Civilian Doctor Before CLaim

[union410]

Hello and thank you in advance for any assistance that you can provide. 

I'm just now filing my claim after being a civilian for 12 years. I'm claiming for my lower back, onychomycosis, left knee and allergies. All issues are in my service records. I have not seen a civilian doctor for any of these issues. I either didn't have health insurance or I didn't want to see a doctor. I grew up thinking that seeing a doctor was weak, and the military doctors didn't change my thinking. They made me feel weak for going there. 

I live in San Antonio, where it seems like everyone has an opinion on what I should be doing. It's actually why I'm filing now, because everyone is telling me to. I simply forgot about all this back when I separated. I wish I filed years ago. Anyways, today I met with my appointed VSO for the first time. He's an assistant VSO, if that matters. He told me that I need to see civilian doctors so they can diagnose me now with these issues. He said that my general doctor will not work, and I need to see specialists for each issue. I'm thinking there will be x-rays and MRIs involved. I already don't like seeing my PCP, so the thought of seeing multiple drs doesn't sit well for me. 

I was under the impression that a civilian diagnosis was not needed. That I can submit my claim with my service records attached and the VA will contact me to see one of their doctors, and that it's up to them to prove that I don't have these conditions. Many of my friends are telling me this. Can someone shed some light on this? Do I have to see civilian doctors? 

Any thoughts or help is greatly appreciated. 

[broncovet]

Sure.  Make sure you have the Caluza Triangle documented:

1.  Current diagnosis of back condiition

2.  In service event or aggravation

3.  Nexus, or medical opinion as to the link between 1 and 2.  

Dont leave home without your Caluza triangle.  Often the nexus is the most difficult to get.  Your VSO will likely send you off to battle VA without a nexus.    If they do that, you will be slaughtered by VA like a pig.  YOur chance of getting benefits without a solid nexus are much worse than buying a lottery ticket.  

[union410]

On 3/22/2017 at 6:26 AM, broncovet said:

Sure.  Make sure you have the Caluza Triangle documented:

1.  Current diagnosis of back condiition

2.  In service event or aggravation

3.  Nexus, or medical opinion as to the link between 1 and 2.  

Dont leave home without your Caluza triangle.  Often the nexus is the most difficult to get.  Your VSO will likely send you off to battle VA without a nexus.    If they do that, you will be slaughtered by VA like a pig.  YOur chance of getting benefits without a solid nexus are much worse than buying a lottery ticket.  

Does it matter if the Nexus comes from my PCP or not? He's a D.O. if that matters. 

[broncovet]

The nexus can come from any qualified medical professional, who is competent to opine on your condition.  To be competent, he should have medical training/ and or medical experience in your disability.  No, a PHD in basketweaving can not opine on whether or not your arthritis was due to military service.  

However, a Nurse Practioner who is trained and regurarly treats arthritis conditions, would be "competent" as an "expert" witness for your arthritis condition.  

VA often uses nurses or NP's to do  C and P exams, they can not say that "only" MD's are competent.  Its less about the medical degree, and more about the level of training and experience in your claimed disability.    Your PCP will also need to cite a medical rationale as to why he opined in such a matter in regards to your claimed disability.  

YOu can challenge the competency of the examiner, and so can VA.  You should be good to go as long as your doc has experience/expertise in your disability.  

Edited March 24, 2017 by broncovet