proudmarinevetwifey

My husband( a Marine combat vet - infantry) received a call today that the VA is scheduling him an Independent Medical Exam. He is currently rated at 40% (Dec 2013) for back, knees, hip - service connected. When he only won 40% we appealed the decision and hired a lawyer. The lawyer immediately sent us to a specialist for my husband's specific disabilities which also cost us a small fortune, for an Independent medical exam. We found out after a battery of tests that my husband's condition was much worse than the VA's lousy exam expressed(big surprise there huh?). Our lawyer wrote up his case including this well documented evidence from our Independent Medical exam and documentation showing my husband's in service medical reports. First we had a de novo review with the help of our congressman where they didn't even read any of the paperwork because they didn't even put the right hip or knee on the report and basically said your exam doesn't mean squat and ours which didn't even include a specialist or the correct testing means more. So we are now waiting for a DRO review since November 2015. Questions: 1. Why do they want one of their hired "independent" companies to do yet another exam on my husband? It is to try and weasel out of giving him the disability he deserves? 2. Now I am so worried by the VA's actions that I'm concerned they will try and take his 40% away from him as well and this appointment for the Independent medical exam will do that. Is that a possibility? 3. Does the fact they are setting up an appointment for this Independent Medical exam mean we are getting close to his DRO hearing? The VA worries me to no end. I would appreciate any info or experience y'all have.