union410

Does it matter if the Nexus comes from my PCP or not? He's a D.O. if that matters.

Hello and thank you in advance for any assistance that you can provide. I'm just now filing my claim after being a civilian for 12 years. I'm claiming for my lower back, onychomycosis, left knee and allergies. All issues are in my service records. I have not seen a civilian doctor for any of these issues. I either didn't have health insurance or I didn't want to see a doctor. I grew up thinking that seeing a doctor was weak, and the military doctors didn't change my thinking. They made me feel weak for going there. I live in San Antonio, where it seems like everyone has an opinion on what I should be doing. It's actually why I'm filing now, because everyone is telling me to. I simply forgot about all this back when I separated. I wish I filed years ago. Anyways, today I met with my appointed VSO for the first time. He's an assistant VSO, if that matters. He told me that I need to see civilian doctors so they can diagnose me now with these issues. He said that my general doctor will not work, and I need to see specialists for each issue. I'm thinking there will be x-rays and MRIs involved. I already don't like seeing my PCP, so the thought of seeing multiple drs doesn't sit well for me. I was under the impression that a civilian diagnosis was not needed. That I can submit my claim with my service records attached and the VA will contact me to see one of their doctors, and that it's up to them to prove that I don't have these conditions. Many of my friends are telling me this. Can someone shed some light on this? Do I have to see civilian doctors? Any thoughts or help is greatly appreciated.