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

[Philip Rogers]

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!!!!

"Personal"

pr

[Guest jangrin]

I have to say something here. Today I went with my husband to a NEW medical clinic in Texas. I won't say which one, but it was a most unpleasant experience. Not only were my husband and I and our 17 year old son, treated with disrepect, we were made to feel like we should not ask for care by the VA.

Now I won't get into specifics but I have never been treated the way I was today.

So I will say to you Callover, Dr. Bash my not have provided what you felt you deserved. However, he did the report and you sent it in. Have you ever asked Dr. Bash for a refund? And did you get a response? I know that when we called him he specifically asked us what we expected as a result of his report. He told us that he could NOT guarantee results but that he felt our expectations were resonable. I feel that you and Dr. Bash did not communicate very well and in fact your expectations may have been different than what his report could substantiate.

I will say though, Dr. Bash was never disrespectful to us nor did he make us feel undeserving of care or consideration. So you have the right to degrade Dr. Bash, I have the right to respect him, and be grateful for his consideration.

No he is not my God, nor do I worship him (your mantra), but he is a qualified doctor who knows and understands the VA system and that is what most veterans need. Yes he is expensive, and not everyone can afford him. I can't always afford many things I would like. Does that make those things I can't afford BAD, I don't think so. Dr. Bash is just one of thousands of doctors in the USA, he happens to be a doctor that understands the VA. Hopefully over the next few years there will be more physicians available to the Veterans, and maybe some more competition for the veteran IMO's. In the meantime, Dr. Bash found a nitch in the system and he is working it.

My feeling, is if you don't like Dr. Bash....PLEASE PROVIDE THE HADIT MEMBERS AND GUESTS WITH THE NAMES OF OTHER DOCTORS YOU THINK ARE BETTER AND WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY REPORTS AND DOCUMENTATION AND REVIEW OF RECORDS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE VETERAN CLAIMS. I AM SURE THE VETERANS WILL USE ANYONE THAT WILL HELP THEM TO DEAL WITH THE VA...EVEN IF IT IS NOT DR. BASH.

Callover, your imput is valued but helping to find a solution would be time far better spent, than bashing one of the few veterans medical advocates found in the system.

Jangrin

Jangrin

[Guest jstacy]

Jangrin, Good reply. I am afraid this post is stuck in the mud. I feel we should move on to something else and ask T-Bird to delete this one. By the way, where did you and chuckles finally settle down.

Edited October 11, 2006 by jstacy

[Guest jangrin]

jstacy,

I will not post to this tread again, and I will not banter back and forth about a third pary I have no control over or frequent contact with.Simply put, I hired Dr. Bash to do a job, he did it and I am happy with his work. I may or may not hire him again.

I will PM you with the info on our move. Not all bad but certainly a challenge.

Jangrin

[101jack68]

I was draft with back problems, I was drafted anyways ended up in the 101st airborne, Vietnam 68-69. Went through some hell and them some. My medical records show that I was treated for back problems. Long story. A lot of my medical records were missing in my C-files. I file my first claim in 1985 after having 4 back operations, Denied, saying not service connected. I didn’t follow up, as a figured I’d been screwed again by the military. I couldn’t fined any help so I drop it.

Years later going to a 101st reunion I learned I did have recourse and there was help. Filed again. Got the run around. Started doing research. Found Dr Bash’s web site. After talking to many and not getting much help, I call Dr Bash. After talking to him for awhile, he told me to email him with all the facts. (which I did). He didn’t promise me anything, and he told me there was a fee. After reviewing my email, he called and said that he thought he could help me. To make a long story short. I sent in his report and my case is now open. Which I wasn’t able to do before his report.

I had a C&P on Aug 3, 2006. Which I couldn’t get before.

I am just giving facts here and I not calling Dr Bash a God, but I will say I was beating my head against the wall till I sent in his report. If my claim is denied again I will deal with it. I will not be hesitate to contact Dr Bash again with the details of denial.

Just facts no hot air.

Jack

[Guest morgan]

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

I scanned this document before posting, and just rescanned it, and Norton shows it clean. I'm not sure why you're getting that alert. I'll be happy to email you a copy if you want to tell me where to send it.

Carrie