Truth About Dr. Bash

[Guest morgan]

I have been away from Hadit for a while, but I just read a recent topic about Dr. Bash and I want to provide facts, not conjecture, about the value of his IMOs to disabled veterans. The attached letter from the office of Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs acknowledges the importance of his medical opinion (calling his medical opinions “extremely valuable and necessary”). It will also dispel any notion (as implied in the recent Hadit post) that Dr. Bash is self-serving in reviewing tons of medical records and C-files to provide an accurate medical opinion for veterans. One can see in this letter that he even takes time to try to correct problems within the VA claims process. Make no mistake; Dr. Bash is a friend to veterans. He should get awards, not bashing, for his rare and endless dedication to helping veterans.

While I certainly agree with Berta that a veteran needs a medical "hired gun" and anything else he or she can muster to fight the VA, this disparaging comment and certainly, the inference that Dr. Bash is self-serving, was unfair and inaccurate.

Contrary to the hired gun statement (written in a highly negative context--and worse, framed as coming from higher ups “in Washington”), the deputy secretary’s letter sets the record straight, completely negating the quoted opinion of the “mystery people” in Washington. Assuming the comment in the other hadit post is true, it certainly seems that some in VA's rank and file might be misinformed...or reckless.

Dr. Bash is and has been a tremendous friend to thousands of veterans with their claims. On my husband’s part, the first increase to 100% was won in five weeks, and the second in two months, largely because of Dr. Bash's thorough review of his file--so noted in the rating decision. The medical evidence was there to support the claims, but I didn't know what to look for, and the service officers I found didn't help at all. Dr. Bash guided me in composing the claims. (The legal details, Hadit inspired me to research--thanks Berta, Alex and all other wonderful Hadit experts!)

Dr. Bash is always open to re-reviewing any claim/decision/SSOC/outside medical opinion(s) in order to do a new/addended report during the appeals process. Where else can a veteran find that? If a veteran is not happy with any part of the IMO, or just doesn't understand something, Dr. Bash will always discuss it. He did for us. Just call him; he told me he WANTS veterans to be persistent in contacting him when necessary. (Obviously, unnecessary calls just slow his progress in working on IMOs.) And by the way, ask yourself when you last had any other doctor's cell number! Dr. Bash provides his private phone numbers for veterans around the world.

Yes, he does charge a fee for follow-up letters, but remember, his opinions are based on 13 years of post-college medical education and 22 years as a physician. Any inference that he is in it solely for the money is laughable. If you have been to a private doctor lately, take a look at the bill for FIVE to FIFTEEN MINUTES of his or her time. Without question, Dr. Bash could make much more money elsewhere in the medical profession with the time he devotes to IMOs for veterans. Think about it, how many large-volume files can one person review in a week?

As far as Dr. Bash not starting a review without money up front, of course he doesn't do that. If he provided IMOs that way, the VA would not view his opinion as unbiased. I think doctors who would do business like that originated the term "doctor shopping." Personally, if Dr. Bash had agreed to accept payment from us after a win, even I would have questioned his motive. (I'm used to paying professionals for their time and knowledge. Generally, the more they know, the more I pay.) He did, however, work out payment arrangements with us before starting. We sold a second car to pay him, and his IMO was worth every penny.

The bashing that went on here went way past a search for feedback, or just posting a personal opinion. At best, it was gossip and could have harmed veterans who might have been inclined to seek Dr. Bash's help had they not read the "in Washington" remark. This garbage should never have been posted on Hadit. Hadit is here to provide help for veterans, and Dr. Bash works hard to help as many veterans as he can. I am married to one who will be forever grateful that he found a place in Dr. Bash's schedule. So will the Navy veteran who recently won a 100% schedular rating for asbestos-exposure. He and his wife were barely getting by financially; in fact, they were already in bankruptcy proceedings. Now a ton of financial stress is gone as the veteran fights horrible lung disease and bladder cancer. I helped this veteran on the admin part of the claim, so I saw Dr. Bash's thorough medical input. I am thrilled Dr. Bash was there for them.

As for me, Dr. Bash and his IMOs are priceless. But I'll go with "extremely valuable and necessary."

Carrie

mansfield_letter.doc

Edited October 9, 2006 by morgan

[Berta]

Carrie- that is quite a letter. Dr. Bash did have some problems that he brought to their (GC) attention. I dont know what they were.

The download cut off the enclosure. Do you know what this was in reference too?

I too am very happy with his IMOs I got.

[SeattleShay]

Is it possible for you to post the entire letter along with attachments?

It sure would help me, since a rater a SEA RO called Dr Bash "nothing but a radiologist" and threw out my IMO....

[Guest morgan]

Berta,

I will ask him for more information, and will post it if I get it. I only have the page I posted. I noticed the letter mentioned guidance for adjudicators, but I don't know the particulars. God knows they need guidance.

SeattleShay,

As far as his being "only a radiologist," Dr. Bash is a specialist in neuroradiology, quite a stretch above just radiology. AND he is a board certified physician, not to mention his affiliation with the National Institute of Health. If I were you, I would send his CV and highlight the point that he is a board certified physician. If his CV is in your file already (I think it's about 10 pages), VA won't review that again. In that case, I would call Dr. Bash and ask him to write a short letter describing his credentials as they relate to your case. I feel sure he could straighten that out for you. Don't forget the time limit for NOD.

Carrie

[SeattleShay]

Carrie

His CV was attached to the IMO, the rater chose to ignore it.

That is part of my NOD that has been in the system at SEA RO for over 2yrs now.

Would love to have the entire letter that you posted to use as ammo, if and when I EVER have my DRO......

[callover007]

Berta,

I will ask him for more information, and will post it if I get it. I only have the page I posted. I noticed the letter mentioned guidance for adjudicators, but I don't know the particulars. God knows they need guidance.

SeattleShay,

As far as his being "only a radiologist," Dr. Bash is a specialist in neuroradiology, quite a stretch above just radiology. AND he is a board certified physician, not to mention his affiliation with the National Institute of Health. If I were you, I would send his CV and highlight the point that he is a board certified physician. If his CV is in your file already (I think it's about 10 pages), VA won't review that again. In that case, I would call Dr. Bash and ask him to write a short letter describing his credentials as they relate to your case. I feel sure he could straighten that out for you. Don't forget the time limit for NOD.

Carrie

Carrie,

Please feel free to use my name as the Bash Basher. I stand by my opinion that he is in it for the money, just as you have your opinion he is not. I would like you to tell me also why your opinion is any more valuable than mine. Is this some unique idea you have you are worth more than others. I will stand by my assertions. You had a good experience with him. Good for you. I had a bad one so tough for me.

There are some who care for him and some who don't. If you think that selling a second car is worth it, fine. Obiviously you didn't need it that much.

Dr Bash, you say, helped you get 100% and 100%. I'm glad for your husband as a fellow Veteran.

As far as your opinion on Bash it has not changed my mind what so ever. There are other Doctors who do IMOs' at a far lesser price. Bash looks for things to over-state.

If the Dept Sect. of Vet Affairs says his opinion is “extremely valuable and necessary" then they better change the way they do their rating system. That is a very misleading statement. Sounds like they are saying you need his opinion as it is "necessary" to be granted an award. Are you honestly that naive to believe that.

In closing I stay with my "OPINION" and from people who I have personally spoke to that Bash is over-rated and I feel over-price.

[john999]

As long as the VA will accept the opinion what does it matter what the motives of the doctor may be if it helps vets get a minor measure of justice? In my case and in the case of many other vets here we have been screwed out of thousands of dollars over the years due to ignorance and lack of support from the VA and our service organizations. I think doctor Bash is high in the fee department but I had to find docs to help me by trial and error. That cost me a lot of money and time.