It is so simple! don't complicate it!

[jamescripps2]

 After many years of working untold numbers veterans claims, After winning the first ever VA claim for AO inside CONUS FOR MYSELF. After producing the next three AO claims to win inside CONUS for other veterans. After winning a Korea AO claim for a veteran not serving in a unit on the DMZ. After winning a Thailand AO related sole surviving widow's claim for DIC along with accrued benefits for a non dog handler stationed at Utapao AFB. If I could sum it all up and explain in one sentence the most important fact of all, the most underutilized, hard to comprehend and misunderstood tool in veterans claims it would have to be, 

IF YOU CAN GET A DOCTOR TO SAY ITS SO, ITS SO. IF THAT DON'T WORK FOR YOU GET TWO DOCTORS TO SAY THAT ITS SO. IF THAT DON'T WORK, GET THREE!

WHY TAKE A CHANCE, GET THREE TO BEGIN WITH AND NAIL IT THE FIRST TIME AROUND.

HOW CAN A VETERAN AFFORD TO DO THAT ON A TIGHT BUDGET?  I PLAN TO DISCUSS THIS EXACT IMPORTANT TOPIC ON THE PODCAST COMING UP ON THURSDAY EVENING OCTOBER 27TH. 6:00 CENTRAL TIME.

Edited October 27, 2016 by jamescripps2

[jamescripps2]

Just to clarify the above, I am not insinuating that an unscrupulous doctor might write you a letter in support of a claim. A dishonest doctor would do a veteran a disservice by doing so. When any doctor backs you up with a statement, he/she is placing their reputation on the line in support of a veteran and that professional should be commended for doing so.

[Gastone]

An MD/DO with no "Dog in the Fight," writing in his Clinician Treatment Notes or actually completing a DBQ or providing a Vet with a  Written IMO, supporting the Vet's claimed Nexus, can often become the "Award Factor."

However, the Dr's Credentials will come into play. Is he a Board Certified Specialist, a GP, ER Dr, Psychiatrist, etc. If the VA's C & P Dr is a Specialist, Board Certified in the Vet's DX, his DBQ will Trump any "MO" of a Non-Specialist.

Just my Lay opinion here, IMOs provided by  Drs that are Professional IMO Suppliers, are viewed more harshly by Raters, DROs and BVA Judges. That being said, I would think their Medical Credentials are of extreme importance.

If a Vet is going to pay $1500 to $2+K for an IMO, he should seriously attempt to find a Dr "Board Certified," in his condition.

Semper Fi