[Civilian Doctor Before CLaim]

On 3/22/2017 at 6:26 AM, broncovet said:

Sure.  Make sure you have the Caluza Triangle documented:

1.  Current diagnosis of back condiition

2.  In service event or aggravation

3.  Nexus, or medical opinion as to the link between 1 and 2.  

Dont leave home without your Caluza triangle.  Often the nexus is the most difficult to get.  Your VSO will likely send you off to battle VA without a nexus.    If they do that, you will be slaughtered by VA like a pig.  YOur chance of getting benefits without a solid nexus are much worse than buying a lottery ticket.  

Does it matter if the Nexus comes from my PCP or not? He's a D.O. if that matters. 

[Civilian Doctor Before CLaim]

Hello and thank you in advance for any assistance that you can provide. 

I'm just now filing my claim after being a civilian for 12 years. I'm claiming for my lower back, onychomycosis, left knee and allergies. All issues are in my service records. I have not seen a civilian doctor for any of these issues. I either didn't have health insurance or I didn't want to see a doctor. I grew up thinking that seeing a doctor was weak, and the military doctors didn't change my thinking. They made me feel weak for going there. 

I live in San Antonio, where it seems like everyone has an opinion on what I should be doing. It's actually why I'm filing now, because everyone is telling me to. I simply forgot about all this back when I separated. I wish I filed years ago. Anyways, today I met with my appointed VSO for the first time. He's an assistant VSO, if that matters. He told me that I need to see civilian doctors so they can diagnose me now with these issues. He said that my general doctor will not work, and I need to see specialists for each issue. I'm thinking there will be x-rays and MRIs involved. I already don't like seeing my PCP, so the thought of seeing multiple drs doesn't sit well for me. 

I was under the impression that a civilian diagnosis was not needed. That I can submit my claim with my service records attached and the VA will contact me to see one of their doctors, and that it's up to them to prove that I don't have these conditions. Many of my friends are telling me this. Can someone shed some light on this? Do I have to see civilian doctors? 

Any thoughts or help is greatly appreciated.