doc25

Dr. Bash is detailed and has a high percentage of granted decisions based on his IMOs/IMEs. I believe it's over 70% of claims. I researched him and BVA cases he was cited on. It went into the hundreds of claims and cases. His fee is determined by the complexity of the claim.http://www.veteransmedadvisor.com/Fee.html Dr. Anaise is an MD and an attorney, from my understanding, so he has medical and VA law experience. http://www.danaise.com/nexus-imo-letters-veteran-disability/ Ellis Clinic is probably the cheapest out there starting at $500 depending on the complexity of the claim. If I'm not mistaken, you'll have to travel to Oklahoma to get what you need. https://ellisclinic.com/va-disability/index.html

Coincidentally mine has the same dates. We'll find out together on our claims.lol.

Yea he's good at what he does. He went through my smr and found I had stomach issues that started in-service and they've gotten worse over the years but I have a claim pending. So, I'm gonna hold off on that.

Looks good. Hopefully, the ratings scheduler grants the appropriate percentage. Best wishes.

I went with Dr. Bash and he's charging me 10k. I'm on a payment arrangement. I've only received DBQs for flat feet,knees,and lower back. I suppose because I didn't give $$$ upfront I will have to wait for my IMOs. I'm fine with waiting. No biggie.

A PTSD diagnosis will only be diagnosed if your reported symptoms consistently score a 33 or higher on your PCL-5 questionnaire. If I'm not mistaken. I will research further.

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DO NOT claim Sleep Apnea just yet. You may begin an "INTENT TO FILE" after it's confirmed you have Sleep Apnea from a Sleep Study. Insomnia(trouble falling asleep or going back to sleep) is caused by untreated Sleep Apnea, not the other way around; in most cases. There's a process to it. Answer these few questions: #1. Do you stop breathing in your sleep? Yes or No. #2. Do you wake up gasping to breathe or feel like you are choking in your sleep? Yes or No. #3. Do you have family, friends, or a significant other tell you you stop breathing while you sleep or snore? Yes or No. #4. Do you feel exhausted when you wake up and it takes you more than an hour to "feel fully awake"? Yes or No. #5. Do you have constant daytime sleepiness? Yes or No. ***Women are less likely to have or develop Sleep Apnea than men, but women do develop it. So, it's not that rare.*** To secondary connect sleep apnea: #1. Get referred to a Sleep Specialist/Pulmonologist to see if you require a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea or not. #2. Get a sleep study to confirm you have Sleep Apnea. #3. The sleep study or the doctor's note MUST STATE, "medically necessary CPAP" or something similar.( If it doesn't say that, the claim will be denied.) #4. You must meet this criteria: i) Current Sleep Apnea Diagnosis (You don't have a diagnosis yet) ii) Have a service-connected disability (PTSD) iii) Nexus of opinion stating the minimum threshold of "at least as likely as not" the veteran's sleep apnea is due to or the direct result of service connected PTSD. A rationale must be provided linking Sleep Apnea to PTSD.

70% – “Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities; speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence); spatial disorientation; neglect of personal appearance and hygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.” This is what best describes your criteria. Now it's up to the ratings scheduler to get it right.

Should you get PTSD granted...and you have or develop sleep apnea. You can secondary connect Sleep Apnea to PTSD. Other forum members and I can help provide information for that. FYI, every service-connected disability granted has secondary conditions that can be caused or aggravated by them.

"At least as likely as not" (equal to or greater than 50% probability). Meaning your were given favorable nexus of opinions. Had you received "Less likely than not" (less than 50% probability) it wouldn't look good. Hopefully, you receive the proper ratings and not get low-balled. Best wishes.

I agree. The NOD preserves the effective date if it gets granted.

Has your "earning capacity" been effected because of your wrists/hands? Meaning, have you lost significant time from work (more than two weeks per year)? Have you lost jobs or lost promotion opportunities? IU is one option to 100%, unless you want the Ratings Scheduler 100% and still work.

Congrats!

What does your nexus of opinion say near the bottom of your C&P exams; if they were done at a VA facility? I suggest you stay off ebenefits and vets.gov (I've gone crazy too, so you're not the first or last. It's normal). The only accurate updates are when you see an increase or no change in your disability percentage in ebenefits OR when you receive your granted or denial letter in your mail. Hope that answers your question. Best wishes on your claim.