hypertension Individual Medical Opinion (imo)

[blueteak]

Has anyone ever requested when submitting evidence on their claim that the VBA attain an IMO for a service connection in their medical record? I am claiming for sleep apnea and there is no diagnosis in my service record for same. However there are incidences of MVP, Hypertension, Dyspnea (none currently SC or have been requested SC). Everything that I have read suggests these elements are related to Sleep Apnea but my opinion would not count as I am not a MD. Apnea was first diagnosed approx 9 yrs after discharge. Period of service was '70-'93. I'm considering asking them to obtain an IMO since I can't afford to pay a private MD for one. I have 16 days left to submit my evidence before the 60 day expiration for submission of evidence to the VBA. Thanks in advance for any input.

[Berta]

Can you get some buddy statements that you snored loudly in service?

You can send them internet print outs that the conditions you mention that show they are due to or associated with sleep apnea. Use good sources like Merck , Mayo Clinic,etc.

If I were you you should add to your claim the conditions you mentioned here-is the HBP or any of them noted on your discharge physical?

even if one of them gets SC perhaps they would SC the sleep apnea as a secondary condition.

In the long run these conditions could get worse and prevent you from working-

An IMO might cost you 2000-2500 bucks- or more-

but if you get any private medical care, the private doc might do it for free or low cost.

With a potential TDIU award- one more of TDIU comp could easily absorb the cost of an IMO.

Please check the schedule of travel under Project Salute-

I am sure my recent post on this project will pop up-

The lawyer from Project Salute told me they are trying to- get IMOs pro bono from some doctors- for some veterans-

but a very limited vets can get this help- this Project became so successful suddenly (pro bono legal claims help) their IMO contacts might already be completely overwhelmed.

If you are on their projected visits in the Mobile Van-by all means see if they can help you-

BUT they only want to help in this way if a vet has done a lot of the leg work too- buddy statements etc-and has a very very viable claim-at that point-

The VA however would never pay for an IMO- I think a decision based on an IMO from a real doctor should include the cost of the IMO as refund with the retro.

Or take it from vet rep salaries-if the rep failed to properly assist the vet----

but those ideas are illusions

[blueteak]

Unable to locate any buddies from service that could help.

The reason I asked about getting the VBA to request an IMO was because of what I read here: http://warms.vbs.gov.regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_328.DOC

Maybe I misinterpeted it.

I do plan to send copies of all pages that mention my aforementioned ailments. None were mentioned on my seperation physical with the exception of the MVP.

[71M10]

I see your listed as 10%, what is currently rated?

Best regards,

Tyler

[blueteak]

I'm rated at 10% for lower back sprain. Currently I have at the VBA request for increase in that and new claims for tinnitus, hearing loss, and neck sprain. I have entries in my SR for all of these items plus current diagnosis of them from the VA healthcare system.

[71M10]

Check your medical records, if the doctors have described scoliosis or Kyphoscoliosis you might want to bring that up as contributory to the sleep apnea.

I am working on gathering information on this for my own future claim(don't quite have enough yet). If you google search kyphosis, scoliosis and sleep disordered breathing you will probably find what I have already found.

I will probably compile some of this, this weekend and will send you a synopsis of what I find.

Every little bit helps!!

Best regards,

Tyler

[Philip Rogers]

Technically, I believe, IMO stands for Independent Medical Opinion.

pr