ShuMan

ShuMan:
I have not but am relooking at my entire NOD timeline today to see what my best courses of action is an what I should be concentrating on most. Frankly, If I just do the IMO/IME with Dr. Ellis, that will go along way to improve my overall chances at the NOD or doing a DRO? Also, if I could get another few contentions approved or increased that will put me over the hump to 100%. Also, I've heard that it's good to have a cushion if you can as well?
I agree with you in that I'm hearing of other Vets getting C-File completion dates years and years out which is not good.

I was under the impression that if you requested a copy of your c-file that the VA was under time constraints on getting you a copy?   I applied for a copy in August of 2015.  I checked ebenefits today and its stating Estimated Completion: 10/10/2016 - 05/14/2017
Seriously?  Up to 2 years wait for a copy of a file that is supposed to be electronic at this point?

Vinsky54
No offense taken, glad you found that record it will help you out.
 Remember There's always hope if we never give up.
...............Buck

If I may interject an additional opinion.  I believe that using his services at the very least will strengthen a claimants case.  Utilizing an established doctor obviously would be stronger, just as a specialist in the field of your disease or injury.  It's probative evidence. It can't just be ignored. Also his opinion will tip the scales in your favor.  The VA will try and will get away with it if you don't challenge them on it. Food for thought. JMO

So, the IME from the gastro doctor fell through(he changed his mind, turns out he does procedures at VA once weekly), I have an appointment with Dr Ellis on April 19, 16. My only concern is my health issues, the lupus flaring up during travel, or the IBS so I hope they have more than one bathroom on the plane, lol. I am pretty much a nervous wreck about flying, I just don't know if I can be in close proximity to so many people, but I will be at that appointment. I am also obtaining an IMO from valor compensation consulting, so far very impressed with them, I will be posting the IMO and IME as soon as they are completed.

Thank you for the option flores97, I got that same feeling from them. I too was planning to do the same thing as far as the IMO and IME combination. There's a local Doc here in Indiana that used to do C&P Exams and he owns his own IME office. I was going to use him and then valor to bury the VA in evidence. Also one other thing I've learned because of this site, is try local specialist in your area. If you have health insurance you can most likely bill insurance as well. I wouldn't recommend using these docs as a primary IMO in a case (due to not lack of knowledge about how the VA works) but if you can find one in your area willing to help for the price of an office visit why not?  
-Never Give Up-

I want to put in a good word for Valor compensation consulting as well. I am mailing another complete records packet to them tomorrow (I just mailed one to Ellis Clinic in Oklahoma City), and I was also impressed. They (husband and wife team, husband is a veteran, wife was a c&p examiner), seemed very knowledgeable, she was able to look up some of my prior c&p's when I emailed her the new client worksheet. Also they are willing to work with veterans, set up payment plans(they do take payments, and have a referral program. However, I am not recommending them because I want the referrals, so no need to mention me, I think they genuinely care about our claims. I am obtaining imo's from them, as well I have an April appointment at the Ellis clinic. So with an IMO as well as an IME from different providers, I am hoping that will be enough to get good results. I will be posting those as soon as I receive them. So far, very impressed.

Not yet, I'm still fighting to get my C-file. Once I have my in service medical records, I'll be able to get an IMO/IME then submit the claim. I've been learning a lot about how to put together a claim the right way. I've learned from my mistakes the first time so hopefully this times different. Thanks for the much needed advice on the C&P exam, I'll have to hit you up once I get to that stage.

I'll have to ask about that, never thought of it but hey I'm with you I'll try anything.

Very True Credentials and expertise don't come cheap. I actually didn't think there were a ton of options out there until I started to look around and do some research. I'm planning my claim for Planter Fascitis now been in insoles from the VA since 2011 and they don't seem to help the foot pain. That was my reason for contacting Valor, I want to use them for my foot claim and 2 secondary issues( hip and neck pain Secondary to SC lower back issues).
Congrats on the 50% for the planter fasciitis.
-Never Give Up-

Thanks for the input. I'm waiting on my initial consult now. I just found out about Dr. Valette and think i am going to use him for my appeal. How was his price compared to others you have worked with? How about Dr.Bash? I'm with you on VSOs and I've just decided to go at the new claims on my own. Now with the appeal I'm going to be working with a lawyer. I would rather go in there guns blazing.

I just had my initial consult with the people at Valor. It was an a great experience, I was very impressed with her knowledge of the entire claims process and the professionalism she showed.
 

Anyone ever use http://www.valorcompensationconsulting.com/ to get an Independent Medical Option?
I spoke with the owner and they seem like they really want to help veterans out.
I was just wondering if anyone has ever used there services and what was the outcome of your case?

I'm talking to  Dr B. Vallette thru email and so far I'm pretty impressed with the professionalism and willingness to help. 

I figured that I may look into this.
 
Brian W. Case, MD, MS
Board Certified, Occupational Medicine
Diplomate, ABPM
IME Examiner
 
http://www.caseime.com/
 
Specialty Focus:
Occupational Medicine
Disability Medicine
 
Experience:
12 years performing IMEs
>2000 IMEs performed
 
Education:
MD, Loma Linda University
MS, University of Cincinnati
 
IME Training:
SEAK, AADEP, ACOEM, and ABIME

I have been admitted into the Acupuncture program as well (outsourced in GA) but it seems to help.  I have gone to 2 sessions so far so it has given me some relief.  Check it out no pain and easy procedure.
 

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!
The conversations I have with my lawyer have really awakened my knowledge of just how the VA plays their game and the tricks that they pull.  My lawyer also points out several tricks/procedures that they can use to circumvent the VA's procedural methodology in openly trying to deny your claim.  Do NOT for a second, think that the VA has your needs for compensation "in their heart".  THEY could care less.
Hire a good lawyer, after all the VA has their own small army of lawyers and raters who actually work at denying you.  It is only AFTER the VA has been backed into a corner that they will begrudgingly give you your earned benefits, and THEN they will try to short-change you on the effective date hoping you will take the small check and go away.  Do NOT let the VA'turds win!

Not yet, I'm still fighting to get my C-file. Once I have my in service medical records, I'll be able to get an IMO/IME then submit the claim. I've been learning a lot about how to put together a claim the right way. I've learned from my mistakes the first time so hopefully this times different. Thanks for the much needed advice on the C&P exam, I'll have to hit you up once I get to that stage.

VA forbid their own doctors to write them in 2010. If you submit a DBQ with no doctor's letter attached providing a nexus, VA will gin up their own and I guess I don't need to tell you what it will say most of the time. My suggestion is to research it here first and then ask questions.
You may want to review this document on the subject I created and revised over the years that describes what you need and why. 
http://asknod.org/6051-2/

I'll have to ask about that, never thought of it but hey I'm with you I'll try anything.

Shuman,
Not sure if you have had your C&P Exam for your feet yet, but if not make sure you're wearing your inserts and if they gave you the space boots (what I call them) to sleep in bring them to the exam as well to show that yes I have these and use them and the effects or lack thereof. I would recommend rolling your foot on a tennis ball or canned foot to see if it helps and if not you can state that during your exam as its an exam question I was asked on all 3 of my exams.

Get with the VA Acupuncture Program, seems to be helping with my PN of feet. Also, and this is the big one, get with the Pain Clinic regarding "Essential OILS" Pain mixtures. Can't believe the VOO DO mixtures help as much as they do.
Been doing acupuncture with VA for about 4 mos now, good results. Treatment every 2 Weeks. Started the Essential Oil mixtures applied every night, about 10 mos ago with non VA Podiatrist. Switched to VAMC 11/15, works as good if not better and the price is right.
Chronic foot pain is a Bixxx, I'd rub chicken bones on my feet to reduce the pain, if I thought it would work. To say the least, I was a bit skeptical regarding both Acupuncture and Essential Oil mixtures, much to my surprise, they really work.
Semper Fi

ShuMan,
I want to say their prices vary from case to case as with most doctors conducting IMOs, but its definitely not cheap and remember your paying for expertise and credentials. For example initially the VA denied my claim for bilateral plantar fasciitis and eventually through a C&P Exam I was rated at 0%, which gets them off the hook for the back pay. Contacted Dr. Bash met with him paid the fee and a month or so later I had had my IMO and applied for an increase an received 50% rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis. After 3 months or so of disability pay from the VA the IMO would have paid for itself and I'm receiving the money for the rest of my life unless the VA does some trickery LOL  I used Dr. Valette for my appeal, so I am waiting on the outcome for that.     

Based on PTSD wording, that is 50%

I WOULD REFER YOU TO MD BRETT VALETTE SITE. I USED HIM AND HE DOES GREAT EVALUATION OF RECORDS AND HE HAS DONE OVER 20,000 IMO AND ALSO KNOWS WHAT THE VA BOARD IS LOOKING FOR, BEFORE YOU SEND ANY RECORDS PLEASE CONTACT HIM AND ALSO LOOK AT HIS SITE,I THINK FROM WHAT I READ THAT YOU  SAID ABOUT THE PERSON YOU TALK ABOUT DOING YOUR IMO,BRETT VALETTE RESUME SPEAKS VOLUMES AND THEREFOR CARRY WEIGHT AT BVA.