The BEST for your Claim

[USemperMC]

I found out with my claim that the best way to get a more satisfying experience with a new claim or an appeal/reconsideration is to have a medical expert review your records. I used Valor Compensation Consulting for my appeal. I submitted my records to the company and apparently the examiner is a former Compensation and Pension examiner for the VA. After I received the results and finding I took it to my VSO for the appeal. It was much faster and easier since the Medical Professional had the experience and new what to look for in my records for my  appeal and connection ability. Also it took much less time for the raters at the VA to review because they had substantiated credible medical opinion. I won my appeal and cant thank Valor Compensation Consulting enough!!! Also they are veteran owned and unlike law firms they don't seek a percentage of the benefit awarded. Look them up I know they helped me they can probably help you too. www.valorcompensationconsulting.com

[USemperMC]

I did have a DRO instead of a hearing officer. My process for the NOD and Appeal I want to say about 14 months. Having the IMO really helped. I used Mrs.Spangenberg before the company was started and since she knew my VSO in Ohio he asked her to look at my claim. Once I heard that the company had actually been started I had to let people know. I know that when I was helped it was a free consultation, a quote for the service and time to completion for the opinion.

[Gastone]

You requested a DRO Review, not a DRO Hearing, right?  Could you share anything else about your initial Denial and what condition the IMO helped reverse, as New & Material Evidence?

Your reversal was made by a DRO as a result of the official DRO Review Request, not the Automatic RO  Denial Review, triggered by Receipt of New & Material Evidence that was not available for review by the original rater; right? The Auto Review is done by a SVR or actual DRO, giving deference to the original rater's decision.

14 months from NOD to DRO Review, is not to shabby. Keep in mind, none of the original raters or for that matter, any raters are involved with your DRO Review. It's all on the DRO, he does his old "DE Novo" review and makes a decision giving no deference to the original Denial.

Semper Fi

[USemperMC]

Correct it a DRO review. And I was initially denied connectivity for a torn rotator cuff with arthritis that was the big one. The evidence that the IMO provided was that the exam was done incorrectly with improper range of motion testing and provider did the report on the wrong shoulder. So even though the imaging results showed the tear and she reviewed the left instead of the right. Also my Jaw was broken in service and even with documentation and titanium plates and screws I was denied TMJ. On the grounds that it was likely than not a condition of grinding my teeth. That was reversed and I am able to receive dental care.

[Gastone]

For info only, did YOU ever pick up on the WRONG shoulder Exam, either from the C & P DBQ or the actual Denial Letter?

How long after your Denial, before you submitted your NOD? Did you initially include New & Material Evidence, other than your IMO?

Did you use a VSO-Rep for your initial claim? How much of a help or hindrance was he/she?

Semper Fi

[flores97]

I have to put in a good word here for Valor as well. I, after reading some other posts, decided to check them out as well, and so far I am impressed. They even pay for you to ship your records to them for review. Husband/wife team, wife was the former c&p examiner, i spoke with her and she was very knowledgeable, in fact after filling out the new client application online she was able to view some of my prior c&ps. They are also willing to work with vets on payments and have a referral program, but by no means am i posting to try to get the referral bonus, i feel they truly want to help vets. I just sent my packet off to them, and will post the IMO's when received so everyone who needs a reasonably priced IMO can see if this might be an option for them.

[flores97]

I am also obtaining an IME from Dr Ellis in Oklahoma City, my appointment is in April.