CBaker84

Total costs for the IMO was quoted and paid at $1500.00; nothing else was asked for at all and it seems like they do this often on the side. This cost for IMO was also true for Dr. Bash. I had a few other quotes in the realm of $3k-5k dollars. Honestly, this it what I would expect from a medical expert. When I was working with attorneys, expert witnesses were almost $1500 a day, and about 2k-5k dollars to write a report for the case. My reasoning in getting the IMO was that after having the VA look at the wrong records (cited as 13 years before my birth), denying all my claims except one, and not performing any of the required tests - I felt that my best option was to have an IMO. For a total cost of $3,000, I may or may not have been able provide all the required evidence to prove my claims; I think my claim is also simple (OSA). For others, where their claim is more difficult, more disabling, or far more intricate, I think an IMO could be a blessing. I was also very fortunate that this wasn't going to put me in a bind financially (Used GI bill $ from school to fund it). My biggest suggestion: Put as much evidence as you can into it. Submit lay statements, submit medical journal's in support of your claim, try to find a Dr. to submit a nexus letter, go to the VA and get treatment etc. Do whatever, legally, to tip the scale in your favor.

One thing that I did is made a exhibit list of all my visits that were related to a specific symptom or injury. It must have helped, because in the Dr's report for me they seem to have cited each instance for their evidence. The easier we make it for them, the more they can do! One thing you have left out is the IMO's CV. That should be there so they know who he/she is and how much experience. This can come into play when you have two opinions that don't say the same thing (or one negative / one positive).

I recently just got my IMO back from David Anaise. After reviewing everything regarding claims and processing, I'm almost certain that it will be a benefit to me. Ultimately, for the issue I contacted him about, he opined that it was "more likely than not" connected in the manner I suggested and also that it "is due to" my other primary conditions. One issue that he picked up on is that he knew that the VA denied my two primary conditions, so he also stated that they were present while in service (which they obviously were). I have attached the IMO so that other people may see what they should be getting. There were quite a few attachments to this and they have not been included. I also have a 2nd IMO that will be coming from dr. Bash. David Anaise, IMO IME Nexus Letter redacted.pdf