Imo Attached For Opinion

[kate7772]

Sorry, could not copy to original post. Please give opinions on this IMO. These are my thoughts:

This is an appeal for kidney disease my husband suffers from and we are claiming was caused by the contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (an uphill battle.)

The report looks good to me but I do have a few questions I wanted to ask here before getting back with him.

**It says he reviewed patient's medical records/testimony,lay statements, personnel records but it does not state he saw the service medical records or C&P file. He did see both and references the C&P opinion elsewhere but does not specifically list it. Should these two things be included in the list of what he saw?

**My husband had two entries in his service medical records where he was treated for urinary issues and pain. These were a year apart and after exposure to the water. I thought maybe these would be important to include as the possible start of the problem but maybe not.

**He referred to a reference which lists harmful chemicals known to cause the kidney disease my husband has but also includes in the list other items, such as: lead paint, cigarette smoke, sewage, whitening creams contaminated cereals, etc. I'm not sure these should all be listed. I'm thinking just pull out the chemicals he was exposed to and not leave it open for VA to say "Hey, these other items could have been a factor." We all know many things in the environment can contribute to medical issues but don't want to give unnecessary ammo.

**The opinion doesn't use the exact wording "at least as likely as not" but does say "to at least the 50% level of probability." Is that acceptable to VA?

**This next may be petty but I have a thing about spelling (not that I don't have issues with it also) and there are some in the report, likely typos. Should I ask that these be corrected or is that not a real issue?

Just want to make sure we cover everything and give VA no reason to say something is not included or done right. We also have a statement in my husband's medical notes from his VA kidney specialist, saying that he feels the condition is at least as likely as not a result of the water.

Any thoughts on this? Anything that I should make sure is included before sending the NOD?

imocopypdf.pdf

[georgiapapa]

According to what I have heard on this website, Dr. Bash does outstanding work and has prepared numerous IMOs for veterans. You should reach out to Berta if you have any doubts about Dr. Bash. All of Berta's comments I have ever seen regarding Dr. Bash have always been positive.

If you still have questions about the IMO prepared by Dr. Bash you should email your questions to him just to give you peace of mind. For the money you are paying, Dr. Bash should not have a problem answering your questions.

Good luck.

[Berta]

I think it is superb.,because Dr. Bash raised multiple strong medical points .

"The opinion doesn't use the exact wording "at least as likely as not" but does say "to at least the 50% level of probability." Is that acceptable to VA?"

Yes and it is stronger than 'at least as likely or not'. By now every VARO is used to Dr. Bash's wording of IMOs, I think.

*He referred to a reference which lists harmful chemicals known to cause the kidney disease my husband has but also includes in the list other items, such as: lead paint, cigarette smoke, sewage, whitening creams contaminated cereals, etc. I'm not sure these should all be listed. I'm thinking just pull out the chemicals he was exposed to and not leave it open for VA to say "Hey, these other items could have been a factor." We all know many things in the environment can contribute to medical issues but don't want to give unnecessary ammo."

It is possible any veteran could have been exposed to any of these chemicals while in the Military, and Dr Bash has brought this up ,before the VA could use this as an excuse to deny, in my opinion,because he made a strong statement and specific rationale about the TCE.

The TCE as a degreasing agent as well as a cleaning agent,got into the camp water system.

This article makes a good point.
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/camp-lejeune-study-finds-higher-cancer-death-risk-n33991

Marines in Camp Lejuene drank lots of water on hot days and probably showered more than once a day and washed their clothes in the contaminated water too.Maybe their spouses living on base even cooked in it.

I think you have great evidence here Kate7772.You also have a corroborating opinion which is also great!

And you have done a Great job and please don't be offended if I or anyone here seemed tough with you on filing the NOD ........just that us hardcore claimants here want every vet to adhere to the NOD deadline and succeed in getting the best possible effective date they can. for any retro.

You did very well and Thank you for helping your husband!

Every vet needs a proactive spouse like you!.

[Stretch]

This is a very good IMO.

I know Berta is right when she says every Vet should have a proactive spouce. Some Vets have to go through this by themselves with their spouces just watch the wheels go round.

[georgiapapa]

I totally agree with Berta and Stretch. My wife is always there for me. She and I have been married 45 years and I can't imagine my life without her. She keeps me going and she also keeps me out of trouble.

[john999]

How much did the opinion cost you? It is a high class IMO from what I can tell. If you paid less than 2500 bucks you got a good deal.

If it gets your husband a high rating it is probably worth every penny even if you paid 5 grand. You get your investment back in a few months. Bash destroys the C&P exam doctor's credibility.

[bhoward422]

Please send me Dr. Bash Phone # Addressor email bhoward4222@gmail.com