Independent Medical Opinion Options

[ShuMan]

Anyone ever use http://www.valorcompensationconsulting.com/ to get an Independent Medical Option?

I spoke with the owner and they seem like they really want to help veterans out.

I was just wondering if anyone has ever used there services and what was the outcome of your case?

[ShuMan]

Forgot to say that that women who writes the nexus letter is a former C&P examiner, a physicians assistant with a MS degree as well as other IMO certifications. What I worry about Is how much weight does her option hold with the VA? She is familiar with the VA so I'm sure the wording would be great but would the fact that she is just a physicians assistant hurt my case?

[Slick]

spoke to her husband yesterday as I had some questions on their business. sent a question via link on their website and got a call back-  happened to say "unknown caller" which I don't usually answer, but did pick up

She is a PA, with a number of certifications. I would think if the disability claimed falls under something she's qualified to comment on then it's OK.

They are a company and dependent on whether new claim, appeal, how many disabilities, etc. there are different costs.  either by the hour or lump sum.  I did ask about if claim denied then what?- answer was- any follow on then an additional fee is discussed.  They are not high on lawyers- just adding that as it came out in the conversation.

What I didn't ask, as I'm not looking for an IMO assist was references.  That would be something to think about.

 

[ShuMan]

That's Slick,

I also found that they are not too found of lawyers. I am using a lawyer for an appeal that I have but I was looking at using there services for some new claims I was going to put in. I didn't even ask about what happens if a claim is denied..that's a good thought.

Could you go into a little more detail on references?

[Slick]

If you're thinking about hiring them ask for success rates that equate to disabilities similar to what you're claiming.  everyone is different, but would show some degree of success or not.

as far as references, I'd ask them to provide contact info for clients that they've assisted-  ask for both success and denials.  If they're unwilling or claim privacy I'd personally stay away from them.

If I used them and they were either successful or not I'd be willing to share my comments- granted if they were unsuccessful it may not be due to their actions/knowledge.

I used Dr. Bash and the agreement was he would handle any appeals at no additional charge- that was about 2012.

I did use him a second time for a different claim and there was a reduced rate-  mention that only because folks that provide IMO/E's have different rates/processes.  as with anything else do your due diligence.

 

use the BVA website as a reference source- lots of info on cases that went that far

 

[ShuMan]

Thanks again slick,  I Keep hearing about Dr.Bash and what good work he does. Would you be able to provide me with a range for his services? I've heard anywhere from 1500 to 10,000. 

[ShuMan]

Well Slick I filled out there information sheet and hopefully I get a call back. When I do I'll let you know how it goes

 

[air1]

I WOULD REFER YOU TO MD BRETT VALETTE SITE. I USED HIM AND HE DOES GREAT EVALUATION OF RECORDS AND HE HAS DONE OVER 20,000 IMO AND ALSO KNOWS WHAT THE VA BOARD IS LOOKING FOR, BEFORE YOU SEND ANY RECORDS PLEASE CONTACT HIM AND ALSO LOOK AT HIS SITE,I THINK FROM WHAT I READ THAT YOU  SAID ABOUT THE PERSON YOU TALK ABOUT DOING YOUR IMO,BRETT VALETTE RESUME SPEAKS VOLUMES AND THEREFOR CARRY WEIGHT AT BVA. 

[ShuMan]

13 hours ago, air1 said:

I WOULD REFER YOU TO MD BRETT VALETTE SITE. I USED HIM AND HE DOES GREAT EVALUATION OF RECORDS AND HE HAS DONE OVER 20,000 IMO AND ALSO KNOWS WHAT THE VA BOARD IS LOOKING FOR, BEFORE YOU SEND ANY RECORDS PLEASE CONTACT HIM AND ALSO LOOK AT HIS SITE,I THINK FROM WHAT I READ THAT YOU  SAID ABOUT THE PERSON YOU TALK ABOUT DOING YOUR IMO,BRETT VALETTE RESUME SPEAKS VOLUMES AND THEREFOR CARRY WEIGHT AT BVA. 

Thanks air1, 

Its a good thing you told me about this Doctor. I'm currently under appeal for multiple mental health issues and finding IMOs for mental health issues is no easy task.

[smoothc100]

I had my initial consult with Valor Comp. this past Friday and I have to say it went rather well.  I am waiting on the prices and terms and conditions for their services. I found out about them on this site through another member who used their services and was awarded disability, but nothing is guaranteed.  I have used Dr. Bash and Dr. Valette also for IMOs with great success. What I've learned in dealing with the VA for claims especially when appealing a denial or submitting new evidence its best to out credential their C&P Examiners, which is what I did when using Dr. Bash and Dr. Valette's services and won. It seems like Valor would be great for submitting an initial fully developed claim ensuring everything is in order. I have nothing against VSO's, but it has been my experience in recent years in dealing with two organizations it seems that they are against IMOs, but won't help you in anyway except take your paperwork and not review it or anything and or give contradictory advice. With that said I would fully recommend IMOs, because at the end of the day its about you and if everything is in order from the beginning you won't have to keep running around and continue to play the waiting game with appeals etc., which I had to learn the hard way.   

[ShuMan]

54 minutes ago, smoothc100 said:

I had my initial consult with Valor Comp. this past Friday and I have to say it went rather well.  I am waiting on the prices and terms and conditions for their services. I found out about them on this site through another member who used their services and was awarded disability, but nothing is guaranteed.  I have used Dr. Bash and Dr. Valette also for IMOs with great success. What I've learned in dealing with the VA for claims especially when appealing a denial or submitting new evidence its best to out credential their C&P Examiners, which is what I did when using Dr. Bash and Dr. Valette's services and won. It seems like Valor would be great for submitting an initial fully developed claim ensuring everything is in order. I have nothing against VSO's, but it has been my experience in recent years in dealing with two organizations it seems that they are against IMOs, but won't help you in anyway except take your paperwork and not review it or anything and or give contradictory advice. With that said I would fully recommend IMOs, because at the end of the day its about you and if everything is in order from the beginning you won't have to keep running around and continue to play the waiting game with appeals etc., which I had to learn the hard way.   

Thanks for the input. I'm waiting on my initial consult now. I just found out about Dr. Valette and think i am going to use him for my appeal. How was his price compared to others you have worked with? How about Dr.Bash? I'm with you on VSOs and I've just decided to go at the new claims on my own. Now with the appeal I'm going to be working with a lawyer. I would rather go in there guns blazing.

[smoothc100]

ShuMan,

I want to say their prices vary from case to case as with most doctors conducting IMOs, but its definitely not cheap and remember your paying for expertise and credentials. For example initially the VA denied my claim for bilateral plantar fasciitis and eventually through a C&P Exam I was rated at 0%, which gets them off the hook for the back pay. Contacted Dr. Bash met with him paid the fee and a month or so later I had had my IMO and applied for an increase an received 50% rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis. After 3 months or so of disability pay from the VA the IMO would have paid for itself and I'm receiving the money for the rest of my life unless the VA does some trickery LOL  I used Dr. Valette for my appeal, so I am waiting on the outcome for that.     

Edited February 17, 2016 by smoothc100 (see edit history)

[ShuMan]

3 hours ago, smoothc100 said:

ShuMan,

I want to say their prices vary from case to case as with most doctors conducting IMOs, but its definitely not cheap and remember your paying for expertise and credentials. For example initially the VA denied my claim for bilateral plantar fasciitis and eventually through a C&P Exam I was rated at 0%, which gets them off the hook for the back pay. Contacted Dr. Bash met with him paid the fee and a month or so later I had had my IMO and applied for an increase an received 50% rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis. After 3 months or so of disability pay from the VA the IMO would have paid for itself and I'm receiving the money for the rest of my life unless the VA does some trickery LOL  I used Dr. Valette for my appeal, so I am waiting on the outcome for that.     

Very True Credentials and expertise don't come cheap. I actually didn't think there were a ton of options out there until I started to look around and do some research. I'm planning my claim for Planter Fascitis now been in insoles from the VA since 2011 and they don't seem to help the foot pain. That was my reason for contacting Valor, I want to use them for my foot claim and 2 secondary issues( hip and neck pain Secondary to SC lower back issues).

Congrats on the 50% for the planter fasciitis.

-Never Give Up-

[Gastone]

Get with the VA Acupuncture Program, seems to be helping with my PN of feet. Also, and this is the big one, get with the Pain Clinic regarding "Essential OILS" Pain mixtures. Can't believe the VOO DO mixtures help as much as they do.

Been doing acupuncture with VA for about 4 mos now, good results. Treatment every 2 Weeks. Started the Essential Oil mixtures applied every night, about 10 mos ago with non VA Podiatrist. Switched to VAMC 11/15, works as good if not better and the price is right.

Chronic foot pain is a Bixxx, I'd rub chicken bones on my feet to reduce the pain, if I thought it would work. To say the least, I was a bit skeptical regarding both Acupuncture and Essential Oil mixtures, much to my surprise, they really work.

Semper Fi

[smoothc100]

Shuman,

Not sure if you have had your C&P Exam for your feet yet, but if not make sure you're wearing your inserts and if they gave you the space boots (what I call them) to sleep in bring them to the exam as well to show that yes I have these and use them and the effects or lack thereof. I would recommend rolling your foot on a tennis ball or canned foot to see if it helps and if not you can state that during your exam as its an exam question I was asked on all 3 of my exams.

[ShuMan]

On ‎2‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 0:21 PM, Gastone said:

Get with the VA Acupuncture Program, seems to be helping with my PN of feet. Also, and this is the big one, get with the Pain Clinic regarding "Essential OILS" Pain mixtures. Can't believe the VOO DO mixtures help as much as they do.

Been doing acupuncture with VA for about 4 mos now, good results. Treatment every 2 Weeks. Started the Essential Oil mixtures applied every night, about 10 mos ago with non VA Podiatrist. Switched to VAMC 11/15, works as good if not better and the price is right.

Chronic foot pain is a Bixxx, I'd rub chicken bones on my feet to reduce the pain, if I thought it would work. To say the least, I was a bit skeptical regarding both Acupuncture and Essential Oil mixtures, much to my surprise, they really work.

Semper Fi

I'll have to ask about that, never thought of it but hey I'm with you I'll try anything.

[ShuMan]

On ‎2‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 2:20 PM, smoothc100 said:

Shuman,

Not sure if you have had your C&P Exam for your feet yet, but if not make sure you're wearing your inserts and if they gave you the space boots (what I call them) to sleep in bring them to the exam as well to show that yes I have these and use them and the effects or lack thereof. I would recommend rolling your foot on a tennis ball or canned foot to see if it helps and if not you can state that during your exam as its an exam question I was asked on all 3 of my exams.

Not yet, I'm still fighting to get my C-file. Once I have my in service medical records, I'll be able to get an IMO/IME then submit the claim. I've been learning a lot about how to put together a claim the right way. I've learned from my mistakes the first time so hopefully this times different. Thanks for the much needed advice on the C&P exam, I'll have to hit you up once I get to that stage.

[demeat]

I have been admitted into the Acupuncture program as well (outsourced in GA) but it seems to help.  I have gone to 2 sessions so far so it has given me some relief.  Check it out no pain and easy procedure.

 

[ShuMan]

I have my meeting with valor on Friday, I'll be sure to post how it went on this thread.

[ShuMan]

I just had my initial consult with the people at Valor. It was an a great experience, I was very impressed with her knowledge of the entire claims process and the professionalism she showed.

 

[flores97]

I want to put in a good word for Valor compensation consulting as well. I am mailing another complete records packet to them tomorrow (I just mailed one to Ellis Clinic in Oklahoma City), and I was also impressed. They (husband and wife team, husband is a veteran, wife was a c&p examiner), seemed very knowledgeable, she was able to look up some of my prior c&p's when I emailed her the new client worksheet. Also they are willing to work with veterans, set up payment plans(they do take payments, and have a referral program. However, I am not recommending them because I want the referrals, so no need to mention me, I think they genuinely care about our claims. I am obtaining imo's from them, as well I have an April appointment at the Ellis clinic. So with an IMO as well as an IME from different providers, I am hoping that will be enough to get good results. I will be posting those as soon as I receive them. So far, very impressed.