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How Do IME/IMOs work?

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glashutte

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I have done research and found sources such as Dr. Bash, Valor4vet, and other doctors to help veterans with IME/IMOs and DBQs. However do we veterans have to visit them in person? Or do we submit all of our medical records and xrays and tests and they diagnose virtually?

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I do not know about Dr. Bash or Valor4vet but I found a doctor who lives local to me.  I lucked out in that there were two in the state and one worked locally.  Mine took all of my medical records and was forwarded a copy of my cfile by my lawyer.  He did a one hour examination and then I do not know how many hours background research.  Just get an estimate up front though.  The other doctor in my state  charged $250 an hour and I could not afford him.

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IME is an independent medical examination. You have to physically be present for an exam.

IMO is an independent medical opinion. The MD needs xrays, MRI's and anything else you can provide, to include your service medical records and current medical records. You should also give him written info about what you are doing, history and what the VA terminology on connection is (ie..more than likely, less than likely or as likely as not).

Survey your local MD's for availability and $$ before you go to the high $$ specialists. If you seek a specialist locally, you may get a good job at a fair price. If you are doing an appeal, Dr Bash and high $$ spec's who specialize in VA work is more effective if you are seeking a high return claim award. If you are looking at 10% for 6 months though, probably not cost effective.

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If you are in your initial claim an IMO may not be the most cost effective route to go, they can cost several thousand dollars.  If your conditions are mentioned in your service medical records attach these records (copies not originals) to your claim.  You most likely will be set up with C&P's for each issue.  The C&P is where they decide how to rate each issue.  You will receive a Statement of Claim (SOC) that will show how each issue was decided.  Request copies of each C&P from the VA through the Freedom of information act (FIA).  If you do not agree with these decisions it is now time to appeal your claim.  Even at this point it may not be necessary to get an IMO.  They may reevaluate the C&P's or do another one.  If you are still denied you will receive a Supplemental Statement of Claim (SSOC).  At this point you will probably appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BOVA).  It is here that you might want an IMO.

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10 hours ago, pwrslm said:

IME is an independent medical examination. You have to physically be present for an exam.

IMO is an independent medical opinion. The MD needs xrays, MRI's and anything else you can provide, to include your service medical records and current medical records. You should also give him written info about what you are doing, history and what the VA terminology on connection is (ie..more than likely, less than likely or as likely as not).

Survey your local MD's for availability and $$ before you go to the high $$ specialists. If you seek a specialist locally, you may get a good job at a fair price. If you are doing an appeal, Dr Bash and high $$ spec's who specialize in VA work is more effective if you are seeking a high return claim award. If you are looking at 10% for 6 months though, probably not cost effective.

This clears things up a lot, thank you. 

Do I need an IME or IMO for a condition that has already been diagnosed during service?

 

 

These were all diagnosed during service, but how does the VA know how to rate them? 

Do I have a civilian doctor fill out a DBQ? Or does the doctor at my C&P exam rate these? I'm lost at this point on what to do from here. 

1. Flat feet both feet

2. Shin splints both legs

3. GERD

4. Hemorrhoids

5. Joint pain in both knees

5. Lower back pain

Edited by glashutte
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1 minute ago, vetquest said:

If you are in your initial claim an IMO may not be the most cost effective route to go, they can cost several thousand dollars.  If your conditions are mentioned in your service medical records attach these records (copies not originals) to your claim.  You most likely will be set up with C&P's for each issue.  The C&P is where they decide how to rate each issue.  You will receive a Statement of Claim (SOC) that will show how each issue was decided.  Request copies of each C&P from the VA through the Freedom of information act (FIA).  If you do not agree with these decisions it is now time to appeal your claim.  Even at this point it may not be necessary to get an IMO.  They may reevaluate the C&P's or do another one.  If you are still denied you will receive a Supplemental Statement of Claim (SSOC).  At this point you will probably appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BOVA).  It is here that you might want an IMO.

This information and claim path is golden. I saved your reply to my notebook to refer in the future.

For conditions such as Hemorrhoids, how are they evaluated during the C&P exam? It was diagnosed during service and is chronic, but I don't always have them 24/7. So when the C&P doctor examines my rectum/anus area for hemorrhoids, they may not be present. Don't the conditions have to be current for it to be rated? 

If I don't have hemorrhoids at the time of the C&P exam am I out of luck? Sounds silly but this is a concern..

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No, it is not silly.  During your C&P your doctor will examine you for hemorrhoids.  If they are not present you are still not out of luck.  If your service records show that you have a continuing problem it is an issue.  A good doctor or rater would realize that the condition may not show on a particular day.  But yes the condition has to be current for you to receive disability.  The question in this is then can you be cured of hemorrhoids?  If the answer is yes you are out of luck.  If the answer is no than that will be taken into account.

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