep us posted!
If my VA doctor has given me a diagnosis of Rhinitis, does this count as a diagnosis or do I need an independent doctor to diagnose as well as providing a NEXUS to service?
VA doctors are licensed and can diagnose medical conditions. Hope that clarifies
I am confused about the way the VA describes presumptive, it would lead you to believe that no exam is necessary if you met the PACT Act/ Gulf War Presumptive but yet you get a C&P exam!?
Presumptive just means that the nexus is established based upon certain criteria. The C&P exam is there to confirm the diagnosis and also to provide the severity. How would the VA know what percentage to assign otherwise?
@@prestigeveteranmedical Thank you, the fog of confusion has lifted!😀
@@electrickflame353 You are welcome thank you for watching
Unless the VA sends you to third party for CnP and that app is over within 2m claiming no issues! I wasn’t even looked at lol
I’m sorry to hear this sir
My C&P examiner filled out every section of this DBQ. She kept putting in my symptoms for allergic rhinitis in each symptom section. Is this correct? It didn’t seem right to me. She said we were done but she never asked me the questions in the Rhinitis section. I questioned her about it and she got mad. She finally asked me the right questions. This C&P exam was a mess. I called the VA and told them that my examiner may have filled out the DBQ wrong, and that I would like a new C&P exam. We will see what happens. I have a diagnosis from a private ENT doctor with 50% obstruction in both nasal passages. This examiner told me that I would probably get 0%.
oh boy that does sound messy. I am sorry to hear this please keep me posted!
I will. This was a great video. Thanks @@prestigeveteranmedical
Thank you for watching sir@@mikegogel381
Guy never looked at my nose. Just gave me 10%
I am sorry to hear this but congrats on the connection
I went to my exam, the examiner asked me if I had had an xray or ct scan, I said no... he asked me why was I there then?.. He asked me several questions about my nasal condition. stuck a light into the opening of each nostril, said yep you have blockage, thanked me for my service and sent me on my way... the visit lasted all of about 10 minutes... Ive not heard a word since, no referral for an xray or ct scan.. no paper work from the va... nada... can you guess whats going on?
No idea I am sorry to hear this. Please keep me posted!