Well I sent him and email on May 11th inquiring about help with a denied claim. I get a call from him on Memorial day, he leaves me a voice mail messaging stating he reaches out on Memorial day to help Veterans, he read my email and could help me with my Claim, that was denied, for PAD secondary to my SC DMII.

So the Dr. sends me forms and contacts to sign, he wants to get my C-File, he wants 20% of my back pay if we win, and if I fire him during the course of his investigation he is entitled to $350.00 an hour for the work he did.

Wow all I wanted was a Nexus letter, it is written on his website he charges $1500.00 for a Nexus letter. I don't mind a person making living but WOW!!

I do not think this is reaching out and helping. So I called him and left him a voice mail message, sent him several emails about all this money he wants, so far he has not gotten back to me

Thanks,

Hugh

I was wondering what people thought of getting an IMO for depression from an MD like Dr Bash or Dr Anaise.  Would the VA give weight to a well written mental health IMO that doesn't come from a Psychiatrist?  I have an "basic" nexus letter from my board certified psychiatrist but it's thin on rationale and I'm afraid it won't be good enough.   I'm considering spending the money on a professional letter from an expert in what the VA wants.  Opinions?

Thanks.

JW in MN

https://www.valor4vet.com/about -- My Number one recommendation for an IMO. I have used them with great success. $300 - 400 per IMO.  

I did not use these guys but I did speak to them on the phone.

www.reemedical.com -- They are a company that can get DBQs filled out for you. There focus is the joints.  Up front $1775 flat fee for all DBQs.

Veteranrating.com -- If you go here and fill out some info they can recommend medical consulting company's to work with.

I did obtain an IMO from Dr. David Anaise for my claim although I'm not sure now it was necessary with the other letter I had from my doctor and the C&P results. I will say though it was well written, eight pages reviewing existing records (with heavy quotations) and an opinion of "more likely than not".  While Dr. Anaise is not a psychiatrist I took a chance on him as he's close to where I lived and I've read good results from his clients.  I will hang onto the letter and they offered to update it at a later date if needed.   The only thing I'd add is more rationale although he did reference and quote the C&P rationale in his opine comments.

The letter format was an introduction with my statement, a review of certain parts of my other reports with opinions and references, some legal rationale and the opinion.  The letter did mention some case law which I think is representative of the fact Dr. Anaise is also an attorney.  Speaking of him being an attorney in fact when I spoke to him and another doctor in his practice they mentioned to me they would hurry my letter to me because he was going to Washington to testify at the court of veterans affairs this week. 

The cost was $1500 (flat fee) and delivery of the letter took about eight days total.  They sent me a draft to approve and a day later sent the final eight page letter with attachment exhibits and a cv for my use.  The total "package" sent to me for the IMO was 44 pages mostly made up of exhibits (my other reports).   Overall I would give the letter a solid "A" grade. 

JW

I am currently service connected for herniated disk 20% with radiculopathy 10%, bilateral plantar fasciitis 30%, and PTSD 70%.  I was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 in 2015 a year after I was medically retired for my back and radiculopathy. I go to the VA for treatment and can not get a DBQ from the VA, which unfortunately has been the norm for me.  So I am looking at obtaining a nexus for diabetes as a secondary condition. My question is do I connect it to the physical disabilities or the mental?  I'm looking a more the physical i.e. the herniated disk and radiculopathy as the mental seems to be harder to have approved. Does anyone know who I could obtain this nexus from?  I live in MD.  I've used Valor Compensation before, but in this case they told me they could not connect this condition as a secondary. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.    

I applied for Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD (Aggravation). I submitted a FDC on 9/17/17 with the following evidence

• Nexus Letter provided by my VA doctor stating " it is more likely than not Mr. xxxxx Sleep Apnea aggravates his PTSD and his PTSD aggravates his Sleep Apnea".
• DBQ filled out from my VA Pulmonologist stating "Veterans PTSD and Sleep Apnea is at least additive"
• VA Sleep Study showing Dx of Severe Sleep Apnea.
• Evidence showing prescribed CPAP from VA
• Statement in Support of Claim from Wife, and fellow NCO I served with observing my symptoms.
• 2 Studies providing link of Sleep Apnea and PTSD in returning Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran

 On  Ebenefits my claim status went from Under Review to Preperation for decision without a C&P Exam scheduled. My question, is it possible I provided enough evidence to grant my claim? Or it is just being denied very quickly?

This involves GAD, TBI, migraines, tinnitus (but really also includes dementia, water on the brain (NPH), Meniere's disorder, centralized sleep apnea, depression, et. al... all secondary to latent stages of Blast Shock TBI ).

I am in the GA area, but am having a problem locating a Psychiatrist IMO expert ANY where. I have also just moved across country and have no VA experts to guide me at all for anything. I used to have a whole TBI department's support which I severely need, and have absolutely no support at all now: period.

Please help me.

As with all veterans suffering from ailments due to service, and especially PTSD, which can only be awarded after a VA employed C&P PHD level Psychologist opines a DSM5 diagnosis, we are often treated as liars, cheats and beggars by the very institution that has sworn an oath to assist us.

I recently had to pay for a private, un-biased, 3^rd party IME in order to battle against the VA’s railroad job on my PTSD claim. Because they ignore facts, do not follow their own laws/statutes and 99% of the time re-diagnose PTSD as some other issue, it seems we all must travel this road more often than not.

 I will be honest, I can more easily afford an IME than many in this situation, I have been blessed to work for an outstanding company, so I feel much more for the guys/gals who struggle with mental illness or physical ailments and can barely survive, let alone pay $1,500 for an IME/IMO because the VA refuses to do their duty.

This has never been about money for me. This is about honesty, integrity and the VA/Government acknowledging that GWI, PTSD, etc is not imaginary, we are not beggars, liars & thieves and we will not allow the shameful representation that plagued our Vietnam veterans (denial of agent orange) to happen again!

Many times, by VA, private docs and Vet Center, I’ve been told “Desert Storm, OIF/OEF vets, etc. don’t come to therapy….mostly Vietnam era vets”……..I can tell you why…..because the reputation the VA, most deservedly, has earned, is one of distrust……BECAUSE of their treatment of our Vietnam Vets (God bless every one of you).

I feel compelled to share my experience with the PHD Psychologist who performed my IME. I do not have his results; they may or may not be favorable. That point, to me, is irrelevant to the purpose of this post, because this is simply an honest assessment of my experience.

The Dr is Robert Coyle. Dr Coyle is located in Munster Indiana (Outside Gary/Chicago area). Dr Coyle is a Marine and Viet Nam veteran. I found him after searching and contacting around 15 different PHD level psychologists/Psychiatrist around my state, of which I received maybe 5 responses. He was also listed under veteran owned business’.

When I searched his name, he had only two reviews, neither was positive. In reading the reviews, to me at least, it seemed pretty obvious that they were from seriously “disgruntled” folks.

My interaction with Dr Coyle was outstanding. He was very thorough, professional, straight talker, honest and genuinely caring. I was administered 5 different tests, interviewed in detail, filled out the PTSD questionnaire along with him and detailed events. All in all, I spent 6 hours with Dr Coyle.

I arrived WAY early, he saw me anyway. I was an emotional wreck a couple of times during the process, he made me coffee and suggested a break. I did not sleep the night before, stupid anxiety, and drove 4 hours to see him, he offered to let me take a nap in his recliner before leaving for home, I drove my old work truck (heater went out) he offered me jersey gloves to wear on the drive back so I wouldn’t get cold, after the 6 hour process, he took another 10 minutes and thanked me for my service, explained the exam process and how/when I would get his report.

Whether he found in my favor or not, as he explained up front that he cannot guarantee he will not have a different finding than the VA did, which is good as it is honesty, integrity and un-biased truth that I am seeking, he was very professional, courteous and genuinely caring. I would highly suggest Dr Robert Coyle to any veteran seeking an IME/IMO.

-Gunny

I am trying to obtain S/C for Sleep Apnea and would like for one or more (hopefully this is in the correct area for this) to review the atch letter and advise me if anything else needs to be added for an IMO.Sleep Apnea Letter.rtf

Does anyone have a copy of a IMO/IME that they would like to share or could send to me messaging me that consists of ptsd and/or deviated septum that is linked to sleep apnea.

Thanks

Given my health, I'm going to go ahead and post this info:

I had Clifford Vocational Services do my TDIU/vocational assessment.

https://www.cliffordvocationalservices.com/

He has a video with he and Chris Attig (Veteran's log blog) on his site atm.  So another good reference imho.

Others here had used and recommended him.

The time frame from the day I spoke to him/emailed my documentation to him until I received his assessment was 23 days.  This was over the holiday season so very efficient imho.

 He is polite, professional, knowledgeable, vet friendly and I felt comfortable working with him.

I have a lot of medical info/history and he thoroughly reviewed my file, discussed it with me and made his assessment.

I was impressed and pleased with him and the assessment.

When a vet or widow says here that they have an IMO/IME , or significant medical opinion statements , that they feel support their claims .....I run with that....and base my advice here on believing they do have a strong independent medical opinion that covers the criteria here at hadit 0r very strong other evidence, -to make the opinion probative.

But the fact is that many of these 'IMO/IMEs'  claimants mention here , are not even close to what a true IMO/IME needs to contain.

And a brief medical statement pulled from a VA med rec stack might look good to the claimant but have no real significance at all.

Next time, before I start to give advice on why the VA might have rejected or ignored an IMO/IME- I need to see the actual IMO/IME.

They will ignore good ones, but they also can ignore anything that is not probative and does not advance the claim...this goes for DBQs as well.....if there is no strong nexus statement ( if a nexus is needed for the claim) or if  a 'nexus statement' is given based solely on what the veteran has told the DBQ doctor- it will probably have no value at all to advance the claim.

I spent 4,000 for 2 IMos years ago and that fee would have been far higher, except I laid out a good time line and tabbed specifc records for my IMO doctor- that saved him a lot of time, although he read everything I sent and even found 2 disabilities I had never claimed.

I paid about 1700 again for an additionIMO, but BVA awarded before I got it and the forensic firm refunded to me about 900 of that fee.

So I and many here who advise getting an IMO have had to do that ourselves. As our dear deceased member Carlie said- even if you have to find pops cans to save up for an IMO ,it might be the only way you will ever succeed.

IMOs/IMEs cannot create a miracle. But if the evidence is there, your stuff will get a full medical review, far greater than any medical review the VA will ever give it.

Hello,

I am looking for IMO/IME Recommendations from the around central texas area.  I am willing to drive 3-5 hours.  

Please share any experiences or contact info.

Thanks,

syne7

I have done research and found sources such as Dr. Bash, Valor4vet, and other doctors to help veterans with IME/IMOs and DBQs. However do we veterans have to visit them in person? Or do we submit all of our medical records and xrays and tests and they diagnose virtually?

I know this is in Berta's wheelhouse: I am receiving 100% TDIU (90% SC w/remaining based on IU) since 2014.

Saw an APRN from 2010-2016. In that time they (APRN/MD) prescribed Lorazepam at first 2mgs (1mg twice a day). Had already fought VA solo for a decade in getting the diagnosis for SC PTSD and GERD back-dated and had tried a laundry list of prescribed meds but had had no luck. I was asking the APRN repeatedly about dependence on the Lorazepam, side-effects, etc...all documented. Was even told in a C&P by a PhD that the drug is "not addictive." I was told repeatedly the importance of "medication compliance" by the APRN.

Despite my life spiraling, all documented, the APRN kept prescribing. I even asked the dosage to be reduced. I never had a face-to-face with the MD as required by APRN/MD protocol in all that time. I had gained thirty pounds, was drinking heavily, was forced to sell a self-started business due to IU, and deaths of significant others, etc...all things that should have likely prompted a sit-down with the prescribing MD. 

Fastforward to just-prior-to Christmas 2016 I received a letter stating I was being reassigned to a new MD. Within seconds of our meeting the MD had already stated he had not read my chart and then proceeds to just berate me stating "I was an addict...look at you." I sit forward in a chair to hear. He would have known that if he would have simply read my chart. I held my tongue and just let him spew. He then states if I continue taking the drug I will "end up in a nursing home." In the same sentence, while essentially yelling at me, he says if you stop taking it you will "drop dead from a seizure." To say I was stunned would be an understatement. I said nothing.

I had been told for the past six years that this medication was a "wonderdrug" for me and I was told by the APRN to remain "compliant" in taking the med. I am not an addict by the way. I was someone that had taken a drug EXACTLY as prescribed for over six years while being assured and reassured by an APRN that it was nothing but beneficial for me. All documented. I was never told this drug was life-threatening. Again, I never abused Lorazepam only taking it as prescribed.

I had heard enough from this MD, also the Chief-of-Staff of the clinic; I asked him "if this medication is so dangerous then why have I been prescribed it for so long?" His response still resonates with me. I think at that moment he realized HE was the doctor signing-off on the APRN requests for that length of time...but he didn't stop talking. I knew that he was the MD before we ever met that day. His name was on every bottle filled. He admitted he "likely was the doctor signing-off" and "he had so many patients he just signed-off on the APRN requests." What?! His facial expression was priceless when the reality of what he was telling me hit him; he immediately began to throw the NP/APRN under the bus saying "she had a history of over-prescribing." He was incredibly rude, brazen, and unapologetic in his admisson. He even put in my progress notes from that day that my taking a half of a half of a 1mg Lorazepam as needed was my "attempt to ween myself." This was untrue at the time and I feel was a vain attempt to cover himself somehow.

I reported everything that was said to the patient advocate...her response..."you caught him." I have since discontinued the med not without horrible withdrawls and am now having uncontrollable muscle movements with my right hand curling inward with fingers locking rigidly, memory loss and gait/balance issues. I am obviously "unemployable" as well. The MDs attempt to taper me from the medication was questionable as well...he told me to "only take it if I need it" instead of a proper taper. The patient advocate and her supervisor have mentioned the Form 95 and my Rights. 

During the time I was on the medication I was in Chapter 31/35 Voc Rehab. I experienced just about every form of employment discrimination there is as a first-year teacher.That's a nightmare by itself. Just to put this out there...EEOC is a joke. I disclosed my hearing impairment prior to being hired on a pre-employment checklist, which is an illegal inquiry by the way. When I had a simple disagreement with an Assistant Principal about a collateral duty he placed me outside from Nov-Feb next to a running industrial-sized generator. When I requested to be moved I was ignored. EEOC opined not only was this normal but even allowed the opposing attorney to claim I had "never disclosed nor was disabled" despite having written proof. EEOC even allowed the opposing and one of its own directors to question my military service. I was forced to resign. I hope that hits home for folks on this forum. If EEOC can scoff at my military service and a VA SC disability then what does that say about their REAL view of ADA/ADAAA, veterans, and SC disabilities? I can't get a teaching interview due to retaliation from my former employer; EEOC is aware but refuses to even open mail from me. Again, EEOC apparently does not care about some veterans. I filed in Federal Court pro se when no attorney had the brass to represent me. 

Instead of VA Voc Rehab advocating for me, which they are required to do by statute, and helping me keep my job for a very specific disability disclosure prior to being hired as a teacher, they (VA) simply deemed me "unemployable." All the while they were prescribing a med that was obviously making my SC disability much worse--obviously hindsight helps here. The two MDs I have seen since 2016 both agree that not only was the dosage excessive, too prolonged, but most importantly that given my pre-existing SC of PTSD the expectation of very specific outcomes should have been expected. See Laskowski v US (Dondershine opinion).

According to my own research since the FDA has no clinical studies past several months for Lorazepam much less six plus years...further FDA states very clearly that in certain patients, PTSD symptoms could/will be compounded.

I have spoken with several attorneys that claim to handle FTCA cases. So far the majority only are interested in "catastrophic injury" cases. Considering I am faced with possible lifelong issues related to this med and a complete lack of accountability between APRN/MD is this FTCA material? I have read the Laskowski v US case which seems similar despite me not being a criminal. I do have a face-to-face appointment with an attorney in about a week. Any suggestions/thoughts would be helpful in pursuing my case.

Thanks, 

FLYBY-USMC SAR

I have a nexus letter from a physician and the only element that he didn't put in letter was board certified in his practice, however, his vitae / resume' is attached to the letter. Will the VA recognize the vitae as proof of the physicians certifications or are they too dense to consider/understand the given information? Thanks

I have a nexus letter from a physician and the only element that he didn't put in letter was board certified in his practice, however, his vitae / resume' is attached to the letter. Will the VA recognize the vitae as proof of the physicians certifications or are they too dense to consider/understand the given information? Thanks

Morning all,

    I am new to the forum but been an avid reader and learner from the posts listed here on this site as well as other sites.

    My situation, I was able to get an IMO from the Ellis Clinic plus an Nexus from the VA Dr.  and submitted in as a  new claim and was wondering what are my chances in winning. I know every scenario is different and I review the citations as well on BVA. 

   Can anyone share their successes or disappointments?

P.s. Flores97 I emailed you :) I wished you well in your case. 

Sincerely,

Thank you. 

Ok let's try this again. I should have added the DBQ along with letter the first time. Guess I was just excited.

let me know if it will work the way it is.. Dr. Had C file, SMR civilian and VA medical records to review.

this is to much money just to throw down range and hope for the best. Thanks..

DBQ

NEEDED . veteran friendly mental health doctor in the great state of texas,

we are playing the evidence game with the  VA  and were are down one ,  (strange how that happens when the person they send you to at VES gets thier check from the VA)....thanks Dr Mara  ... so  we  need a reasonably priced IME  Doctor of psychiatry in preferably Tejas... , but if needed will travel to  oklahoma,  thank ye!  Pro BUENO    (pro bono,, free,, gratis..) would be awesome, but willing to pay reasonable fee.