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

[Guest morgan]

After stuying these posts, I think the importance of an effective IMO is a MOOT point especualy when the Rating Officer or RO is going to be negative. If that is the case, then there is not a snowballs chance in hadees for a Vet to obtain SC at the RO level. I do not believe a problem exists in the IMO provided by Dr Bash, I believe there is a Torrid and negative Rating Officcer who refuses to grant a claim no matter how strong an IMO is.In this case it would be suited to move the claim out of the RO's hands and get it straight to the BVA.

There are some Rating officers that are like that. They think they are God because they have ultimate power at their office and only the BVA or court can make them do the correct thing.

Good Luck to all.

jstacy,

You have just posted the bottom line! As Berta has said, the VA owns the scales and the only way a veteran can win is to provide as much evidence as possible. Then pray that it strikes the specific rater as persuasive.

Carrie

Edited October 10, 2006 by morgan

[Guest morgan]

I don't have an opinion specifically on Dr. Bash. But, I would like to make a point.

There is not one Vet here that would not scream to high heaven if the VA sent his c-file and all medicall records to a Physician of even the highest professional achievements, and recieved a diagnoses or medical opinion that hurt his claim without having been physically examined by that Doc.

We often complain that our C&P's are too short to be thorough. And they are. I personally don't see a difference.

That is, Dr. Bash doesn't see many patients as far as I know. I could be wrong.

Again, I don't have a opinion on Dr. Bash. Nothing bad to say about him. Just an observation as to why his IMO's may not allways work.

All the same, most private Docs don't have the legal knowledge to phrase their opinion correctly for VA claims purposes. One that can is a huge asset to Vets.

Time

As I understand it, VA does this all the time -- send the file for an IMO without a personal exam -- if there's any inconsistency in medical evidence that the rater can't resolve. They accept that physician's IMO without question, so it should be the same for Dr. Bash or any other doctor who might not personally examine a veteran. Doctors make decisions all the time by what is on file, especially in this digital age. When my husband was in the hospital, everything was digital. Some doctors didn't even come into his room but were consulted and treatment was designed around their opinion. (They also sent a bill for the consultation.) Even his x-rays were digital--immediately available on a computer in the room--and were sent across town for a specialist's input.

C & P exams are different. Unfortunately, inadequate exams too often cause the inconsistency in medical evidence.

Edited October 10, 2006 by morgan

[KennyJ]

Well although I have heard many good things about Dr. Bash. The cold hard truth for Vets like me is that I know his IMO would be gratly helpful the fact is most vets many simply can't afford. The only way many of us could afford this IMO is through a favorable initial rating and retro. I would be all for the VA letting Dr. Bash recieve a portion of my retro legally . Because part of retro ps better than none.

[Philip Rogers]

Fla_Viking,

Yes, I could post my medical report here on Hadit but with all due respect you don't really expect me to do that. It would be a no win situation. Some folks would not know what they are looking at anyway but say Bash did a hell of a good job. I sent it privately to a well respected member of this board who thought it looked good. Both me and the VA disagreed. Yes the VA looked at it . As I say it was used for evidence and never referred to again. A friend also used him for ($1000) for in-county skin disease and was turned down. Another vet I knew wanted to pay payments and Bash wanted cash up front as he had been burnt before. A real compasionate man out to help the Vet.

I do not particually care to have my ailments aired on this forum. There are too many folks who would find fault with my problems. I will tell you I am a boots-on-ground Viet Nam Marine and spent 12 1/2 months in the field. Never had a hard wood floor. If all the nay-sayers and Bash adorers want to post their report for all to see I will reconsider.

I asked for sucessful cases and received few, just ckeck BVA appeals where he is listed. I will not change my opinion and could care less if anyone on this board does. That is not a smart a** statement but a fact. I think any Veteran in the future who wants to know of or use Bash is entitled to hear ALL SIDES, not just from the ones who think his stuff don't stink. Everybody can come to their own conclusion but to be fair they must hear all sides, good or bad.

Your reply was honest and objective and just asked a question. It was taken with respect and I thank you for your time.

Sincerely

Callover007

Callover007 - you stated "Yes the VA looked at it" but did they?? Unless you witnessed it or the rater made actual reference to the IMO, it is quite possible it was ignored or not understood. And even if he made reference to it doesn't mean he considered or applied the evidence. Frequently a rater doesn't understand evidence or even ignores evidence. Just because it's listed in an SOC or SSOC doesn't mean they actually read or applied the evidence. I've seen this happen quite often and once it gets to the BVA it usually gets corrected. This is not to say Dr Bash is perfect but for the time being he appears to the best we have available, at this time. Most physicians, I've seen, hate giving IMO's and usually avoid statements such as "more likely than not." I think we have to remember VA personnel are paid for quantity of "work product,"not quality. jmho

pr

[Bound4heaven]

Greetings,

Could someone who downloaded this please post it here. I have tried 3 times to download it, and he tells me it is infectious and will not continue. I have used Dr. Bash sucessfully I might add. I could us this information. Thank you all and God bless you.

Bound4Heaven

[callover007]

I still cannot believe the positive replies for Bash and the negativies for the VA. YES, there are alot of closed minds on this board and some open minds. Some replies understand and accept both side of this debate. This is what a debate is for. I previously stated I understand some people think highly of Bash and I understand and accept their opinion. However, there are some who do not accept any other opinion than their own. They cannot get over this issue.

I do not like Bash nor do I think he is worth the price. To all you Bash worshippers who do not understand two side to any discussion you are small, simple (also closed minded) minded people. Continue to live in your shell and let life deal you what it may. Sell your cars and pay him what you think is fair.

I speak from experience and to tell you truthfully I am getting a little tired of some of your ignorant and one sided views that are not willing to listen to opinions other than your own. I accepted others views and do not necessary agree with them, BUT THEY ARE THEIR VIEWS AND I HAVE STATED PRIOR I MAY DISAGREE WITH THEM BUT THEY SURLY ARE ENTITLE TO THEM.

To you children with small minds and limited capicity to look at both sides, GET OVER IT. GROW UP AND SEE THERE IS MORE THAN YOUR SIDE. I ACCEPT OTHER OPINIONS ( AS I HAVE STATED MANY TIMES) SO LEARN TO ACCEPT OTHERS OR KEEP OUT OF IT. DISCUSS, DON'T TAKT IT PERSONALLY. IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT I'M SAYING I'VE GOT 3 WORDS FOR YOU, STARTING WITH KISS -- ---.

That statement is personnal!!!!