What should I talk to pain management about?

I am getting an appointment with Veterans Administration Pain Management soon and have some questions.

Is it better to talk to them from a perspective of function first or pain management first?

Function is very important as it relates to quality of life.
Point being one can function better with pain control. Pain not only keeps us from doing work and activities for daily living but impacts work and costs America billions in lost wages.
So yes management of pain is important but I see function as the nail I'd strike harder.
Once given pain medication if that will help you, remember to report some improvement otherwise they will report that pain medication turned out to have little effect.
It's sad but part of the role we must play.
Fact is with medication we ought to improve.
The balance is important. In other words if you report no pain they may drop off the dose and if no improvement they can claim it is ineffective.
Glen