Which is More Effective: DBQ or IME/IMO?

[FlyHigh1995]

I've recently come to the conclusion that I will have to seek second opinions from medical professionals with either DBQs or IMEs/IMOs. After submitting a FOIA request to see what C&P physician put in my file; I noticed most of what I told her was not in record and some things she claimed she did during my physical  exam...she never actually did. I have been contacted by many IME doctors that are willing to give a second opinion. I would appreciate if anyone could give their experience as to which is better regarding a DBQ or IME/IMO. 

[Buck52]

Just my opinion,

 a good detail IMO/IME from a Well experience/credential specialist in the field of medicine your claiming  goes in the veteran favor always is the best evidence a veteran can have.

 

 

[Berta]

I feel it depends on the issue (s) you are claiming.

In many cases a DBQ can  suffice.

However , if you have a complex issue, then I would advise getting a IMO/IME.

I did that years ago because I had a complex issue in this respect.

I discovered my deceased husband had diabetes,an AO presumptive, that was never diagnosed or treated by the VA.I had already won a FTCA malpractice issue some years before that, regarding malpracticed heart disease ,cerebral vascular accident, and malpracticed HBP. The RO didnt even want to re-open my claim.So  I prepared everything at that point for the BVA.

I did a lot of medical research and found within his VA medical records, the evidence  he  had of diabetes, and one diabetes diagnosis that had been crossed out.I found the neuro who had made that entry and wanted the DMII to be confirmed.He had  left the VA.

I prepared a detailed cover letter and contacted Dr. Craig Bash with an email describing a little of the evidence I had.. -he replied , 'if you have that  you have a Good case!'

I sent him cover letter  with my lay medical rationale based on the medical records, and a  packet of medical records, autopsy death cert etc,etc and he prepared two separate IM0s for me....which my RO ignored,  Also the Neuro doc ,who remembered my husband,sent me an email that the BVA gave weight to and the BVA awarded.

My actual FTCA wrongful death case was easier than this claim was-but that was out of the hands of the RO I deal with.

Have you been formally  denied already? Or are you just expecting the worse case scenario-based on this:

"After submitting a FOIA request to see what C&P physician put in my file; I noticed most of what I told her was not in record and some things she claimed she did during my physical  exam...she never actually did" 

Dr Bash knocked down VA's 2 posthumous C & P exams,done by a VA Endocrinologist, stating that their opinion was "medically inaccurate" and stated a full medical rationale to support my DMII death claim.

Others will chime in on DBQs.

We dont know what yuou are claiming and/or if you ave established a inservic e nexus yet.

 

 

 

[Berta]

Buck and I were replying at the same time and he is right- an expert in the field of your disability,who prepares a strong IMO/IME , will carry much weight if they deny you.

This surprises me:

"I have been contacted by many IME doctors that are willing to give a second opinion. "

Often it takes time to find the best IMO/IME doctor we can get.

Many, if not most of us have had problems getting a valid C & P exam.

You are not alone.

I got one once so bad I called the doctor who prepared it.He read to me by phone his actual exam. The RO had manipulated it cpm-pletely and had withhld from him my husband's autopsy.

He was angry to learn that and told me he hated being asked to do C & P exams. VA has already determined the outcome they want.

I am waiting for a C & P exam copy- VA said by Oct 4th I should have it.

There is nothing in it that reveals this was even a doctor who did the exam and it was wrong in every respect.They denied and then awarded in less than a month under my CUE.

But the EED is still incorrect so I cued that too.

What bothered me the most was that my sole piece of evidence was a 2 page report from VA Central Office done by VA's top cardiologist for my FTCA claim.

They listed it as evidence but I want to send the Secretary the actual signed C & P and a copy of a few others I have received over the years, that show how utterly determned VA is, to deny our claims by controlling  C & P exams , with a callous and deliberate  disregard for our evidence.

 

 

 

Edited September 25, 2018 by Berta

[Buck52]

Not to change the OP subject.  but I can't make a new post or create one at this time  computer glitch. were working on it at present.

But Ms berta do you remember back a few years ago I was requesting my DD 214 To be corrected from the ARMY REVIEW BOARDS..I was denied on two different occasion I had sent them all the records  & medical notes and information I had .. well yesterday I recieved a packet in the mail from Army Review Boards...they corrected all my dates and places I served and also sent me some ribbons and medals I had coming  its been about 3 years  and yesterday I got this News...what a relief.

 Ms berta you helped me a great deal with this  and I can't thank you enough...Thank you Ms Berta  your a GOD Send to all us Veterans.

[Berta]

WOW , that is Wonderful News Buck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You never gave up on this and it sure was a long ordeal.

Thank you too Buck- for helping veterans and seeing this through until you got what you wanted.

I bet there are many vets out there who do not have a corrected DD 215 and all of the medals they were awarded.

The  form they need is the DD 149. We were at the Moving Wall here in NY many years ago before my husband died and one of the vets there told him to file this form. At least he got the DD215 and medals ( except he had to buy some of  the Vietnamese Gov  ones) before he died.

 

[FlyHigh1995]

Thank you for the very helpful opinions & information. To answer your question Berta regarding whether my claim was denied; it was a year ago & I kind of gave up & didn’t appeal. I’m now in the position to pursue my claims & if denied seek legal assistance.  I just filed an intent to file and decided DBQs and/or IME/IMO would provide more sufficient evidence & hopefully I won’t have to appeal. I have sent inquiries and recieved responses from independent medical examiners in my state and elsewhere...I’m definitely researching and educating myself on their credentials before I proceed. Their quoted fees are a bit pricey; however I know it will be well worth it and provide a better chance at favorable ratings. If I have to appeal, I hear DBQs and IME/IMOs can make attorneys job easier when representing veterans disability claims.