vmo

I believe comments that I've made were both pro & con (good vs. bad)---but a fair evaluation of his services. It is not my intention to offend the Dr. or anyone else. Just constructive criticism (yes) to expound the services I paid for. The decision to hire or not is up to you. Hopefully, consider the good points with the bad before making a decision.

Dr. Bash is well educated and very well qualified to provide his independent medical opinions--without question. In addition, he is a disabled vet just like most all of us. His opinion's have helped many vets, including me. I have no problem with he, you, or I negotiating a fee. I strongly disagree with referring to him as a "quack". However, I recommend that a request not be made for additional $$ when the vet's claim is approved. Likewise, a vet should/would not ask for a partial refund if claim was denied. Honesty and fairness would serve us all well on both sides of the fence. Amen.

The more posts I read pertaining to Dr. Bash--I feel we may be better served as "Bashless". This is not the first time I've noticed the good Dr. requesting more cash when you finally receive the IMO (months) late (mine included). **Doc: if you are reading this--give us what we ask and pay for---an honest "independent medical opinion" of the evidence submitted, nothing more-nothing less. If I remember correctly, you tell us up front after a short screening conversation explaining the claim, if you think you "might" be able to help with your "IMO".

$677 deposited 8/26 direct deposit, yeeeeeeees!!! B)

I've noticed many benefiting from the in-person DRO Hearing in front of the Decision Review Officer. My question is: Has anyone mentioned a positive outcome from just a "review" by the Decision Review Officer (without attending the in-person hearing/review)??

After review of the recent helpful posts--I'm somewhat in limbo. The lumbar spine L5-S1 is fused with 12 mm of anterior subluxation of the L5 on S1 (overlap). This type fusion appears to be the gray area somewhere between unfavorable ankylosis and and favorable ankylosis. The fusion was accomplished in the "neutral" position not being flexed or extended. However, the question still remains that if one disc is fused overlapping the one below it (a fusion which is not flexed or extended) is this "unfavorable". The veteran in question suffers neurological left leg foot/sciatica problems. Maybe it is acceptable (favorable) to the VA Rating if if discs are fused overlapping even with continuing neurological problems(?). I just have to question that an overlapping fusion--why it would not be an "unfavorable ankylosis". The rating percentages for favorable vrs. unfavorable are well worth the question. I would expect nothing positive from the DRO and probably should expect another lengthy appeal to BVA.

Makes a lot of sense--thank you for the clarification, hopefully I can turn this into some "cents". Great job, thanks again rental guy1.

Question pertaining to "Spinal fusion" surgery. During surgery: if the spine is fused in a "neutral" position--What exactly is meant by neutral?? The disc(s) are aligned directly above each other when fused with clamps and pedicle screws? The reason I ask is that some conditions (such as spondylolisthesis: where upper disc slips past lower) the vertebrae(disc) must be fused as positioned from previous healing or arthritis prior to surgery--the disc can't be moved when fused without the risk of further neurological complications. In other words the disc is fused as is one over lapping the other. Would this be considered as fused in a position other than "neutral"?? *Or does "neutral" simply mean the disc are fused together and can't move??

*Clarification: Dr. Bash's IMO was "good" not great. Would I use him again--probably not. Also, when he quoted his fee to me--I negotiated it down quite a bit. Then he requested more if my claim was increased--when he sent the "late" IMO to me. Sorry---I got an increase, he did not. I am more fortunate than most as I have two major medical plans in addition to VA Medical Centers. I obtained as many private IMO-IME statements as I could. *When I received IMO-IME that was detrimental (not supportive) I tossed it. Be careful what you fire at the VA, cause sometimes they shoot back. I think the most beneficial statement I obtained was from the "physiatrist" (not psychiatrist) who specializes in physical medicine/rehabilitation, as my claim involved spine, knees, & neurology. New conditions were granted service connected. However, I was satisfied with BVA decision, but not the VA rating percentage from VARO. So---here we go again.

I used Dr. Bash---he did take alot longer to supply his IMO-independent medical opinion then advertised. I used the IMO some two years ago, paying him $1000. However, the IME-independent medical exams I obtained were (I feel) as much, maybe more beneficial. I used three neurologists, three orthopedic physicians, and a physiatrist. (Most of which was paid by private medical insurance, fortunately). What Dr. Bash did was evaluate the "medical evidence". Dr. Bash is good. However, if possible, submit evidence from more than one medical specialty. Also, you will find the VARO try to downplay Dr. Bash's "IMO" as he did not actually exam you. Hogwash--the rebuttal is the IMO is still viable supportive "medical evidence". Good luck!!

VARO Cleveland, very long process. My file sent to Detroit VARO for initial denial. Later a letter from Huntington, Wv VARO concerning BVA Appeal with a different vet's C-number/name along with mine(?). Appeal only was 7-years long. Oh well, started at 10%, appealed granted 30%. Good things come to those that wait----or may be have no choice!! VARO cleveland for this grade period warrants an: "F". "It is not a wise snake that bites it's own tail'.------Who said that?? <_<

I used Dr. Bash for his 4-figure fee concerning knee back conditions. I found it did take alot longer than he anticipated. The opinion was well written and helpful. The VARO downplayed his opinion (of course) as a non examining physician---however, BVA appeared to give him more credit. When I received Dr. Bash's opinion, I moved lateral obtaining local actual exam opinion to support Dr. Bash--which worked. *Remember, all good things in life take time---especially VA Appeals. VARO's are well aware of Dr. Bash.

josephine & betty---thanks! I should have known the obvious. I'll contact NPRC again concerning these confidential records.

I was treated at Naval Hospital, Long Beach, Ca. in early 1971 for "stress" after my return from Nam, June 1970. The records are not in my service medical records maintained by NPRC!!!I've heard that psy records were kept by the hospital when they treated a vet for psychiatric problems?? Which could explain why the records never made it to my USMC service medical records. Naval Hospital Long Beach- long since closed. *Any suggestions on where the psychiatric records were shipped for storage?? Cause they are not in NPRC(my medical records)!

Is any one out there s/c for lumbar fusion then years later (3) developed aggravation of cervical (c-6,7) degen disc dis?? Then attempted to obtain secondary/aggravation of the cervical caused by lumbar fusion, etc.???

VA Regional Office 155 Van Gordon Street P.O. Box 25126 Denver, Co. 80225 (303)914-5570 DAV National Service Officer (303)393-4605 DAV Hospital Service Coordinator **I hope this helps.

I've used Dr. Bash. It did take the good Dr alot longer to send me his IMO then what I was originaly informed. The IMO was well written and very expensive. Did his IMO help----yes, how much(?)--hard to say. After I received Dr. Bash's IMO, I obtained local professional opinions to support Dr. Bash. **Word of caution pertaining to Dr. Bash's IMO. The VARO will downplay his IMO as Dr. Bash did not actually "examine or treat" me, his opinion was based on review of a multitude of private Dr & hospital & military medical records. Respectfully, I suggest you (also) obtain support to help support Dr. Bash's IMO, if possible. My theory: if you were going to a gunfight in the old west, always put 6 bullets in your 6 shooter, not 4 or 5. When you battle the VA, remember to watch the flank and cover your "rear".

Last april 2007 ended 6 yr appeal. I was 10% left knee. BVA video hr granted s/c by way of secondary/aggravation to right knee arthritis and lumbar "strain". I have severe lumbar osteoarthritis, spondylolisthesis L5-S1, sciatic left butt, calf, & foot. Post fusion surgery L5-S1. Still have alot of pain, can not walk good or very far. Can not sit at computer long, can't lift much,---less than 50 lbs only max. Miserable. **Currently 10% left knee arthritis was original over 20 year rating. Again right knee and back were recent grant on 6 yr appeal as secondary. I feel when BVA sent the grant of SC back to VARO, rating board then screwed me with just 10% lumbar stain. Should not they have rated the sciatic (neuro) and arthritis, fusion, (physical) conditions seperate?? Then combined??