u/InvisibletoyouRDT

Here’s the scenario. I was just offered an L6 operations manager role which I’m considering but I’ve also been offered a GS 12 federal role.

Although the Amazon role pays about $55k more I want to make sure my decision is not based on money alone so I have a few questions for people currently in similar roles.

What do you like and dislike most about working there?

How’s the work-life balance?

What are vacation, sick leave, and benefits like?

How would you describe the culture and leadership?

Knowing what you know now, would you still take the job?

My claim is currently being held up by two examiners that need to provide clarification. The examiners were contracted by VES. I called VES and they were the ones that told me which examiners needed to provide clarification. I asked them if there was anything they could do to prompt those examiners to move the process along and they pretty much just said it’s a waiting game. The most recent one I’m not all that concerned about because it was only June 8. The first exam Though Took place May 14th. Thinking about calling the examiners office to see if I can get him to respond to the clarification request or needs more information from me. Thoughts on this? Has anybody ever done that in this group? Or do I just chill and let the process take place?

Of note, I’m not worried about whether or not the exam was favorable. I probably just get a little irritated when people sit on seemingly simple requests for too long.

I know C&P examiners get a lot of hate on here, so I figured I’d share a positive experience.

I recently finished my BDD claim process and had 4 C&P exams total. 3 in person and 1 virtual.

For context, I was probably overprepared. I had all my records organized, brought copies with me, and spent a lot of time researching what questions I was likely to get asked. I made sure I could clearly explain my symptoms, pain levels, frequency, severity, flare-ups, limitations, and how everything impacts my daily life.

Every examiner I dealt with was professional and respectful. I’m pretty sure at least 3 of the 4 were prior service. They asked most of the questions I expected, listened to my answers, and never made me feel like I was being interrogated or trying to “prove” anything.

I don’t have my rating yet, so I can’t speak to the outcome. And honestly, I don’t think ratings should be shared anyway. That’s just my personal opinion. Too many variables and too much outside judgment.

I know there are people who have had terrible experiences, and I’m not discounting those at all. Every examiner is different, every contractor is different, and every claim is different.

All I’m saying is that the process wasn’t nearly as scary as I expected based on some of the stories I had read.

In a weird way, I’m actually thankful for all the horror stories because they made me prepare way more than I otherwise would have.

If I had one piece of advice, it’d be simple: research and prepare.

Know your records. Know your conditions. Be ready to explain how they affect you on your worst days, not your best days. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be walking into those exams.

Just wanted to throw a positive experience out there since most people only post when things go badly.

Had my mental health C&P on 4 May and Audiology C&P on 8 May. Did a FOIA request end of May and just got it back. There was 3 files with DBQ however only the Audiology report was in there. The other 2 DBQ files consisted of the VES mental health appointment and the other some kind of confirmation.

Should I be worried? Should I contact someone? Or just wait it out?

Of note, mental health examiner said he’d have it in same day