Well, after reading through the packet, it looks like I have to get these things done:
- Have a complete medical exam
- Document my penicillin allergy
- Document my knee surgery
- Have a complete dental exam (my teeth have trained hard, and are ready)
- Have an eye exam and get another pair of glasses
- Explain my family counseling in a written statement
- Track down my individual counseling counselor so she can complete some mental health documentation
I'm not sure if I will be able to wait for the VA's appointments -- I've been told it's best to get these things done as quickly as possible.
2 comments:
Jay --
I ran afoul of the "counseling" thing as well. I saw a counselor as my marriage was falling apart, in conjuncion with a lack of focus on my Master's Thesis. Nothing major. But the Office of Medical Services wanted me to go to a psychiatrist for a series of mental health observations. You know how much psychiatrists cost? I'm uninsured and make around $800 a month (pathetic, I know, but I'm a college adjunct for the moment).
Anyway, it wasn't resolved until my ex-counselor called them himself to set them straight. He wasn't keen on the idea, but boy did it save me money. In my case, the paperwork was not sufficient -- they wanted more and more. You might save yourself time and headaches by just skipping a step and getting your old counselor to call the OMS himself.
As for allergies, they overreacted to that, as well. You might not have as tough a time... it remains to be seen.
Getting medically cleared takes a while. Seriously. It isn't quick. For some reason, when I applied in 1998 I was breezed right through the process, though (I went from initial questionnaire to Staging in five months)! I don't know why 6 years has made such a difference. Maybe it's other factors I don't know about. Anyhow, just expect the process to take at least two months.
-Bri
http://thetoughestjob.blogspot.com
Wow! Thanks for the comments Brian. I hope I can find my ex-counselor.
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