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

[john999]

Yes, let's discuss how Terry Higgins was somehow rated as NSC for all those years. Terry you are the poster boy for VA incompetence and abuse. What we can learn is the pitfalls to avoid. I am reading a good book called " The Boys Crusade" about WWII. Vietnam and Iraq and not the only wars where incompetent and cowardly leaders led 19 year olds into death by leading from the rear.

[callover007]

Carrie,

I consider you an important and welcome member of Hadit. But, I don't agree. You did start this thread and in that first post you included this phrase.

"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"

Your post was to discredit.

Also, I was not the one to suggest deleting the thread. That came from one of your supporters. I just commented on it.

I also beleive Dr. Bash is needed in some veterans cases.

The only reason I commented at all is because it does Hadit members no good to tag team a veteran that has an opinion they do not agree on. This happens often on another well known VA claims help site and the only long term members are the ones that are the "team".

Time,

I know you are not taking sides but I would like to extend my appreciation to you for understanding that a debate does indeed have different opinions sometimes. You took neither side but did state that each side is entitled to their own opinion. For this I thank you. I tried to have this point understood but it seem to fall on deaf ears. I am glad you looked at what I was saying and agreed that I was entitled to my opinion.

Best to you and yours.

Callover

[sixthscents]

My 2 cents...

I've heard about Dr. Bash for about 4 years or so. In that time I have yet to hear anything extreamly negative, and several comments that his opinion helped their claim.

An IMO is an IMO be it Dr. Bash or anyone else. The VA has to treat them the same unless for some reason they can get Dr. Bash's license pulled (doubtful).

Sometimes, if a vet has failed to file a NOD within 60 days, they need new and substantial evidence.... just try to get a primary care general practitioner to sign something...heck anything...here Dr. Bash would be a GREAT help since his opinion would be sufficient to reopen a claim I'd guess.

In short, I've heard nothing but good about Dr. Bash, but... he is expensive. Personally I dont blame him for not taking payments...lots of Vets have burned him apparently.

Again, Dr. Bash seems willing to offer an opinion, a definate opinion, in writing... any of us who have delt with our own and other claims know just how rare that is. Could a claim be proven without Dr. Bash... of course. Can his opinion help.. well unless it goes against the claim them yes I would say it would probably help. Do the VA raters know him... sure just like my local VARO raters all know me, and the claims that I am handeling. That's not always a bad thing. My VARO raters KNOW that they cant slip some of the normal crap by me. Though they get more and more imaginative, they at least dont try the simple normal - "PTSD was not noted in your service medical records"...(no-duh it wasnt a diagnosis until 1980, and this is a vietnam vet)...so, if a VARO rater see Dr. Bash's letterhead I am sure that most of them know who he is... besides the little secret in-house memo system the hospitals have... however, they have to refute his disgnosis just like any other as long as he is licensed... that it.

Terry... to say that you dont post your diagnosis's...well I've seen you around for years, and I think I've heard them all at one time or another, when you referenced a new law suit if nothing else.

Personnel, or personal attacks contribute nothing here... not saying you did Terry (heck I didnt even read the whole thread). Dont know, dont care... but, opinions on Dr. Bash have varied for the last 4 years or so that I've known about him. Personally I did my claim...all the way to 170% schedular, without him, and on my own... but, I had a huge SMR, and I was a nit picking fool when it came to documentation over the years. Many are not, so...

Thre you go. I've never used Dr Bash, nor have I recommended him to someone I am advocatinng for, but... the option is open, and if I have to it's kinda nice to know hes there.

Bob Smith