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IMO Independent Medical Opinion

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Do not give advice contrary to the law. Such as lying to VA or SSA or working under the table for cash in order to hide your employment status from government agencies. Such postings will be deleted, further posting will result in a ban from the forum.

1. Post a clear title like 'Need help preparing PTSD claim' or "VA med center won't schedule my surgery" instead of 'I have a question'.

Knowledgable people who don't have time to read all posts may skip yours if your need isn't clear in the title.

I don't read all posts every login and will gravitate towards those I have more info on.

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Again - You want to make it easy for others to help. If your question is buried in a monster paragraph there are fewer who will investigate to dig it out.

Leading to:

3. Post clear questions and then give background info on them.

Example is:

A. I was previously denied for apnea - Should I refile a claim?

I was diagnosed with apnea in service and recived a CPAP machine but claim was denied in 2008. Should I refile?

B. I may have PTSD- how can I be sure?

I was involved in traumatic incident on base in 1974 and have had nightmares ever since, but I did not go to mental health while enlisted. How can I get help?

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If you want provide the information below:

Any other claims that have been awarded, can affect the handling of this claim, so if you can, provide as much information as possible about your current VA status. If you know the Disability Codes (DCs), then give those also. You can find them in 38CFR Chap 1, Part 4. if the VA did not/will not provide them.

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  1. Dr.James Shields

    Asked by stumpy579,

    0 votes
    0 answers

  2. Dr. L

    Asked by Oceanbound,

    0 votes
    0 answers

  3. Any Referral For Ortho or GP IMO/IME in North Florida/South Georgia

    Asked by OldSkool33,

    0 votes
    0 answers

  4. I am looking for an Allergist to perform an IMO

    Asked by alkamizt,

    0 votes
    0 answers

  5. IMO or IME mental disorder in Virginia

    Asked by cryingbear,

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297 questions in this forum

  1. Financial Hardship Claim Question

    Im new here to Hadit. Im was living in Jacksonville NC until I lost my home and then was evicted from my apartment because my job would not let me return until my panic attacks are more under control. So i filed for financial hardship and they began expediting my claim with Winston-Salem RO. Being that me and my daughter became homeless they moved my claim to Columbia SC RO bc I changed my address slowing my claim but as soon as it was received it went straigt to decision because my claim was ready to rate before RO sent it Columbia RO. I filed my claim n 11/21/2010 and on 04/20/2011 it went into decision phase.... My question is since my claim is flagged for hardship, ab…

    Asked by Ester,

    0 votes
    8 answers

  2. Va Docs & Disability Statements

    i had to get an IME which turned out to be just and in my favor. but i would like to know this, and this question may be in the wrong topic area: i have a SS claim in and no VA doctor will write a statement regarding my condition. they wouldn't write a note to a temp job last year when i attempted a few weeks of work. i am getting a monthly check from SSD, but SSD wrote i wasn't to get retro due to my MS and spinal diseases didn't start until a year ago. i got the IME and got service connected and recently had another C&P and that doc said i was 100% disabled and can no longer work. said he was going to write that in his report --- we'll see. so, my que…

    Asked by autumn,

    0 votes
    21 answers

  3. Suggestions For Imo

    Hi All, We are headed to MD to see the leading doctor for ARVD (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia) at the end of the month, and he is going to write an IMO in support of our claim to the VA. My husband had palpitations while in the Army but they were never documented in his SMRs. He was honorably discharged October 15, 2009 with 30% disability but none of it was heart related. In December 2009, he had an EKG done that said he had an abnormal heart rhythm that left room for concern. We went to a cardiologist in May of 2010 and they wrote it off as something insignificant after doing another EKG, a holster monitor for 24 hours, and an echo. Then Septemb…

    Asked by Clarke221,

    0 votes
    3 answers

  4. Vet Rep Is Gone

    I just called the Oregon vet affairs office after not hearing from my rep for several months. I have had a request for reconsideration pending since August with an IMO, new evidence including two determinations of disability by different state agencies and a psyche test done by one of them which was what the IMO doc (themselves a former VA examiner) used as the basis of their opinion on top of my active duty records, which had substantial helpful info. I just learned my rep is gone, my case has been reassigned to someone else "based on the last 2 of my ssn" (in other words randomly) and it will take them over a week just to request my file. I was told that the VA r…

    Asked by slangpdx,

    0 votes
    16 answers

  5. Do You Have To Be Treated By A Va Doctor

    if amyone can help. I notice that every time i look back in my recordsand sumitted claims for lower back condition for back the va doctor has never put anything to help you with your claim. I have a lower back condition 3 bad disc spinal stenosis and to many to list . My private doctor neurosurgeon has recommend surgery fusion and put in paper work its from my post operative surgery, which i received at the va that im having problems with instability. I submitted my new claim also went back to va doctor this happen 4 months ago and now in the past 2 weeks va has sent me letters telling me its time for a follow up appoitment. In the past I have called couldnt get an appo…

    Asked by ocreswell,

    0 votes
    3 answers

  6. Imo Question

    I recently submitted my claim for the first time and I already have two letters from my doctors linking my current injuries to my accident in the military. I tend to worry about things, and I am already forming a game plan just in case they deny my claim the first time. I am looking to get more letters completed by doctors. My current letters are written by doctors that currently treat me, I was wondering how you go about finding other doctors to review your medical file and write a letter. Would I just research doctors in my areas that specialize in my medical conditions and then call up their office and ask if they can review my file/write a leter, or do only c…

    Asked by bulldogpete,

    0 votes
    9 answers

  7. Incompetency

    I am a care giver for a veteran who is 76 yrs. old. He had a stroke several years ago and also has copd. He has been awarded 100 percent service connected disability in addition to special compensation of aid and attendance. Since his interview for aid and attendance; he was claimed incompetent, for his finances. I am trying to find out any information I can on how he can have that claim reversed. What Docter's he would need to see and what tests they give him. I am also trying to research the fiduciary program; regarding what bills and allowances they will pay for him. I am told that they decide a salary for me as his caregiver 7 days a week; 24hrs. a day. I …

    Asked by Suds,

    0 votes
    2 answers

  8. Fiduciary Information

    Hi, Yesterday I was appointed as fiduciary for my grandfather who has slight dementia. Although things were working fine the way the have always been the va decided that this needs to be more legal than a poa. So, they appointed me fiduciary. My only issue with this is that they say I am not allowed to make cash withdrawls at all. How do I give him his spending money now? I normally make sure that he has about 40 dollars or so in his wallet at all times for spending money. All of the rest of the bills I always pay. I do his shopping, and ect.. Also, since I do accounting work, he asks me to be a fiduciary for other veterans who don't have family. While, I believe this wa…

    Asked by kara,

    0 votes
    3 answers

  9. Imo Before Or After Nod

    I'm thinking about borrowing some cash to hire an IMO/IME Dr' for my upcomeing claim for back and neck injuries caused by my gait from SC knee. My question would be, since it is alot of money for one, would it be better to wait if the claim is denied, or get one off the bat. The reason I ask this, is I been reading alot of BVA claims and some were denied due to the IMO Dr didn't exam the Vet to dispute the C&P findings.

    Asked by cooter,

    0 votes
    5 answers

  10. Imo - Incompetency

    My private doctor has agreed to see my husband and write the IMO to contest the incompetency proposal from the VA. Before we head in there, I'm just wondering if there is a format or special wording the letter needs to have? I thought I had seen a sample letter before, but I can't seem to find it now. Thanks in advance for any help/advice!!

    Asked by JaxVet,

    0 votes
    12 answers

  11. Great Independent Medical Doctor

    Hi Everyone I just wanted to mention this great doctor. His name is Dr. Jerry Bush. He and his wife is a team and a great team. They are fast and reliable and really keeps you informed in the process. I just finish an IME with them for DIC. I am very please with their service. I don't know anything about my claim as I just mailed it off, but I know he really worked hard on it and I was very please. I know it is hard finding independent medical doctors so I just wanted to mention him just in case anyone is interested. His website is www.jerrybushmd.com.

    Asked by Blessedmom,

    0 votes
    5 answers

  12. Purpose Of Imo For Widow Case

    Hi Everyone I had my IMO redone by the doctor just to make sure I had enough evidence pointing to this particular medicine which caused my husband death. He did an IMO which I though was good, but I wanted him to add just a little bit more of supporting evidence. In his PURPOSE , he has the following and my question is --I saw where the board can not turn a doctor down because they have not read the C-file, (the new law) but my question is should I try to include it. I did not give him the c-file, but there was not really anything in there except the initial application, birth certificates, death certificates and marriage license. I gave him everything that they se…

    Asked by Blessedmom,

    0 votes
    3 answers

  13. Just Filed Imo With Vet Rep

    I just had an IMO by a psych who is themselves a former VA examiner filed with my vet rep. This was based on a review of active duty records, past six years of VA records, and testing done by a psychologist. I also have additional documentation of a current disability beyond what was available at the C&P. I already have an appeal pending of an NOD that was handed down in April for a C&P exam from February. Does this change the dynamics of the appeal process? Do I still have to wait out getting a hearing on the appeal or does the IMO change anything?

    Asked by slangpdx,

    0 votes
    4 answers

  14. A Word Of Caution

    An IMO doctor needs all available medical records, and in most cases copies of C & P wxams, and in some cases the entire SMRs of the veteran. Althogh VA has been accused in the past of "doctor shopping" -we old timers called those attempts "fishing expeditions" in the veterans commmunity , and sometimes the VA still seems to do that- a veteran or widow of veteran should NEVER play that game. The attorney's at the BVA are smart and will pick up on anything that does not seem kosher. In this case it appears that either the widow gave the IMO doctor the wrong info or did not give the doctor the medical records that he/she needed.I saw one potential possibilit…

    Asked by Berta,

    0 votes
    1 answer

  15. Please Help -Widow Applying For Dic-Imo Question

    Good Morning Please let me know your opinion. The doctor pretty much followed Ms. Berta's outline for IMOs'. I just have a few questions. Here is some of the IMO. I think he did pretty good--I am just concerned with the below. Mr. _____ was in a prothrombotic state at the time of his death. The laboratory evaluation revealed a diagnosis of one of the antiphospholipid antibody syndromes, "as likely as not" due to his inservice treatment with (INH) as a treatment for a conversion to a positive TB skin test. This would be classified as an acquired hypercoagulable state. It is possible that the veteran also had an occult hereditary thrombophilia. It is my opinio…

    Asked by Blessedmom,

    0 votes
    5 answers

  16. Medical Letter

    Here is a letter i got from my doctor to send to the VARO. My name is -------------- Ph. D. and i'm a psychological resident at the Harry S truman memorial veterans hospital. As a member of PTSD clinical team, i have acted as the primary provider for mental health services for (my name) under the supervision of Dr. --------- Licensed psychologist in the state of MO. This veteran has attended eleven psycholtherapy sessions, from dec 2009 to present day, in order to asses trauma related anxiety symptoms and their impact on his daily functioning. At the time of initial assesment, (my name) reported significant change in his emotional and behavioral funcitioning from hi…

    Asked by ATVer,

    0 votes
    8 answers

  17. Imo Diagnosis Code?

    I called my health insurace carrier BCBS and asked if they would pay for an IMO from a doctor. The person didn't know what an IMO was and said it was based on a diagnostic code. She said the code would be noted in a medical CPT or ICD9. Any help anyone?

    Asked by cooter,

    0 votes
    9 answers

  18. Need Doctor For Imo

    I have had a case against the VA for 6 Years. I have multiple sclerosis and many other problems associated with it. I am looking for a Doctor that will do and imo on me. I am hoping someone will know of a good one. I live in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

    Asked by stitcher03,

    0 votes
    26 answers

  19. Weight Of An Imo

    I'm in a situation where over the years I have been evaluated by different doctors, some VA, some mine some contracted by the VA. Well, now I have this problem that I disagree with the date the VA said I became 100% disabled. So if I get an IMO, will the opinion have more weight in front of a board than old medical reports? Anybody got any clues? Callie B)

    Asked by CallieSquirrel,

    0 votes
    3 answers

  20. Missouri Imo

    Any place preferred in missouri to get an IMO done?

    Asked by ATVer,

    0 votes
    1 answer

  21. Imo In Fayetteville, Nc

    Looking for a IMO in the Fayetteville or Raleigh ,NC are for a Appeal for Unemployability claim because of Degenative Disk Dease and Depression.

    Asked by nono50,

    0 votes
    4 answers

  22. Nexus Letter

    Hi folks, I asked my Dr for a nexus letter. He complied. So I thought. He made a note in my chart, that I have forwarded to my VSO. In the section of my notes under "History of Present Illness" the Dr noted... "Patient reports that OSA symptoms began while he was in active military service, while serving in the Army. He believes that his symptoms were present, but were at the time attributed to PTSD and depression. I HAVE REVIEWED SEVERAL SERVICE MEDICAL RECORDS THAT ALLUDE TO SLEEPINESS AND UNREFRESHING SLEEP AT THAT TIME." Then in the assessment portion of my chart he wrote. "I beleive it is as likely as not the pt had sleep apnea while he was in th…

    Asked by pog,

    0 votes
    32 answers

  23. Got An Imo Locally

    Howdy all. I found a doctor that gave me a 'more likely than not' on connecting my arthritis to my sc conditions (flat feet and ankle injury). I gave the good Dr. a copy of Strickland's sample letter and he tried to follow it but he didn't get it right in detail. I had fore warned him that VA was fussy as all get out and he told me to let him know if it needed altered so there's no problem on that end. He gave me three lightly filled pages with information scattered about and omitted a lot of detail, providing mainly broad statements/impressions. Too, I hadn't brought the full battery of my records since at this first visit, I hadn't actually expected the letter.…

    Asked by Jayg,

    0 votes
    16 answers

  24. Requirements For Reporting To Va

    I am a DAV on PDRL with 60%. I have been retired since '96 and have had med treatment (incl surgeries) for my disability at civ hospitals/doctors, but nothing at a VA Med facility. Does anyone know if I am supposed to report my treatment to the VA? Does the VA need to have copies of all my treatment/surgeries? Thanks with all respects.

    Asked by LarryW,

    0 votes
    2 answers

  25. Medical Records

    ok the objective simply request a copy of all medical records including inpatient out patient and mental health treatments from a specific date to the present. location.... local VAMC at medical records office. once there i requested the action. she instantly sighed.... I said in a atitude I am sorry Iam i bothering you she just stared no but there going to have to mail them to you. i said fine i filled out the form va-10-5345a and the Bia--@!#@#$tch snapped it from my hand and asked for ID......... this time I bit my tongue and di just what she asked but I gave her military ID, she said no your VA card.. I snapped with a fast response you said ID be specific th…

    Asked by Medic4849,

    0 votes
    8 answers
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