When to get an IMO Vs. an IME

[ShuMan]

Team,  

When is it best to get an IME vs an IMO? 

Which hold more power in the VAs world?

Thanks

[Berta]

An IME is an independent medical exam, face to face....

in other words if you are questioning ROM measurements or scar lengths, skin disease decisions,  and a multitude of other types of  disabilities , an in-person IME can often turn the tide for a claim.

IMOs can be done on many claims simply by mail and phone contact, as long as the IMO doctor has all military records ( if an inservice nexus has to be established),and  all VA and private medical records, as well as any SOC denials etc etc.

IMOs are not accepted for initial PTSD diagnoses. They can help however with an upgrade request.

Surviving spouses, of course, cant get IMEs but can get IMOs to support a DIC claim.

Whether IME or IMO they need to follow the IMO criteria here at hadit.

[broncovet]

Agreed.  If you can find a local doc who will examine you that can prepare a "VA ready" IME, then by all means do so. 

If you can not locate a local doc who has the experience/expertise/willingness to do a VA ready IME, then you can hire one of the national experts at writing an IMO, such as Dr. Bash, and you wont have to travel to his office.  When ever possible, tho, do the IME vs the IMO.  The IMO is based entirely on other docs who examined you.  

I think an IME can be "new" evidnece, where an IMO may not be since the requirements of new and material evidence is that it be "new" and NOT redundant.   Im not an expert on this but it would seem that an IMO would offer nothing "new", just a differing interpretation of older exams.  However, if a doc examines you, his findings would be "new", especially if he performs tests, such as xrays, that were not made in the past.  

 

[Buck52]

I agree with Ms berta & broncovet  Great Advise

All I may add is its always better to get a ''specialist'' in the field of medicine that your  seeking an IMO for.

The VA seems to go with those Dr's More often than not.

 

..........Buck

[ShuMan]

Thanks All,

Is there a Doctor that you guys would recommend for an IMO?

[broncovet]

Shuman

     I think we are on the same page, that, if you can find a specialist doc in your town, best is to contact him/her, and see if they will do a IME.  (Exam).  Its not likely we know docs in your area, we dont even know where you live.  

     If you want a IMO, then the doc need not live in your town.  He could live in San Francisco, and you could be in NY 2000 miles away.  

    Some Vets have had good luck with Dr. Bash, who does IMO's nationwide, or Dr. Analise, who is a lawyer and a doctor and does IMO's.  

    Also, if you hire an attorney who represents Vets, your law firm may just know where to go for an IMO/IME.  

Edited February 13, 2016 by broncovet

[broncovet]

Order your cfile first, and see if you already have the applicable evidence in your file, and maybe VA just did not read it.  It happens quite frequently, and it happened to me.