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Getting An Imo

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Berta

Question

This has come up before and I am probably repeating what I already posted but it pays to re state again. Please add anything I forgot-

Format of an IMO.

The IMO (independent medical opinion) should contain the following:

A statement as to the specific area of the IMO doctor’s expertise that renders his/her opinion medically valid and appropriate to the disability claimed.

Any speeches or written treatises referenced etc that the doc has done that also support their expertise in the field of the disability.

A statement as to what medical records the doctor used to include the SMRs and any other available records pertinent to the claim.

A medically sound complete statement regarding “more than likely†or whatever terminology they use- that is supported by a complete medical rationale for their opinion.

A reference to the veteran’s SMRs (needed in most claims)- that supports the nexus in the veteran’s military records. An opinion regarding an in-service event is usually not valid if the doctor does not have the SMRs and refer to them.

A medical statement that rules out any other known etiology but for the service of the veteran as initial cause of the disability –based on the entire clinical record.

Any reference to any abstract or medical literature or treatise (the vet can find these themselves for the doc to consider) from valid and appropriate medical sources that supports the nexus of the claim.

Edited by Berta

GRADUATE ! Nov 2nd 2007 American Military University !

When thousands of Americans faced annihilation in the 1800s Chief

Osceola's response to his people, the Seminoles, was

simply "They(the US Army)have guns, but so do we."

Sameo to us -They (VA) have 38 CFR ,38 USC, and M21-1- but so do we.

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Good points. I have a copy of an IMO that I can scan and post that rated my back condition (40%) immediately without a detailed comp exam. The Comp Doctor looked at the doc and copied it in the exam and also just wrote she agreed. It was detailed enough she took the chiro's word. It indicated from what date to what date the chiro treated me. It also indicated all the other previous disabilities and that he was aware of them in making the decision.

-Spike-

Vet Advocate

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Spike,

Did you ever post a copy of your IMO? I think it would be interesting to see.

Good points. I have a copy of an IMO that I can scan and post that rated my back condition (40%) immediately without a detailed comp exam. The Comp Doctor looked at the doc and copied it in the exam and also just wrote she agreed. It was detailed enough she took the chiro's word. It indicated from what date to what date the chiro treated me. It also indicated all the other previous disabilities and that he was aware of them in making the decision.
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