Wayne TX

When it comes to bigger rating items ( 30% +) I think it's a no-brainer to go with the best IMO Doctors available to us. Retro will cover those costs relatively quick so throw any spare cash to them. I don't knock anyone out there helping Vets to win claims/appeals when VA Physicians dodge helping us. I have learned that some provide more than others. I am a firm believer that no appeal over 10% should have less than two IMOs involved to at least force VA to counter with two opinions of their own. Ideally, three should normally turn the tide in favor of the Vet with solid rationale evidence by all three.

Berta......I heard good things about Dr.Bash's work and considered, but I really liked the MD-Lawyer aspect of Dr. Anaise. There is apparently only a handful who can generate the kind of IMOs to tip the scales.

Palma.....I sing the praises of Dr. Anaise's work but I get slammed by some saying I'm advertising for him. I don't get these negative thinking people and why they can't see it is opening eyes and tipping off where good work can be found. I have been the victim of poorly presented IMO using less persuasive rationales and that is why I am in this appeal fix today.. He did a fab job on my SA appeal.....no I have yet to have DRO Hearing but I'm an intelligent man and I know strong evidence and deeper rationales matters and they must come from a certified MD. I appreciate the effort he took to spell it all out!

I agree he was very cold and indifferent.............the opposite end of Vet Friendly. He conducted no test....just looked up my nose and asked me maybe a half dozen questions........that was the whole exam....15 minutes tops. I do intend to explain all that at DRO Hearing and most likely I'll get a remand in protesting no testing was done and then heaven forbid what do if Waco RO sends me right back to him again for that C & P. He also listed my active duty period wrong serving 20 years........served just three.

Buck.....you nailed it on the head. He's the one and no testing was done either.

I went in search of the most qualified IMO Doctor I could find. I spent two days combing forums and asking questions. Then I found Dr. Anaise. He’s not only a degreed MD, but also a certified VA Disability Lawyer. I was immediately impressed that he had dual professional expertise to offer. Next, I researched his lawyer side in Citations and found he had won a good number of sleep apnea appeals. I contacted Dr. Anaise to do my Sleep Apnea appeal, and he did not disappoint. I got a 12-page report loaded with graphic exhibits, strong medical rationales, medical literature documenting and connecting my s/c secondaries – rhinitis and sinus – to Sleep Apnea. Further, from the time I contacted him, I had the IMO in my hand inside three weeks. Dr. Anaise delivered and totally won me over. I highly recommend contacting him for your Appeal IMO evidence.

I did 2 & 3 already and just waiting now and figuring out what else I can do. Rating is 10% tops. I want to effectively challenge the exam for failing to provide testing and rebut the presumptive. Thanks for the advice and reply.

I agree $5000 would be a ridiculous number to pay for an IMO.....I could not afford that either. I found his fee to be well within reason.

I had a C & P DBQ done by a VA ENT Clinic in late 2015. The VA examiner diagnosis was Hyposmia ( reduced ability to detect odors) and Hypogeuisa (decrease in sense of taste). I was made an award of 0% for both based on the C & P Examiner stating in Remarks Section: "It is at least as likely as not loss of smell/taste is related to SC allergic rhinitis." Further, under Remarks, C & P examiner stated "No reagents available in ENT clinic to test loss of smell/taste." I did not identify with the word "reagent" so I looked up the medical definition: :"a substance used in a chemical reaction." I was given no testing substance or even a blind test of any kind at this C&P exam therefore stumped in putting together a challenge of "how could a Medical Opinion be determined as reduced, near total, or total loss without reagents involved? If I have to be out of pocket to pay for independent testing done now that would still just be one opinion versus this one and whose to say that testing would meet VA's standards and be thrown out ????? I will be seeking at a DRO Hearing a compensable award of 10% without any evidence to the contrary to provide as I currently have none. If no reagents were "available" whose fault is that? VA or Vet? I'm worse off than just reduced, but I still have no idea to what degree because no testing results. At what degree does total loss trump a reduced opinion? I'm clueless. This is NUTS and confusing! Seeking a little friendly advise on how to handle this NOD? Any suggestions appreciated.

I went in search of the most qualified IMO Doctor I could find. I spent two days combing forums and asking questions. Then I found Dr. Anaise. He’s not only an active Medical Doctor, but also a certified VA Disability Lawyer. I was immediately impressed that he had dual professional expertise to offer. Next, I researched his lawyer side in Citations and found he had won a good number of sleep apnea appeals. I contacted Dr. Anaise to do my Sleep Apnea appeal, and he did not disappoint. I got a 12-page report loaded with graphic exhibits, strong medical rationales, medical literature documenting and connecting my s/c secondaries – rhinitis and sinus – to Sleep Apnea. Further, from the time I contacted him, I had the IMO in my hands inside three weeks. Dr. Anaise delivered and totally won me over. I highly recommend contacting him for your Appeal IMO evidence.

Hume.....when did you filed your NOD? How long a period from NOD filing to getting your docket number?

16 months since your Hearing and no decision yet? That's crazy. I would be right back on that VA Phone Line again. It ceases to amaze me how so much BS goes on to buy VA more time and hope the Veteran either gives up trying or dies before anything actually has to get done. Hang in there, brother and make phone calls.....write letters.

What did you tell VA to make your Appeal move that fast? That is really fast from a NOD filing to a Hearing Date. All I keep hearing is it takes 18-24 months and in some cases even longer to get a Hearing.

When you were you denied and you then sent a NOD.........how long was it from then to March 2016? Just curious if that VA phone line call made any difference time-wise to be seen quicker?

Buck........that was not Dr. Cruz.......he's a short guy about 5-8 tops. One of those doctors he brought in might have been Dr. Cruz. He is not seen in the Dermatology Clinic much, in fact I have personally seen him only twice over more than two years of regular treatments.........the one basically running it is Dr. Jacobe. She is Vet friendly and helpful.