I turned in my packet to PERA at the end of November 2020. The packet was approved and sent to MMRO at the beginning of December. From that point, I have been waiting on a decision for approval or denial. Toward the end of January, I was notified that my name and file were selected (not sure how these are randomly picked for audit) to go to an Independent Medical Examiner.
        In February, I had to go to Dr. Gratzer to go over my file. Dr. Gratzer started by telling me that he has been vaccinated for COVID-19 so, if I were comfortable, I could take my mask off, and I respectively declined. Dr. Gratzer reframed my responses, minimized my traumatic incidents, and told me that I was "fortunate not to be injured."  My file clearly states incidents, diagnosis, treatment plan, and several professional medical personnel contributing to my plan for recovery related to injury; my incidents were undermined. 
       Dr. Gratzer began his questioning, and I began answering the questions to the best of my ability and recollection. At times, Dr. Gratzer would change the wording to my responses and I had to tell him that what he was paraphrasing back to me was not what I said.  When he addressed my traumatic experiences, he just read them from my incident report I had provided to PERA. Dr. Gratzer continued to move through my incidents, not asking any related or follow up questions. Dr. Gratzer only acknowledged if the incidents occurred.
       First, my frustration is how my file was picked and who I needed to see for my independent evaluation. I submitted my packet in its entirety to PERA and based on their needs, I met the statutory requirements of two doctor's diagnosis and their subsequent treatment plan. Since I have been in this process and the time it continues to be pushed back, my family has needed to take out substantial loans to ensure bills are paid for months, depending on the timeframe of this outcome, to alleviate the threat of bankruptcy. 
       Not only have we, my family and me, incurred financial stress, there has been no relief from my stress and my trauma. Not only do we have to deal with implications at home and added stressors on our relationship, but we also continue to relive the trauma through this long-winded process. Furthermore, seeing a doctor that creates an environment that is not caring, compassionate, or therapeutic does not create a nature for success or recovery. In anticipation of seeing, and after seeing this doctor, I have incurred nightmares, sleepwalking, and headaches; perpetual implications to my known diagnosis. 

Thank you for reading my personal impact statement.

~Anonymous